Henrik Wergeland
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The statue towering over you now is none other than Henrik Wergeland himself, on a pedestal. He is considered by many as Norway's foremost poet. His close ties to the constitution and love for the nation inspired his poetry. Wergeland was born in Kristiansand in 1808, but at the age of nine he followed his father to Eidsvoll, who was one of the Eidsvoll Men who drafted the Norwegian Constitution. He made his debut as an article writer in Norwegian newspapers at just 13 years old, and the spark was born. He later moved to Oslo where his publications were continuous. As a writer, Wergeland was known for his romantic approach and commitment to public education. With his burning national heart, he became an advocate for the children's parades at the constitution celebration. "We are a Nation, we too, we Small, a cubit long:" This verse belongs to the poem of the same name, to which music has been added. Today it is sung by hundreds of thousands of children during the constitution celebration. Wergeland was only 37 years old when he died and is buried at Vår Frelsers Cemetery.