MOR SÆTHER "ANNA JOHANSDATTER VIKER" b.1793, Solør d.25 Apr.1851 daughter of Johan Erichsen b. 1760 and his wife Bastine Guttormsdatter..MOR SÆTHER was the most famous of the "WISE WOMEN" who practiced "Rational Folkmedicine" in Christiania (Oslo) where she had a farm and later a guest house in Vika. Henrik Ibsen (writer) and Theodor Abildsgaard, a Thranitt (Activist and educator of the poor) lived there for a short time. She was brought to trial several times for "Quackery" but was pardoned. Many sick persons testified in her favor for her ability in medicine and for helping the sick and poor people. In 1844, a letter was written in her favor by: H. Faye, Henrik Joh. Heftye, Stattholder Løvenskjold, I.W. Cappelen, O. Heyerdahl and S.Moustre. She made her medicine out of plants and roots. Many high ranking persons in Norwegian society used her talents as well, such as:Løvenskiold, Rosenberg, Bisgaard, Cappelen and Blytt..
It was the National Poet Henrik Wergeland (whom she cured of an ear ache and more)
who dedicated the following Poem to her.
It is said that the Swedish/Norwegian King used her knowledge. It is true anyway that she delivered milk from her farm to court when Karl XIV Johan was in Christiania...
Three books are written about her.There are drawings and a portrait as well.
There is a painting of her house (Vinkelgade 17) where the famous Oslo Town Hall now stands..
POEM TO MOR SÆTHER BY Henrik WERGELAND
Beholder Maanen,Poeta.
Dens Vaesen er mig for flaut.
Min Maane er gamle Moer Sæther
i hendes snehvite skaut.
Saa skinner ei Aftenstjemen,
ei Mars'es Karneol
Som Lægedraaberne funkled
i Tyllerskens Phiol.
Jeg tømmer et Primulabæger,
en Aurikel med Nektarsaft
til Ære for gamle Moer Sæther
og hendes Phioles Kraft.
Thi Draber tre jeg smagte
og deraf Følgen blev
de tre Minutters Helse,
hvori jeg dette skrev.
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