Background
She was born in Klæbu, Sør-Trøndelag, to the farmer Anders Halvorsen Løvaas (c 1730) and his wife Maren Larsdatter Forsæt (c 1744).
She was born in Klæbu, Sør-Trøndelag, to the farmer Anders Halvorsen Løvaas (c 1730) and his wife Maren Larsdatter Forsæt (c 1744).
On 25 May 1797, Solem married the soldier Haagen Erichsen Nideng, who died the following year. While she was mourning in 1799, the Haugean leader Hans Nielsen Hauge visited Trondheim. She was influenced by his engaging speeches, and travelled with him across the country and helped him with book binding in Bergen the following year.
Hauge became quickly aware of her leading abilities.
In 1802, Solem was mentioned in a small publication as one of five out of thirty people he gave status as one of the "oldest" or most respected. She was at that time only 26 years old.
Before being married, Solem skied across the Dovre Mountains to preach in the eastern regions, and was, according to Inger Furseth, a "courageuos and fearless woman". They often held Haugean meetings in their house, where Solem developed her religious beliefs.
She became interested in the works of North. F. South. Grundtvig and wanted to popularise his thoughts in Norway.
Here, Arent established more successful enterprises, and Solem became increasingly interested in Grundtvig"s thoughts.