Showing results by author "Niina Niskanen" in All Categories

Finnish mythology is filled with stories from northern gods and goddesses, magical animals and feisty forest spirits. Finland was an agricultural society for hundreds of years and before that the inhabitants were hunter-gatherers. Our mythology and folktales are intertwined with the surrounding nature, clear lakes, northern lights and the forest, which was the home of all kinds of mysterious events. In this book you will become familiar with old Finnish gods and goddesses and ancient festivals.

The Sàmi are the indigenous people of Scandinavia. Residing in four countries. Lapland of Finland, Sweden, Norway and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. Learn about the connections between Sámi and Scandinavian mythology and Disney's Frozen II, which was made in collaboration with the representatives from Sámi nations. We will also dive into gender roles, motherhood, and ancestral beliefs.

It might come as a surprise to some people but there are actually quite a few sex scenes in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. In this episode, we shall dive into 19th-century courtship and how Alcott writes about courtship etiquette. Laurie is based on Alcott's ex and Friedrich to a man she wanted to marry. In this book we will examine Jo's relationships and how they correlate with Alcott's personal life. Louisa May Alcott had a huge crush on her father´s best friend philosopher Waldo Emerson.

Louisa May Alcott´s Little Women is the author´s love song for German culture and literature. In the novel, there are many moments when the characters make references to German literature, and Jo's love interest professor Bhaer is also based on Alcott's favourite writer, the German poet Goethe. When Friedrich helps Jo when she struggles writing to Weekly Volcano, we can see her influences from Goethe, Friedrich recommends Jo read Shakespeare and study characters like Goethe would have done.

Emily and I combined our powers once again to discuss Jo's and Friedrich's relationships and Louisa May Alcott's attraction toward intelligence. When Friedrich gives feedback to Jo, Jo appreciates it, because she wants to develop as a writer. Friedrich Bhaer is based on philosopher Henry David Thoreau. Louisa was in love with him and he appears in literal disguise in all of her novels. He is also based on Alcott's favourite writer, the German poet Goethe.

Laurie's character arc in Little Women is not about Amy or Jo. It is the story of how Laurie becomes a man. In Louisa May Alcott´s world, the only acceptable wealthy people are philanthropists. With Laurie´s character, Louisa May Alcott criticised the people who are on the top of the class system.

Join me on a journey to study Amy March and her real-life inspiration May Alcott Nieriker. The misconceptions about Jo´s insecurities and especially about her looks. Society likes to put two characters against one another but is this true to reality? Find out that and more in the Little Women podcast.