Karel Jaromír Erben

1.1. Birth and Childhood

Erben was born on 7 November 1811, in Miletín, a small town near Jičín in what is now the Czech Republic. From birth, he suffered from a pulmonary vascular disorder, which led to lifelong speech and language impairments. Despite these health challenges, he displayed an exceptional passion and talent for learning. During his gymnasium years, he began to write poetry, signaling his early inclination towards literature.

1.2. Education

Erben pursued his higher education in Hradec Králové before moving to Prague in 1831. In Prague, he enrolled at Charles University, where he undertook comprehensive studies in philosophy, law, literature, and philology. His time at the university was crucial, as he became involved with influential intellectual circles, meeting leading figures of the contemporary Czech National Revival and Romanticism movements, such as Josef Kajetán Tyl and Karel Hynek Mácha. These encounters solidified his path as a "poet-patriot," dedicated to serving his nation through cultural and literary endeavors.

1.3. Early Career

Erben's professional career began in 1843 when he joined the National Museum in Prague as a researcher, working alongside the distinguished historian František Palacký. This role marked the beginning of his public service and academic contributions. In 1848, he transitioned to journalism, becoming an editor for a Prague newspaper. Two years later, in 1850, he returned to the National Museum, assuming the position of secretary of the archives, a role that further deepened his involvement in the preservation of historical and cultural documents.

2.1. Poetry and Kytice

Erben is most celebrated for his poetry collection, Kytice z pověstí národních (A Bouquet of Folk Legends), first published in 1853 with an expanded edition in 1861. An [http://www.twistedspoon.com/bouquet.html English edition] was published in 2012. This collection comprises a dozen literary ballads based on traditional Czech folkloric themes and legends, making it a cornerstone of Czech literary Romanticism. Kytice quickly became a classic in Czech literature, praised for its evocative language and deep connection to national traditions. Its profound impact extended beyond literature, inspiring musical adaptations, most notably a series of late symphonic poems by Antonín Dvořák and melodramas by Zdeněk Fibich. The collection includes 13 poems:

• Kytice (Bouquet, Erben's preface)
• Poklad (The Treasure)
• Svatební košile (The Wedding Shirt)
• Polednice (The Noon Witch)
• Zlatý kolovrat (The Golden Spinning Wheel)
• Štědrý den (Christmas Eve)
• Holoubek (The Wild Dove)
• Záhořovo lože (Záhoř's Bed)
• Vodník (The Water Goblin)
• Vrba (The Willow)
• Lilie (The Lily)
• Dceřina kletba (The Daughter's Curse)
• Věštkyně (The Prophetess)

2.2. Folklore Research and Collections

Erben's lifelong dedication to the systematic collection and study of Czech folk traditions was instrumental in establishing Czech folklore and ethnography as academic disciplines. He meticulously gathered and documented a vast array of Czech folk songs, nursery rhymes, fairy tales, narratives, legends, myths, and proverbs. His major collections include:

• Písně národní v Čechách (Folk Songs of Bohemia), published between 1842 and 1845, which contains 500 songs.
• Prostonárodní české písně a říkadla (Czech Folk Songs and Nursery Rhymes), a five-part collection published in 1864, which compiles a significant portion of Czech folklore.
• České pohádky (Czech Fairy Tales), another notable collection of folk narratives.

2.3. Translation and Other Writings

Beyond his primary collections, Erben also engaged in significant translation work and historical research. As a linguist and historian, he contributed to the broader understanding of Slavic cultures. A notable work in this area is Sto prostonárodních pohádek a pověstí slovanských v nářečích původních (One Hundred Slavic Folk Tales and Legends in Original Dialects), published in 1865. This collection, also known by its subtitle Čitanka slovanská (Slavic Reader), was influenced by the famous fairy tale collections of the Brothers Grimm. It included a variety of Slavic tales, such as Long, Broad and Sharpsight, which was later translated into English by Albert Henry Wratislaw. The entire volume was eventually translated by W. W. Strickland and published as Panslavonic Folk-lore in 1930. Erben also published Vybrané báje a pověsti národní jiných větví slovanských (Selection of Folk Tales and Legends from Other Slavic Branches) in 1869, further demonstrating his interest in pan-Slavic folklore.

3.1. Czech National Revival

Erben was a key figure in the third phase of the Czech National Revival, serving as an ardent supporter and a "poet-patriot." He prioritized his role as a scholar in service to the nation, dedicating his life to fostering national identity through the meticulous preservation of cultural heritage. His efforts in collecting and documenting Czech folklore were not merely academic pursuits but vital contributions to the cultural awakening and self-awareness of the Czech people. He believed that by preserving the traditional songs, tales, and customs, he could strengthen the foundation of Czech national consciousness.

3.2. Slavism and Pan-Slavism

Erben held sympathies for broader Slavic unity movements, including the Illyrian movement and Russian Slavophilia. These movements advocated for the cultural and political unity of Slavic peoples, particularly those living under foreign rule. Erben's publication of Sto prostonárodních pohádek a pověstí slovanských v nářečích původních was a practical manifestation of these ideals, showcasing the shared cultural heritage across various Slavic branches and promoting a sense of common identity among them.

4.1. Founding of Folklore and Ethnography

Erben is widely recognized as a pioneer in establishing Czech folklore and ethnography as legitimate academic disciplines. His systematic approach to collecting, classifying, and analyzing traditional Czech narratives and songs laid the groundwork for future scholarly endeavors in these fields. Furthermore, his significant contributions extended to the study and publication of medieval Czech literature, ensuring that earlier literary works were preserved and made accessible for future generations.

4.2. Literary, Musical, and Cultural Impact

His collection Kytice remains a foundational work in Czech literature, influencing subsequent generations of writers and poets. The profound themes and vivid imagery within his poems have inspired numerous adaptations across various art forms. Most notably, his works provided rich material for classical music, with composers like Antonín Dvořák and Zdeněk Fibich creating significant musical pieces based on his ballads. This interdisciplinary influence cemented Erben's place not only as a literary giant but also as a crucial figure in the broader cultural development of the Czech nation.

4.3. Criticism and Controversy

Historical records and biographical accounts of Karel Jaromír Erben do not highlight any significant public controversies or widespread criticisms regarding his life or work. His dedication to scholarship and national cultural preservation is generally viewed in a positive light within Czech history.