Matthías Jochumsson

Matthías Jochumsson (11 November, 1835 – 18 November, 1920) was an Icelandic poet, playwright, and translator. He is best known for his lyrical poetry and for writing the national anthem of Iceland, Lofsöngur, in 1874. He was born in Skógar in Þorskafjörður into a poor family and traveled to the continent to further his education. Intending to become a business man, Matthías discovered his passion for languages and literature. He died in Akureyri, where his house, Sigurhæðir, is now a museum, devoted to his life and work.