Personal relationship between Samuel Ferjenčík and Johann Wolfgang Goethe
Personal relationship between Samuel Ferjenčík and Johann Wolfgang Goethe

Summary/Abstract: The article explores the relationship between Samuel Ferjenčík (1793–1855) and Johann Wolfgang Goethe (1749–1832). Ferjenčík was an evangelical priest, writer, publicist, meteorologist and pomologist, whose importance is underestimated by contemporary cultural history. He was a friend of Ján Kollár, who praised his abilities in various publications. He is recognized in Slovak history for his role in the delegation of the Slovak Petition to the Throne in 1842 and for his public activities, which at times sparked controversy due to his to his attitudes towards some of the activities of the circle around Ľudovít Štúr. In his era, Ferjenčík was a very influential figure in Slovak cultural life. During his studies in Jena (1816–1818), he became acquainted with Goethe. This contribution examines testimonies regarding their relationship, drawing from their recorded interactions in various sources, and assesses their significance for Ferjenčík’s personal development. In this context, parallels can be drawn between Ferjenčík and Samuel Reuss (1783–1852), known as the “father of the Slovak fairy tale”, who was also a student in Bratislava and Jena and a mineralogy enthusiast with friendly ties to Goethe. The connections between Ferjenčík and Goethe are relevant for understanding the broader influences shaping Slovak culture and its external formative factors.

• Details
• Contents