Finnish national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg wrote poems that raised the national spirit and patriotism. Runeberg is best known for his epic poetic work Ensign Stål (in Finnish, Vänrikki Stoolin tarinat). The epic describes the Finnish war of 1808-09. It includes the poem "Our Land", which became the national anthem of Finland. Runeberg was a celebrated figure already during his time. His birthday was celebrated by flying flags, and students would gather underneath his window to sing. Runeberg lay paralyzed for fourteen years and watched the street life from his bed through a mirror. The passers-by would stop at his window: the men bowed and women curtsied to him.

The Home of J.L. Runeberg, Porvoo