Henrik Gabriel Porthan facts for kids
Henrik Gabriel Porthan (born November 8, 1739, in Viitasaari – died March 16, 1804, in Turku) was a very important professor and leader at the Royal Academy of Turku. He was a smart scholar often called The Father of Finnish History. He helped people learn more about Finland's past and culture.
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Who Was Henrik Gabriel Porthan?
Henrik Gabriel Porthan was a key figure in Finnish history. He dedicated his life to learning and teaching. He helped to put Finnish studies on the world map.
Early Life and Education
Porthan was born in Viitasaari, a town in Tavastland, Finland. His parents were Sigfrid Porthan and Kristina Juslenius. His father was a local church leader. In 1744, his father became unwell. Young Henrik was then raised by his uncle, Gustaf Juslenius. His uncle was also a church leader in Kronoby.
In 1754, when he was 15, Porthan started studying at the Royal Academy of Turku. This school is now known as the University of Helsinki. He learned from Professor Daniel Juslenius. Porthan earned his Master of Philosophy degree in 1760. Two years later, in 1762, he became an associate professor. He worked as a full professor from 1777 to 1804. He also served as the head of the university, called a rector, twice. He was rector from 1786 to 1787 and again from 1798 to 1799.
A Love for Finnish Culture
Porthan became a "Fennophile." This means he deeply loved Finnish culture and history. He helped bring Finnish history writing to a new level. He also studied Finnish mythology and folk poetry. These studies are part of what we call humanistic sciences. These sciences focus on human culture and society.
One of his most important works was De Poësi Fennica. This was a study about Finnish folk poetry. It was published in five parts between 1776 and 1778. This work was very important. It helped people become interested in the Kalevala-poetry. The Kalevala is a famous Finnish epic poem. Porthan's study also became the basis for all later studies of Finnish poetry.
Inspiring Others
Porthan helped start the Aurora Society. This group worked to promote Finnish writing and literature. He was also the editor of Finland's first newspaper. It was called Tidningar ugifne af et sällskap i Åbo. This newspaper started in 1771.
He taught many students who became important scholars. One student was Kristian Erik Lencqvist. In 1782, Lencqvist wrote a major research paper. It was about the old customs and beliefs of Finns. Porthan also taught the poet Frans Mikael Franzén. Porthan's work inspired many Finnish writers and researchers. Many of them later helped create the Finnish Literature Society in 1831.
Today, a building at the University of Helsinki is named after Porthan. It is called Porthania. This shows how important he was to Finnish education and culture.
