Knud Rasmussen

Knud Johan Victor Rasmussen (Known as "Knud Rasmussen")

Father of Eskimology, Polar Explorer, Anthropologist, Thule Expedition Leader

Born 1879-06-07

Ilulissat, Greenland

Passed Away 1933-12-21 Gentofte, Denmark

Lifespan 54 years old

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"Give me winter, give me dogs, and you can keep the rest."

Archival Overview

Legendary Greenlandic-Danish polar explorer and anthropologist celebrated as the 'Father of Eskimology' who led the Great Fifth Thule Expedition across the entire Arctic from Greenland to the Pacific.

Biographical Record

Knud Johan Victor Rasmussen was born on June 7, 1879, in Ilulissat (Jakobshavn), Greenland, the son of a Danish missionary and an Inuit-Danish mother. Growing up speaking Kalaallisut and driving dog sledges, he bridged European academia and Inuit culture like no one before him.

Between 1912 and 1933, Rasmussen organized and led seven legendary Thule Expeditions. His crowning triumph was the Fifth Thule Expedition (1921–1924), during which he and two Inuit companions, Arnarulunnguaq and Miteq, traveled 29,000 km by dog sledge from Greenland across northern Canada to the Bering Strait, recording the sacred folklore, songs, and spiritual beliefs of every Inuit group they encountered.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Vestre kirkegård
Copenhagen, Denmark

                         GPS: 55.6583, 12.5317                    

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