Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was a prominent Norwegian writer, poet, and playwright, born on December 8, 1832. He is renowned as one of the "Four Greats" in Norwegian literature, alongside Henrik Ibsen, Jonas Lie, and Alexander Kielland. Bjørnson was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1903 for his distinguished and enduring contribution to the literary world. He is perhaps best known for writing the lyrics to the Norwegian national anthem, "Ja, vi elsker dette landet." Bjørnson was also an influential political activist and supported various social causes, including the movement for Norwegian independence.