The Estonian Academy of Sciences has awarded the Paul Ariste Medal to Jaan Puhvel, Emeritus Professor at UCLA and Honorary Doctor of the University of Tartu and Tallinn University. The award, announced on April 23, 2025, recognizes Puhvel's significant contributions to Indo-European comparative linguistics and mythology.
Puhvel, who resides in the United States, was unable to attend the ceremony. Academician Jaan Undusk read Puhvel's acceptance speech, in which he emphasized the importance of facts over theory and the power of words. Puhvel stated that he has always adhered to the principle that fact is more important than theory.
Born in Tallinn in 1932, Puhvel fled Soviet occupation in 1944 and eventually settled in Canada. He is best known for his 11-volume etymological dictionary of the Hittite language (1984-2021) and his book "Comparative Mythology" (1987), considered an accessible introduction to mythology. After retiring from UCLA in the early 1990s, Puhvel taught at the University of Tartu, contributing to the revival of classical philology in Estonia.
The Paul Ariste Medal is awarded to Estonian scientists for outstanding achievements in humanities. Previous recipients include Jaak Kangilaski, Arvo Krikmann, Huno Rätsep, and Tiit-Rein Viitso.