Faroese Poetry is Trending
A new world has unfolded for Faroese poetry, marked by the emergence of captivating new poets, propelling Faroese poetry into a trendsetting sphere.
In Faroese poetry today you will find many different explorative approaches to the traditional material as well as significant influence from contemporary literature from the outside world.
Beinir Bergsson
Beinir Bergsson, a talented upcoming Faroese poet. His debut in 2017 won the annual literature prize for young Faroese Writers’ The EBBA Award.
His latest work is the poetry collection Sólgarðurin, which is the Faroe Islands’ first explicit collection of queer poetry. Notably, "Sólgarðurin" has transcended borders and garnered international recognition, being published in Greece, Iceland and Denmark.
Lív Maria Róadóttir Jæger
The Faroese talent Lív Maria Róadóttir Jæger has released three poetry collections. Jægers second poetry collection ''Eg skrivi á vátt pappír'' has been translated and published in both French and Danish.
Tóroddur Poulsen
Tóroddur Poulsen, a versatile Faroese artist encompassing the realms of poetry, music, and graphic art, crafts works characterised by a provocative and humoristic style. Some of his poetry has been translated into Danish and he even has a poetry collection 'Valseværk', written originally in Danish.
Katrin Ottarsdóttir
Katrin Ottarsdóttir, a distinguished Faroese author and film director, has garnered critical acclaim for her poetry debut, 'Eru koparrør í himmiríki'. This compelling work has been translated into both Danish and English.
Jóanes Nielsen
Renowned author Jóanes Nielsen, often referred to as the poet of the working class, is considered one of the most skilled and highly acclaimed Faroese authors of the present time, making his mark on the Faroese literary scene and receiving several awards.
The Faroese poet is translated into several languages. One of his latest collections is 'Gudahøvd', is a compilation of brief tales delving into life and adopting an existential perspective, and has been translated into Danish and Norwegian.
Rói Patursson
Rói Patursson is a prominent figure in Faroese literature, and his achievements, including winning the Nordic Council Literature Prize, highlight his significant contributions to the field. He was awarded the Literature Prize for his third collection, 'Líkasum' that was published in 1985. Patursson is known for joining the modernistic tradition in his dense lyrics and the many different approaches which his poetry allows.
Other distinguished Faroese poets are Sissal Kampmann, Trygvi Danielsen, Rannvá Holm Mortensen and Kim Simonsen.
Faroese Authors
Faroese literature is a literature of contrast – between old and new, and tradition and innovation. Within the Faroese literary landscape, numerous authors have not only captivated local readers but have also transcended linguistic boundaries, with their works translated into diverse languages.
Jógvan Isaksen
Jógvan Isaksen is the leading writer of contemporary Faroese crime fiction. His renowned crime novel series featuring investigative journalist Hannis Martinsson has reached global audiences through the TV series Trom, which premiered in 2022 on Viaplay.
His works have been translated into Danish, German, Icelandic, English, and Norwegian. One of his latest crime novels 'Dead men dancing' has been translated into English.
Marjun S. Kjelnæs
The versatile award winning Faroese author Marjun Kjelnæs has published poetry collections, short stories, novels, song lyrics and children’s books, as well as written manuscripts for film and theatre. The Faroese author is translated into several languages.
Highlighting one of her many works, Kjelnæs’ latest poetry collection, 'Karmageitin' stands out. A unique literary double work together with the pop-horror-comedy play 'Gentukamarið' and has been translated into Norwegian and soon to be published in the US.
Bárður Oskarsson
Bárður Oskarsson is a Faroese children's literature author and illustrator. His books have been translated into about 20 different languages. His children's book 'Træið' won the 2018 Nordic Council Children and Young Adult Literature Prize and has been translated into various languages.
Sólrun Michelsen
A noteworthy name on the current Faroese literature scene is poet and writer Sólrun Michelsen. She has written children’s books, poetry, short stories, and novels, exploring themes that encompass everyday lives, interactions, love, costumes, aging, and the value of life. Sólrún Michelsen’s award winning novel 'On the other side is March' is now published in English. This is the first novel by a Faroese woman author to be published in English.
Other distinguished Faroese authors are Rakel Helmsdal, Oddfríður Marni Rasmussen, Høgni Mohr, Carl Jóhan Jensen, Elin á Rógvi, Gunnar Hoydal, Hanus Kamban, and Jón Thorsteinsson.
FarLit is an abbreviation of Faroese Literature that promotes Faroese literature on the international book market.
FarLit is funded by the Faroese Ministry of Culture. FarLit participates in bookfairs and starts initiatives to promote Faroese literature.
In addition, translators and publishers can apply for translation grants on www.farlit.fo.
Faroese Literature History
Faroese literature has its roots in the rich oral tradition of stories, legends, and ballads that have been passed down from generation to generation.
For centuries Danish was the official language in the Faroe Islands and the Faroese therefore chanted and danced their Faroese literature. Among international scholars these Faroese ballads are recognised as the distinct Faroese contribution to world literature and traits from the ballads are evident in contemporary literature in the Faroe Islands.
The narrative journey with the ballads evolved from oral storytelling to literary expression when the Faroese language was acquired in 1890. Since then, many Faroese writers have made significant contributions to the literary scene.
A notable figure in Faroese literature is writer and painter William Heinesen. He has received international acclaim for his contribution to Faroese literature and culture.
So did his cousin Jørgen-Frantz Jacobsen with the modernist masterpiece "Barbara". Both Heinesen’s and Jacobsen’s novels, originally written in Danish, were later translated into various languages.
The Readers Awards
Faroese libraries have come together to establish a new literary award - The Readers Award. A committee of Faroese library staff nominates three book titles based on lending data from all Faroese public libraries and the National Library, next the readers themselves decide the winner with online voting.