Meet author Rasmus Daugbjerg as he discusses his critically acclaimed novel Rasmus Nielssøn with museum inspector Sine Jensen Smed at H.C. Andersen's House. The novel portrays one of literature's most solitary farmhands, a fateful prophecy and an enchanting mermaid – all inspired by a historical source from the late 1500s, the same source that inspired H.C. Andersen to write "The Mermaid of Samsø" and later "The Little Mermaid."
Rasmus Daugbjerg will discuss his work blending history and mythology, especially the mermaid as a literary motif. He explores the larger themes of his work – humanity's relationship with nature, power and powerlessness, loneliness and friendship, and the longing to belong to a place and connect with the world around us.
Program: The evening begins with dinner at Café Dileig – pasta with ingrid peas in creamy mushroom sauce, sautéed mushrooms, onion, garlic, parsley and Arla Efterglød, served with garlic focaccia, created by chef Malte Dalby Christensen. After the conversation, there will be an opportunity to purchase the book and have it signed by the author. You do not need to have read Rasmus Nielssøn to enjoy the evening.
About Rasmus Daugbjerg: Born 1993, graduate of Biskops Arnö Författarskola and the Writers' School in Copenhagen. Recipient of the State Art Foundation's three-year work grant, Weekendavisen's literature prize and the mai-prize 2026. Rasmus Nielssøn is his third novel.
