In this part of the series, the Bible’s influence on Nordic culture, we will take a closer look at Nordic authors’ relationship with the Bible.
We have also made articles about how Norway’s, Sweden’s and Finland’s famous authors have been influenced by the Bible, but in this part we will focus on Danish authors.
H.C. Andersen (1805-1875) Danish author
H.C. Andersen is known all over the world for his many fairy tales. Some of his most well known works are “The Ugly Duckling”, “The Princess and the Pea”, “The Little Mermaid”, and “The Little Match Girl”.
Regarding H.C. Andersen’s relationship with faith and the Bible, professor Johannes Nørregaard Frandsen (quoted in Kristelig Folkeblad) states:
“H.C. Andersen had a simple approach to faith, where he believed we should remain as children, and that approach to faith helped form the framework around his entire authorship.”
Frandsen further emphasizes that the fairy tale writer was generally well acquainted with the Bible.
Karen Blixen (1885-1962) Danish author and poet
Karen Blixen is Denmark’s most widely read and internationally acclaimed author of the 20th century. She is known for books such as “Out of Africa” (1937), published under the pseudonym Isak Denisen, and “Babette’s Feast” (1950). Both of which were adapted into films that won Academy Awards at the Oscars.
In a dissertation about Karen Blixen, it is stated: “That her stories are full of biblical references is unavoidable, and one can wonder what her stories would look like without the Bible as a source.”
Martin A. Hansen (1909-1955) Danish author
Martin Hansen was a trained teacher and published novels, travelogues, and essays. Although he died quite young (44 years old), he left a lasting impression as a writer.
Both biblical references and quotes are found in his books. In a dissertation about his most well-known and analysed novel, “The Liar” (1950), it is stated: “The significance of Christianity is reinforced by Christian symbolism and numerous biblical allusions in the novel.”
Peter Seeberg (1925-1999) Danish author and museum curator
Peter Seeberg debuted as an author in 1956. He wrote several novels, short stories, children’s books, and works for stage and television.
Peter Seeberg demonstrates that the Bible still influences literature, even in secularized societies, as stated in a quote from Kristelig Dagblad: “An example is Peter Seeberg’s novel, “Hyrder”, which is considered one of the 20th centuries Danish masterpieces,and it’s packed with references from both the Old and New Testaments, even though Peter Seeberg is not regarded as a Christian writer.”
