Herman Wildenvey was a hard working author and most of his writings was done at his home in Stavern. Allthough a lot of his inspirations stems from his childhood at Portåsen.
Wildenvey was one of, if not the most popular poet in Norway in the 1900s. His debut was in 1907 with the success book called “Nyinger” which sold out only a few days after publishing. Totally he published 44 books with his own materials The last was named “Soluret” in 1956. His most popular books has been published several times. The one considered being his best – “Ildorkesteret” published 1923, sold about 10.000 copies and “Filomele” published 1946, sold about 15.000 copies. Today such literature seldom sells more than 1000 copies
Less known is Wildenvey's work as a translator. Great authors like William Shakespeare (As I like it), Heinrich Heine (Buch der Lieder), Paul Geraldy (Toi et moi), Liam O’Flagherty (Mr Gilhooley) the Greek mythologist Aesoph and last but not least Ernest Hemingways “A Farwell To Arms” in 1929 has been translated to norwegian by him. The later has been published 9 times, most recently in 2002.
Remarkably, only his "Ugler fra Athen" (Owls from Athen) has been translated to English and "Vingehesten og Verden"(Mein Pegasus) to German, in 1937.
Herman Wildenvey travelled extensively, both in Norway, Scandinavia, Europe and North America. His first trip to America could have been fatal. He was among the passengers onboard the S/S Norge, when the ship hit Rockall, west of Ireland, 27th June 1904. Of more than 800 passengers, only about 150 survived, amongst them Herman Wildenvey.
In mid July he came to USA, where he stayed with his uncle in Brookfield, Hutchinson, Minnesota. In the autumn he start studying theology in St.Paul.The summer of 1905 he was teaching Norwegians in S.Dakota. He returned to Norway in 1907, Only in 1933 Wildenvey returned to USA i (New York and White Plains) . Then again in 1934 and 1939. After the war he went to America in 1950-51. He stays there for 6 months travelling around the "Norwegian" areas of USA, performing. He loved America and the "Norwegian" America loved him.
In honor of Herman Wildenvey – Wildenvey-Selskapet, have funded Herman Wildenveys Poesipris. Each year at Hermans birthday – 20th July – this price is handed over to a worthy person or organization promoting norwegian lyrics. The price consist of money and a bronze relief of Herman Wildenvey created by his friend Ørnulf Bast. The cermony takes place at Hergisheim, as part of the annual Wildenvey-festival.
Today the "Hergisheim" is owned by Wildenveys daughter Hanna. She has layed down a considerable jobb taking care of her parents stately home, for future generations.
Portåsen is on lease to Nedre Eiker Kommune and is used for cultural purposes like a Wildenvey festival each year in beginning of June.
Both places can be visited on basis prior arrangements.
If you like to know more about Herman Wildenvey, or to visit either Hergisheim or Portåsen please feel free to contact us by mail