Peter Christen Asbjørnsen

Peter Christen Asbjørnsen (1812-1885), Norwegian folktale collector, born in Oslo, Norway. Asbjørnsen is remembered chiefly for his collaboration with poet Jørgen Moe in the compilation of the oral popular literature of Norway (see Norwegian Literature). Their joint collection, published in 1841, was titled Norske Folkeeventyr (Norwegian Folk Tales). Asbjørnsen also published folktales unaided. These compilations include Norske Huldreeventyr og Folkesagn (Norwegian Fairytales and Folklore, 1845-1847) and Norske Folkeeventyr (1871).. Asbjørnsen’s collections changed the course of Norwegian literary style, providing a treasure trove for authors to draw from, as did noted dramatist Henrik Ibsen in his play Peer Gynt (1867).