Johann Voldemar Jannsen ( in Vändra, Kreis Pernau, Livonia, Russian Empire – , in Tartu) was an Estonian journalist and poet active in Livonia. He wrote the words of the patriotic song "Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm", which later became the national anthem of Estonia. He was the father of the poet Lydia Koidula. As the leader of the choral society which organised the first nationwide Song Festival in Tartu in 1869, Jannsen played a crucial role in the Estonian National Awakening. References 1819 births 1890 deaths People from Vändra People from Kreis Pernau Estonian journalists Estonian male poets National anthem writers 19th-century Estonian poets 19th-century journalists Male journalists 19th-century male writers Burials at Raadi cemetery