Hans Egede, born on January 31, 1686, in Harstad, Norway, was a prominent Norwegian-Danish Lutheran missionary known for his efforts in spreading Christianity among the Inuit in Greenland. His work laid the foundation for the Danish colonization of Greenland.
Egede was born into a family of ministers; his father, Rasmus Jensen Egede, was a pastor. After losing his father at a young age, Egede was raised by his mother and later sent to study at the University of Copenhagen, where he completed his theological education.
Inspired by tales of the Norse colonization of the Americas, Egede developed a keen interest in Greenland, hoping to find and convert the descendants of the early Norse settlers. In 1721, with the support of the Danish King Frederick IV of Denmark, Egede, along with his wife, children, and a small group of settlers, embarked on a mission to Greenland.
Upon arriving, Egede found no Norse settlers but instead encountered the Inuit people. He established a mission at Godthåb (now known as Nuuk), where he attempted to Christianize the local population. Despite facing numerous challenges, including harsh environmental conditions, language barriers, and resistance from the Inuit, Egede persisted.
After 15 years of missionary work, Egede returned to Denmark in 1736 due to financial difficulties and health issues. Despite leaving Greenland, he continued to influence Greenlandic affairs through his writings and advocacy for further missionary work.
Hans Egede's legacy is complex; while he is celebrated for his missionary zeal and contributions to the cultural and linguistic documentation of Greenland, his role in initiating the colonization process has been criticized. His efforts helped to establish permanent European presence in Greenland, leading to significant cultural changes among the Inuit.