Friedrich Hebbel

Friedrich Hebbel (1813–1863) was a German dramatist, poet, essayist, and theorist of drama. Born in Wesselburen in Dithmarschen to a bricklayer’s family, he grew up in poor circumstances and largely educated himself after his father’s early death. Before devoting himself to writing, he worked as a messenger and clerk; he began studying law in Heidelberg and Munich in 1836 but abandoned his studies. His breakthrough came with the tragedy “Judith,” first performed in 1840. His best-known works include “Maria Magdalena,” “Agnes Bernauer,” “Gyges und sein Ring,” and “Die Nibelungen.” His poetry, diaries, and critical writings are also significant. Hebbel received the Schiller Prize in 1863 and died in Vienna later that year.