Ja, vi elsker dette landet
Norway's national anthem, "Ja, vi elsker dette landet," began as a poem in 1859 by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, with music added in 1864 by Rikard Nordraak. Despite its deep cultural roots and widespread use since the early 20th century, it has never been officially declared the national anthem.
Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson's poem, "Ja, vi elsker dette landet," is first published with six verses.
Bjørnson revises the poem, deleting a verse honoring King Carl XV due to his republican political views and adding three new ones.
Rikard Nordraak composes the music. The anthem is first performed later that year for the 50th anniversary of Norway's constitution.
The song is widely accepted and performed as the national anthem during Norway's independence, solidifying its unofficial status.
The patriotic song "Mitt lille land" begins to be referred to as a "new national anthem" and performed at some patriotic events.
Despite its status as Norway's most beloved and widely recognized national anthem for over a century, "Ja, vi elsker dette landet" has never been officially declared as such by law.