Monument to Kristjan Jaak Peterson
The monument to Kristjan Jaak Peterson in Tartu is located in Toome Hill Park, near the Cathedral. It features a bronze figure of a man standing on a granite pedestal, holding a staff in his hands. The monument was created by Jaak Soans and Allan Murdmaa and was installed at this location in 1983.
Who was Kristjan Jaak Peterson?
Kristjan Jaak Peterson was a renowned figure in Estonian literature. He referred to himself as a “folk poet,” while researchers consider him the founder of national mythology and a leading initiator in the study of the Estonian language. Peterson was born in Riga in 1801 and lived a short life: he died at the age of 21 in 1822, leaving a significant mark on Estonian history.
Peterson was educated at the Theological Faculty of the University of Tartu, after which he worked as a tutor and was a freelance writer. It is a well-known fact that the future poet traveled on foot from Riga to Tartu. This image of a wanderer is captured in the sculpture.
In literature, Peterson particularly valued national identity. He sincerely believed that genuine Estonian literature would emerge sooner or later. Unfortunately, as is often the case, Peterson’s poems were not published during his lifetime and only became public in the 20th century when they were discovered in the archive of the Estonian Learned Society.
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Interesting Facts
On Peterson’s birthday, March 14, today is also celebrated as Estonian Language Day. The poetic legacy of the poet is not very large – it consists of only twenty-five poems.
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Other Interesting Sites
- In Tartu, there is the Estonian National Museum, where one can learn many interesting things about the history of the Estonian people.
- Near Tartu’s Town Hall Square stands a monument to Oskar Luts, whose works are known far beyond the borders of Estonia.
- We also recommend paying attention to other attractions in Tartu. The city has many places where you can admire the sights and have a good time.