I understand the world best through literature; writing has the unique ability to bring time periods, cities, cultures, and entire civilizations to life and make them immediate. With that observation in mind, I am taking a journey through Scandinavia inspired by its literary heritage. I begin by traveling to Reykjavik, Iceland to explore the setting of the Icelandic sagas, written during the time of the Vikings but representing values and political systems vastly different from the Greek and English narratives written in the Middle Ages. Reykjavik also affords the opportunity to study the “hidden folk” referenced in the sagas, such as elves and other mythical creatures that, in general, the Icelandic people very much believe in (so much so, in fact, that the “hidden folk” are protected by the government so that construction will never encroach on their purported homes). Then, I travel to Copenhagen, Denmark, to study fairy tales and folklore, particularly the classic work of Hans Christian Andersen and the modern day adaptations of fairy tales by a more contemporary author, Isak Dinesen.  After a quick train ride, I arrive in Oslo, Norway to study drama, particularly Norway’s most noted playwright Henrik Ibsen, who has an entire sculpture garden dedicated to his play, Peer Gynt.  In Oslo, I am able to see one of Ibsen’s plays in a theatre built specifically for performances of his work. Finally, I end my journey in Stockholm, Sweden, to study August Strindberg, another famous playwright who was the contemporary of Ibsen, and the culture that has cultivated the recent outpouring of internationally acclaimed mysteries, most notably the Millennium series launched by Stieg Larsson. Of course, all of these magnificent countries offer literature in each of the genres and time periods referenced, but I’ve chosen these pairings based on my own interest and, in my opinion, the richest offerings of each country.

   

     My journey is focused on Scandinavia because I have always been captivated by the legends, folklore, and traditions associated with this part of the world. Because of my Swedish heritage and a handful of trips to the American Swedish Historical Museum as a kid, I have been introduced to a bit of Swedish culture and literary heritage, but a trip to Scandinavia will allow me to visit a part of the world I have always longed to visit and to explore a unique part of my ancestry. Another aspect of Scandinavia that compels me to visit is the stunning landscapes. Between the fjords in Norway, the geothermal pools in Iceland, the harbors in Denmark, and the vast wilderness of Sweden, I am anxious to visit and contrast each country's cosmopolitan centers with the breathtaking surrounding environments. As a bonus, my trip would take place during Northern Europe’s famed “white nights,” when the sun barely dips below the horizon before it rises again. Finally, this trip will allow me the chance to explore the world gastronomically as well; there are opportunities to try dishes and drinks that are unique to each of the countries I’ve proposed to visit. I can’t think of a better way to spend summer break than to explore the Norse world, delve into the past and present of Scandinavian literature and, consequently, begin to understand this mysterious, fascinating part of the world.

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     The primary way I intend to use my experiences is through the creation of an English seminar for 11th and 12th graders that focuses on Scandinavian literature. I’ll be able to structure the class in the same way I’ve structured my trip, by traveling through history, countries, and genres. My class will be able to examine Scandinavia as an example of how nations move from folklore and oral tales, to written works that contribute to the formation of a national identity, and ultimately show how literature informs our contemporary world. It is my sincere hope that my research will be useful to all teachers, students, and lovers of Scandinavian literature.