Why was Gysbert Japicx important to the survival of Frisian as a literary language?

Gysbert Japicx (1603–1666) is considered the foundational figure of Frisian literature. His importance lies in his ability to demonstrate the literary potential of the West Frisian language during a period when it faced the threat of being relegated to a mere peasant dialect following Friesland’s incorporation into the Dutch Republic in 1581.1

Through his influential work, Friesche Rymlerye (1668; "Frisian Verse"), and other writings, Japicx proved the richness and versatility of the language. By elevating Frisian to a medium for sophisticated literary expression, he effectively saved it from potential extinction and established a precedent for its continued use as a literary language.1