Uku Masing
Estonian philosopher (1909–1985)
Who was Uku Masing?
Uku Masing (born Hugo Albert Masing, 11 August 1909 – 25 April 1985) was an Estonian polymath who contributed to theology, oriental studies, philosophy, poetry, folklore and to the field of ethnology. Masing was born in the village of Lipa on 11 August 1909 as Hugo Albert Masing. Masing also wrote poetry, mostly on religious issues. Masing authored one novel, Rapanui vabastamine ehk Kajakad jumalate kalmistul (Liberation of Rapa Nui, or Seagulls at the Cemetery of Gods) in the late 1930s, which was published posthumously in 1989. As a folklorist, he was a distinguished researcher of fairy tales, contributing to the international Encyclopedia of the Folktale. He was awarded the Righteous Among The Nations by Yad Vashem and the Israeli Supreme Court for his participation during the Holocaust in helping a Jew in Estonia escape capture from 1941 until the end of the war.
His actions exposed him to great danger during this period requiring him to meet with his friend as well as lying to the Gestapo. His parents were Ado Masing and Anna Masing.
Historical significance
He was a significant figure in Estonian religious philosophy.