Jakob Hurt was a pivotal Estonian folklorist, theologian, linguist, and academic, often called the "King of Estonian Folklore". A leading figure in the Estonian national awakening, Hurt organised a massive nationwide campaign in the 1870s to collect traditional Estonian stories, songs, and cultural oral history. 1400 volunteers took part in the project, visiting almost every home in Estonia and producing over 124,000 written pages. Hurt's quest to preserve Estonia's oral culture was to be published in a six volume collection called 'Monumenta Estoniae Antiquae' however, due to financial difficulties, only two volumes of folk songs were published in 1875-76, entitled 'Vana kannel' (Old Harp).
During the first Estonian Song Festival in Tartu in 1869, Hurt delivered a highly regarded historical speech urging Estonians to remain loyal to their nation, seek unity, and promote education in their mother tongue. Thanks to Jakob Hurt's tireless efforts and dedication he safeguarded Estonia's cultural heritage from assimilation.
In honour of Hurt's work in preserving Estonian culture, his image featured on the 10 kroon banknote.
