Hermanni K.A.

(Karl August Hermann, 1851-1909)

Composer, linguist, author of the first Estonian grammar in Estonian by an Estonian, Eesti keele Grammatik (1884), romantic writer, journalist and important musical character during Estonia’s period of awakening (1850-1918). After studying comparative linguistics at Leipzig, went on to learn 16 languages, as one does. His research led him to believe that Estonians were descended from ancient Sumerians (Brazilian linguist Luiz Caldas Tibiriçá promoted a similar trajectory for Tupi speakers in South America). His wife is said to have sewn the first Estonian blue, black and white flag.

Herne (Hernes)

Pea. One of a mini edible staples group. Close to Naeri.

Herzeni A. 

Alexander Ivanovich Herzen, 1812-1870)

Russian philosopher and writer, known as the ‘father of Russian socialism’. Soviet occupation renaming (1953-1995) of Puhangu.

Hiidtamme (Hiidtamm)

Giant oak. The hiid > hiie (see next entry), hiidtamm > hiietamm relation is interesting. It is quite likely that simply becoming large, over human generations, gives it ‘sacred’ qualities too. See Tamme. The oldest known oak in Estonia is the Tamme-Lauri oak, in Võrumaa. Almost 700 years old, with a height of 17 m and a chest-height circumference of 8.25 m, it decorated the back of the 10-krooni banknote (for information on Estonian currency, see Krooni). A bas-relief sculpture of the oak can be seen on the corner of Liivalaia and Juhkentali.

Hiie (Hiis)

Grove, sacred grove, sacred spot in general: stone, tree, hill, spring. Street named after some extremely old trees nearby (see Hiidtamme). There seems to be a line going across the country with sacred groves, hiied, being slightly more common in the northern half. The term seems to derive from Proto-Finnic *hiici, thought originally to mean ‘burial ground’ and evolving into Finnish hiisi, devil, forest spirit, hell, etc. (but see Hiiela), or perhaps a loan from Proto-Germanic *χīđiz, for den or thicket. Hiie põik formerly known as Hõbemäe (silver mountain/hill).