Peter Hagerstein

Peter Hagerstein (born 1757 Helsinki - died 1810 Papeete) was a Swedish/Finnish sailor, soldier and interpreter, known primarily for his years working as an official in the Kingdom of Tahiti.

Background Hagerstein was born in Helsinki in 1757, at a time when Finland was part of Sweden; therefore his nationality can be described as both Swedish and Finnish, but in some sources he is instead only described as a Swedish citizen.

It is possible that 'Peter Hagerstein' was not his name at birth, but was anglicised when he became a sailor; his original name may have been Pehr Hagersten.

Not much is known of his early life, until he was hired as a deckhand on the British merchant ship HMS Daedalus when it called in the port of Helsinki around 1790. eventually learning the Tahitian language, marrying a local woman and settling down.

Thanks to his language skills and understanding of western culture, Hagerstein found a role as translator/interpreter and influential advisor to Kings Pōmare I and Pōmare II, mediating and assisting the Kings in dealing with traders, missionaries and other visitors. He nevertheless remained associated with the King.