bevarandetiden

**Bevarandetiden** refers to a period in Norwegian history during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when a significant effort was made to preserve and document traditional Norwegian culture, language, and folklore. The movement gained momentum in the mid-1800s as part of the broader **Nynorsk** (New Norwegian) and **folk culture revival** initiatives, which sought to counter the dominance of Danish culture and language in Norway after centuries of union with Denmark.

Central to this effort were figures like **Ivar Aasen**, a linguist who developed the **Nynorsk** dialect-based written language, and **Peter Christen Asbjørnsen** and **Jørgen Moe**, who collected and published numerous Norwegian fairy tales and folk stories. Their work, such as *Norske Folkeeventyr* (*Norwegian Folk Tales*), helped standardize and disseminate traditional narratives, ensuring their survival for future generations.

The movement also emphasized preserving rural customs, handicrafts, and architecture. Organizations like the **Norsk Folkemuseum** (Norwegian Open-Air Museum), founded in 1894, played a key role by collecting and exhibiting artifacts, buildings, and traditions from across Norway. This period laid the foundation for modern Norwegian cultural identity, influencing literature, education, and national policies aimed at safeguarding heritage.

While **bevarandetiden** was primarily driven by intellectuals and cultural enthusiasts, it reflected broader societal changes, including the rise of nationalism and the desire to distinguish Norwegian culture from its Scandinavian neighbors. Its legacy endures in Norway’s ongoing efforts to maintain linguistic diversity, folk traditions, and historical preservation.