Nikolaos Politis

Nikolaos Politis (1852-1921). Folklorist and professor at the University of Athens. His strong interest in folk life developed during his school years. Even as a high school student, he published folklore studies in the magazines Euterpe and Pandora. He studied philology and law and became a member of the Parnassos Literary Society. Together with Spyridon Lambros, he published the "Neohellenic Miscellanea of Parnassos." He formed a friendship with the Byzantinologist Karl Krumbacher. Politis worked at the Library of the Parliament and held positions at the Ministry of Education. He advocated for the teaching of the demotic language in schools. In 1890, he became a professor of Mythology and Greek Archaeology at the University of Athens, where he also served as rector. In 1908, he founded the Hellenic Folklore Society, in 1909 he published the journal "Laographia," and in 1918 he established the Folklore Archive. His most significant works include "Studies on the Life and Language of the Greek People" and "Selections from the Songs of the Greek People."