Swedish literature

Swedish literature includes works written in the Swedish language or by authors from Sweden. This definition is broad and includes writers who used other languages. For instance, Birgitta of Sweden in the 14th century wrote in Latin. Emanuel Swedenborg also used Latin during the 18th century. Despite using a foreign tongue, authorities include them in the Swedish literary tradition. This history shows how a nation's voice evolves through different eras and languages.

The earliest evidence of writing in Sweden comes from the Viking Age. The Rök runestone, carved around 800 AD, is considered the first literary text. It features the longest known runic inscription. This text contains various passages from legends and sagas. Some parts are written in alliterative verse called fornyrdislag. Most runestones were practical, but this one is a notable literary exception.

When Christianity arrived around 1100 AD, the literary landscape changed significantly. Monastic writers preferred using Latin for their work. This shift caused the older pagan heroic mythos to dissolve. The Gök runestone shows this transition by adding a Christian cross to older imagery. During the Middle Ages, very little was written in Old Swedish. Most surviving texts from this time are provincial laws or theological works. Some rhyming chronicles were also written in a style called knittelvers.

The 16th century brought the Reformation, which had a complex impact on writing. King Gustav Vasa wanted to control all publications through censorship. This led to the plundering of Catholic monasteries and the burning of books. However, a major milestone occurred in 1541 with the Gustav Vasa Bible. This full translation of the Christian Bible provided a uniform Swedish language. The introduction of the printing press also helped spread literature to more people.

During the Swedish Empire period between 1630 and 1718, a new tradition began. This era saw the rise of Renaissance literature and a stronger middle class. Georg Stiernhielm published Hercules in 1658, the first hexametric poem in Swedish. This movement was influenced by Germany, France, Holland, and Italy. Another movement called Gothicismus emerged to glorify Sweden's ancient history. This period laid the foundation for the Swedish Golden Age in the 18th century.

The 18th century is often called the Golden Age of Swedish literature and science. The Age of Liberty and the 1766 freedom of the press act allowed secular literature to flourish. Olov von Dalin became a star with his weekly publication, Then Swänska Argus. He used sarcasm and irony to refine the language for the general public. This era also saw the rise of the botanist Carl Linnaeus. Women like Anna Maria Lenngren also gained recognition as professional writers.

In the 19th century, Romanticism left a deep mark on Swedish culture. This period, lasting from roughly 1805 to 1840, is known as the Golden Age of Swedish poetry. Groups like the Gothic Society helped poets work toward common goals. Notable poets included Esaias Tegnér and Erik Gustaf Geijer. Later in the century, realism became a dominant force. August Strindberg became a world-famous playwright and socio-realistic writer.

The 20th century produced many internationally recognized authors. Selma Lagerlöf won the Nobel Prize in 1909, and Pär Lagerkvist won in 1951. Vilhelm Moberg wrote the famous four-book series The Emigrants between 1949 and 1959. Detective fiction also became a major export. Henning Mankell is highly successful, with works translated into 37 languages. In the realm of children's books, Astrid Lindgren remains a global icon. Her characters, like Pippi Longstocking, are known by readers everywhere.