Asugai Seterno

Asugai Seterno (13 June 1861 - 12 December 1932) was a famous Risevan poet, dramatist and essayist, often said to be the "first modern poet of the country". Born to a scholarly family and proficient in eight major languages, Seterno's wide knowledge of forms of poetry both within and outside of his country gave his work a highly varied voice, and it was through his writings that many styles and ideas of poetry were transmitted in Risevne, inspiring poets long after him.

In 1910 he was awarded the Risevan Royal Award for Excellence, citing his "mastery of poetry, and his use of the art in stirring the spirit of Risevne"; 9 years later he was awarded the Agenir Literary Award, one of the most prestigious prizes for a man of letters. Throughout his career he did not just write in Mirselec, though it was his native language; instead he published works in four languages, and often did translations of his own works.

Childhood and Youth

Seterno was born Asugai Biran Seterno on June 13, 1861, in the city of Bisdauni in Ostema Province. His father was Biran Seterno, a well-known professor of Mirselec in the local university; his mother, Soruya Banandor, was a student of the elder Seterno and 13 years his junior, and by the time of his birth a well-known writer of short stories.

Legacy and Impact

The artistic legacy that Seterno left behind was immense, and made even more immense when after his death his colleagues in the University entered his rooms on campus, as well as his apartment - both of which had seen no visitors for around two decades. They found huge volumes of hitherto unpublished manuscripts, including notes for plays and several long poems written entirely in the archaic Sasuriona style.