How did German Romanticism influence Swedish writers in the early 1800s?

German Romanticism played a foundational role in shaping Swedish literature during the early 1800s by introducing an idealism that challenged traditional literary conventions. This influence was primarily mediated through the philosophical teachings of Immanuel Kant, as interpreted by Swedish philosopher Benjamin Höijer, and the literary works of German figures such as Friedrich Schiller and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.1

The impact of these ideas was most visible in the emergence of student societies and their associated periodicals, such as Polyfem (1809–1812) and Phosphorus (1810–1813). These groups, known as the Phosphorists, utilized these platforms to attack the established literary school. Key figures like Per Daniel Amadeus Atterbom embodied this commitment to Romanticism, often striving to create poetry that reflected complex philosophical systems or historical interpretations.1

Furthermore, the movement encouraged a fascination with the past, as seen in the Gothic Society, which promoted the study of "Gothic" or Old Norse themes to foster moral improvement in society. This synthesis of mythology, philosophy, and poetry became a hallmark of the era, profoundly influencing writers like Esaias Tegnér.1