Erik Johan Stagnelius

[1] 1810 to 1840 was a time of blossoming in Swedish poetry, and there were several writers of distinguished merit, among them Esaias Tegnér, Erik Gustaf Geijer, Per Daniel Amadeus Atterbom and Stagnelius.

His singular dramas, Bacchanterna ('The Bacchantes'; 1822), Sigurd Ring, which was posthumous, and Martyrerna ('The Martyrs'; 1821), are esteemed by many critics to be his most original productions.

His mystical lyrics, entitled Liljor i Saron ('Lilies in Sharon'; 1820), and his sonnets, which are best read in Swedish, may be recommended as among the most delicate products of the Scandinavian mind.

[2] It is believed that he suffered a chronic physical condition (a side effect of his alleged intense alcohol consumption or possibly Noonan syndrome have been suggested by Swedish researchers) causing him increasing pain, and that he used opium as his main remedy.

Not proper, perhaps, in the Christian 19th century Sweden, this possible belief has been thoroughly examined, and is believed to have originated by a reading of the Swedish translation of Ginza Rabba, the holy works of the Mandaeism, published as Adam's Book.