Career
He is best known for his lyrical poetry and for writing the national anthem of Iceland, Lofsöngur, in 1874. He was born in Skógar in Þorskafjörður into a poor family and traveled to the continent to further his education. Intending to become a business man, Matthías discovered his passion for languages and literature.
He died in Akureyri, where his house, Sigurhæðir, is now a museum, devoted to his life and work.
He is buried in Akureyri.
