Nissen og Trolden. Dagbog. Side 130 1840 - 1844

This is page 130 of "Nissen og Trolden. Dagbog" (The Goblin and the Troll. Diary), penned by Johan Thomas Lundbye. Lundbye, a Danish painter and illustrator, tragically died young, at only 29 years old, during the First Schleswig War. This journal entry offers a glimpse into Lundbye’s inner world and his struggle to reconcile folklore with the realities of his time. His words reflect a deep engagement with the past and a desire to find meaning in the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of the world. There is a focus on contrasts and distinctions between two figures from Danish folklore, the "Nissen" (Goblin) and the "Trolden" (Troll). He writes about perceiving differences between them, perhaps alluding to the nuanced ways in which cultural identities are constructed and negotiated. Lundbye delves into personal reflections and a search for understanding and meaning. Lundbye captures a sense of longing for a simpler, more authentic connection to the natural world. The diary invites us to consider how we construct our identities in relation to cultural and historical narratives.