Zachris Topelius

(1818-1898)

journalist, poet, author, historian and rector

Zachris Topelius was one of the most remarkable authors and opinion leaders of his era. He had a lively imagination and interest in the mysterious and mystical. His poems and other works are being read from generation to generation. Today's historians often must admit Topelius understood past phenoma and structures correctly and portrayed those in his novels successfully. His style of writing appealed to the reader's sense of morality, and he molded public opinion as a journalist and author. Topelius was described to be a cheerful and humorous person but also with the other side of feelings of depression and weakness. He devoted himself to the Finnish language, the motherland and women's rights. Topelius also gave attention to other social issues such as animal protection and opposed the ruthless exploitation of the nature. He is mostly known for being a beloved storyteller and a friend of children.