Carl Adolph Feilberg (1810–1896)

Carl Adolph Feilberg (1810–1896) was a Danish educator, writer, and folklorist. He is best known for his extensive collection and study of Danish folk tales, proverbs, and traditions. Feilberg dedicated much of his life to documenting and preserving the oral traditions of the Danish peasantry.

He was born in Vesterbølle, Denmark, and trained as a teacher. His teaching career provided him with opportunities to connect with rural communities and collect the folklore that would define his later work.

Feilberg's most significant contribution is his multi-volume dictionary of Danish folklore, Ordbog over jyske almuesprog (Dictionary of Jutland Dialect), published between 1886 and 1914. This monumental work is a comprehensive record of the language, customs, beliefs, and stories of the Jutland peninsula, offering invaluable insights into 19th-century Danish rural life. It remains a key resource for scholars of Danish folklore, linguistics, and cultural history.

In addition to the Ordbog, Feilberg authored numerous books and articles on Danish folklore, including studies of folk beliefs about death, the Devil, and other supernatural figures. His work emphasized the importance of understanding the cultural context of folk traditions and sought to reveal the wisdom and values embedded within them. Feilberg's meticulous research and dedication to preserving Danish folklore have cemented his place as a prominent figure in Danish cultural history.