Hans Egede

Hans Egede
Born(1686-01-31)January 31, 1686
Harstad, Denmark-Norway (now Norway)
DiedNovember 5, 1758(1758-11-05) (aged 72)
Falster, Denmark-Norway (now Denmark)
SpouseGjertrud Nilsdatter Rasch
Children
  • Paul Egede (1709–1789)
  • Niels Egede (1710–1782)
  • Kirstine Matthea Egede (1715–1786)
  • Petronelle Egede (1716–1805)
ChurchChurch of Norway (Evangelical Lutheran)
WritingsPublished the journal of his journey to Greenland
Offices held
  • Ordained pastor
  • Missionary to Greenland
  • Bishop of Greenland
  • Principal of missionary seminary
TitleNational Saint of Greenland

Hans Poulsen Egede (31 January 1686 – 5 November 1758) was a Danish-Norwegian Lutheran missionary priest who launched mission efforts to Greenland, which led him to be styled the Apostle of Greenland. He established a successful mission among the Inuit and is credited with revitalizing Danish-Norwegian interest in the island after contact had been broken for about 300 years. He founded Greenland's capital Godthåb, now known as Nuuk.