Peer Gynt

Peer Gynt. A five-act dramatic poem by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, written in Italy and first published in Copenhagen in 1867. While conceived as a work to be read, its fantastical and philosophical story of a Norwegian antihero's global wanderings was later famously set to music by Edvard Grieg and has become a cornerstone of Norwegian literature and cultural identity, inspiring numerous adaptations across media.

Background and publication

Henrik Ibsen wrote the work during a period of self-imposed exile in Italy, drawing inspiration from Norwegian folklore collected by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe. The character's name was taken from a legendary figure from the region of Gudbrandsdalen, though Ibsen's creation is largely original. Unlike his earlier historical drama like The Pretenders or the contemporary social critiques of A Doll's House, Ibsen crafted a sprawling, poetic, and symbolic work that defied the conventions of the 19th-century theatre. It was first published by the Danish firm Gyldendal and initially received mixed reviews for its perceived obscurity and lack of clear moral stance, contrasting with the success of his earlier ''Brand''.

Plot summary

The story follows the boastful and irresponsible farmer from the mountains of Norway. After kidnapping a bride from her wedding and fleeing into the wilderness, he enters the hall of the Mountain King and courts the Troll King's daughter, narrowly escaping after rejecting the troll motto of "To thyself be enough." He returns to find his mother Åse dying, then embarks on decades of travels across the globe. His adventures include becoming a wealthy slave trader in Morocco, posing as a prophet in the Sahara, and consulting with a German professor in an Egyptian asylum. Throughout his journeys, he is haunted by the memory of the faithful Solveig, who waits for him in Norway. In the final act, an aged and ruined man meets the mysterious Button-moulder, who claims his soul is fit only for melting down, leading to a final reckoning at Solveig's cabin.

Themes and analysis

The work is a profound philosophical exploration of identity, self-realization, and existential purpose, often interpreted as an ironic counterpart to ''Brand'''s idealistic saint. Central to its critique is the concept of "going around" life's problems rather than confronting them directly, symbolized by the hero's encounter with the slippery The Boyg. The troll philosophy represents a life of selfish compromise, while characters like the Button-moulder and the Thin Person interrogate the consequences of an unexamined life. Scholars have debated its relationship to Hegelian philosophy, Norwegian nationalism, and Christian symbolism, with the final scene offering a redemptive, if ambiguous, resolution through Solveig's unwavering love.

Adaptations and cultural influence

The most famous adaptation is the incidental music composed by Edvard Grieg for the 1876 premiere at the Christiania Theatre, with suites like In the Hall of the Mountain King and Morning Mood achieving global recognition. Notable stage productions include those by directors Max Reinhardt and Ingmar Bergman. The story has been adapted into several films, including a 1919 silent version by Victor Barnowsky and a 2006 animated version by Enzo D'Alò. Its influence permeates Norwegian culture; the Peer Gynt Award is a prestigious national honor, and an annual Peer Gynt Festival is held at Lake Gålå. The drama's themes have inspired works in opera, ballet, and even progressive rock.

Critical reception and legacy

Initial reception was divided, with some critics like Clemens Petersen dismissing it as not "true poetry," while others recognized its genius. Its stature grew immensely following Edvard Grieg's musical contribution and its championing by later literary figures. It is now universally regarded as a masterpiece of world literature and a foundational text in the Scandinavian literary canon. The phrase "Peer Gynt" has become synonymous with a life of evasion and boastful fantasy, yet the character endures as a complex symbol of the human condition. The work cemented Henrik Ibsen's international reputation and demonstrated his range beyond realist drama, influencing later symbolist and expressionist movements in European theatre.

Category:1867 plays Category:Norwegian plays Category:Dramatic poems