Friedrich Robert Faehlmann facts for kids

Friedrich R. Faehlmann. Lithograph by Eduard Hau (1838)

Friedrich Robert Faehlmann (born December 31, 1798, in Ao Manor, Estonia – died April 22, 1850, in Tartu) was an important Estonian writer, doctor, and language expert. He lived and worked in a region that is now part of Estonia, but was then called Livonia, within the Russian Empire. He helped start the Learned Estonian Society at the University of Dorpat and was its leader from 1843 to 1850.

Early Life and Education

Friedrich Faehlmann was born in Ao Manor, which is now in Väike-Maarja Parish. His father managed the manor. He studied medicine at the University of Dorpat. In 1825, he finished his studies. Two years later, in 1827, he became a medical doctor. He then started working as a physician in Tartu (which was called Dorpat back then). From 1842 to 1850, he also taught classes in the Estonian language at the university.

Interest in Estonian Culture

In the 1820s, Faehlmann became very interested in Estonian culture. He wanted to help preserve and study it. In 1838, he helped create the Learned Estonian Society. This group aimed to study the Estonian language, history, and folklore.

Contributions to Estonian Folklore

Faehlmann played a big part in bringing attention to Estonian folk tales. He was especially interested in the stories of Kalevipoeg. This collection of stories later became Estonia's national epic poem. Another Estonian culture lover, Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald, finished this important work after Faehlmann's death. Faehlmann also wrote down many other traditional Estonian tales. In 1840, one of his own stories, "Koit ja Hämarik" (Dawn and Dusk), was published for the first time.

Later Life

Friedrich Faehlmann died in Tartu in 1850. He passed away from a lung disease called tuberculosis.

Remembering Faehlmann

People have honored Friedrich Faehlmann in several ways. In 1930, a bronze statue of his head was placed in Tartu. The sculptor was V. Mellik. In 1998, the Estonian Post office released a special postmark. This stamp celebrated the 200th anniversary of his birth.