Minningarsteinn um Sveinbjörn Egilsson

Background

History & Background

Sveinbjörn Egilsson was born at Innri-Njarðvík in 1791 and died in 1852. He was a teacher at Bessastaðaskóli, later first rector of Lærði skólinn in Reykjavík, and a prominent scholar and translator. The memorial by Áki Gränz was unveiled on 27 February 1991 and erected at the initiative of the Njarðvík town council.

The memorial stone to Sveinbjörn Egilsson stands just east of Innri-Njarðvíkurkirkja and connects one of Iceland's major nineteenth-century scholars directly with his birthplace. The monument was unveiled on 27 February 1991, when 200 years had passed since Sveinbjörn was born at the large farm Innri-Njarðvík in 1791. Sveinbjörn Egilsson became an influential educator, classicist, translator and poet. He taught for many years at Bessastaðaskóli and later became the first rector of Lærði skólinn in Reykjavík. His scholarly work included major translations from classical literature, including Homer, as well as biblical translation work that was highly regarded. He also wrote poetry and hymns; the Icelandic Christmas hymn Heims um ból is closely associated with his name. Sveinbjörn died in 1852. The monument at Innri-Njarðvík was created by Áki Gränz and erected at the initiative of the Njarðvík town council. Its location beside the church makes it a natural short stop for visitors interested in the cultural history of Reykjanesbær, education in nineteenth-century Iceland and the way internationally significant scholarship emerged from a coastal Icelandic community. This is a memorial rather than a staffed attraction, so it is best combined with Innri-Njarðvíkurkirkja and other heritage sites in the area.