Stagnelius, Erik Johan

(1793-1823)

   A Swedish poet, Stagnelius may be regarded as the epitome of romanticism in his country. Although he lived only until the age of 30, he left a strong imprint on Swedish romantic poetry. He was born into a clerical family and educated at the universities of Lund and Uppsala, after which he had a minor governmental position in Stockholm. He was preoccupied with gnosticism and other forms of mysticism. His first published poem, Vladimir den store (1817; Vladimir the Great), is written in hexameter and tells about Saint Vladimir (956-1015), the first Russian ruler to embrace Christianity. The poetry collection Liljor i Saron (1821; Lilies in Sharon) expresses Stagnelius's mystical worldview. Its third edition also contained two poetic dramas, Martyrerna (1821; The Martyrs) and Bacchanterna eller Fanatismen (1822; The Bacchantes, or Fanaticism). These works drew heavily on classical themes and attest to his affinity with neoclassicism.

   Much of Stagnelius's poetry concerns itself with erotic longing and its renunciation rather than its satisfaction. Some of his poems are addressed to a woman named Amanda, who serves as the speaker's muse. She is beyond his reach, for it is necessary to abstain from earthly love in order to achieve a purification of soul.