Michael Bernstorff

Michael Bernstorff grew up in one of the ancient noble households of Denmark. The Bernstorffs were not poor by any means, but not as rich as many of their peers. Michael’s childhood was a noisy affair, with 8 siblings crowded in a house that wasn’t quite big enough. Never much of a talkative child, Michael preferred to read books by himself. Military history was his favorite subject, with his favorite being the ancient Battle of Alesia. His parents generally paid him little mind, after all what use did they have for a 3rd son?

When he was old enough, Michael joined the army of Denmark-Norway, and served for only 3 years. He had not advanced quickly enough in rank, and the army was not what he imagined. He had to interact with too many people. Tragedy then befell the Bernstorffs, with Michael’s older brothers and parents both dying in a fire which burned down his childhood home. He was left with a small monetary inheritance and lived in the bustling city of Copenhagen. Every day was an assault upon his senses, who only desired quiet. 

One day, enough was enough. No more would he walk down the street and be forced to see another man briefly glance at him. No more would he have to listen to boisterous Danes and their below-normal-volume conversations. The Danes are simply too outgoing!

 

And so, Michael Bernstroff struck off and boarded a ship to Godt-Haab, Greenland. He arrived in Greenland as its richest citizen. His moderate inheritance in Copenhagen practically made him a king here. Looking to live a quiet life, he built a mansion a few miles out from town, overlooking the bay. The town was peaceful. Tranquil. And most importantly, most of the locals didn’t even speak the same language. Michael was finally set up to live a life of seclusion free from distraction.


Yet, in 1834, disaster struck. Somehow, the Crown had found out Michael Bernstorff had moved to Greenland, and this was a golden opportunity. They dubbed him the Baron of Godt-Haab, happy at this opportune chance of a man of noble blood moving to Greenland without coercion. Bernstorff would have to spend the rest of his life suffering, as the citizens would constantly be asking for his help and seeking counsel and paying him rent and so on. What fate could be worse than to be the Baron of Greenland? To make matters worse, he soon went bald from the stress.