ABSTRACT
N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783-1872) does not share Kierkegaard’s extensive international fame. But yet-to the astonishment of many foreign Kierkegaard readers who have come to Denmark-he has had a significance in his own home country which goes far beyond that of Kierkegaard. The first and best explanation for this is the manysided nature of the influence which Grundtvig has exercised: he is not only the most celebrated national song writer and hymnist, but he is also one of the most influential thinkers with regard to the church and the educational system. In addition, he left his imprint as a pastor, lecturer, historian and not least as a translator and interpreter of Norse mythology. Furthermore, he was also the inspiration behind the special Danish folk high school, that is, the folkehøjskole, and a spokesman for the enlightenment of the uneducated. He held a seat in the legislative chamber of parliament and has taken on an importance, which is symbolic but has also truly stamped and continues to stamp virtually every aspect of society in Denmark.To take a recent example (from 2006), one need only cast a glance at the cultural struggle which Denmark along with many other countries in the West is experiencing as a side-effect of immigration and globalization. The debate about the correct interpretation of Grundtvig plays an enormous role in this struggle. This is not due to Grundtvig belonging to a certain political wing, or to his significance not meeting critical opposition, but rather to the fact that there is a tacit agreement about his fundamental significance being so great that only by making reference to him does it seem possible to create the authority for oneself to venture an opinion about what should be changed and critically addressed, or what would be good to preserve for the Danish society of the future. In short, in a Danish context it is difficult to get around Grundtvig.
