Rolf Jacobsen was born on August 8, 1907 in Oslo, Norway. He was the son of a dentist father and a nurse mother, and grew up in a middle-class household. From a young age, Jacobsen was drawn to the natural world, spending much of his time exploring the forests and fjords that surrounded his hometown.
After completing his secondary education, Jacobsen went on to study at the University of Oslo. It was during this time that he began to develop his passion for poetry, drawing inspiration from the works of American poet Carl Sandburg. In 1929, he published his first collection of poems, Ord og jern (Earth and Iron), which was met with critical acclaim.
In 1940, Jacobsen married Petra Tendo, and the couple went on to have two sons together. Despite his busy career as a poet, Jacobsen remained deeply committed to his family, often drawing inspiration from the everyday moments they shared together.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Jacobsen continued to write and publish poetry, exploring themes of nature, technology, and the human experience. His works were translated into numerous languages, gaining him a wide international following. However, it was during World War II that Jacobsen's political views came under scrutiny.
During World War II, Jacobsen's outspoken support of the German occupation of Norway and his allegiance to the Norwegian National Socialist Party resulted in a treason sentence. Despite the controversies surrounding his political beliefs, Jacobsen remained steadfast in his convictions, refusing to back down from his support of the Nazi regime.
Following the end of the war, Jacobsen continued to write and publish poetry, cementing his reputation as one of Norway's most important modernist poets. His later works, such as Pass for dorene - dorene lukkes (Mind the Doors - The Doors are Closing), further explored the themes of nature and technology that had defined his earlier career.
Rolf Jacobsen passed away on February 20, 1994, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry that continues to inspire readers around the world. His unique vision of the natural world and his bold exploration of political themes have secured his place as one of Norway's most celebrated poets.
Today, Rolf Jacobsen is remembered not only for his innovative poetry, but also for his unwavering dedication to his art and his commitment to exploring the complexities of the human experience. His work remains essential reading for anyone interested in the intersections of nature, technology, and society.