Ole Worm

Born in 1588. Died in 1654. He was a Danish physician and historian. He served as a professor in several disciplines at the University of Copenhagen, authored textbooks on history, and assembled rare natural and cultural artifacts in his own museum. His interests also extended to Norway. In the 1620s, he initiated a comprehensive collection of Norwegian antiquities and runic inscriptions. Among those he corresponded with in this regard was Stavanger Bishop Thomas Cortsen Wegner (1588–1654), who contributed to the collection and description of 29 runic inscriptions from the Stavanger diocese.

In 1633, he published the Norwegian priest Peder Claussøn Friis' translation of Snorri Sturluson's Heimskringla under the title "Norske Kongers Chronica." Published 19 years after Friis' death in 1614, the work served as a primary source for Norwegian history throughout the 17th century. With this work, Norwegians gained a coherent and accessible account of their ancient history, from the origins of the Norwegian realm into the Middle Ages. The publication also contributed to Snorri being recognized as a historical writer.

After lengthy preparations, Worm published his magnum opus "Danicorum Monumentorum libri sex" in 1643, a complete collection of all known Danish, Norwegian, and Gotlandic runic inscriptions of the time.

Article by Sigvald Grøsfjeld.