HEINÄNTEKO
by Zacharias Topelius · from Lukemisia lapsille 3
Adapted Version
Look! Children are playing in the green field. They run and laugh. They are so happy. They jump and spin. They sing a song. They run and play some more.
The children talk about how grown-ups work. George says, "The men cut the grass." Tanya says, "The women gather it all." They make pretty crowns from flowers. They are noisy and full of joy.
Anna sees a pretty flower by a rock. The soft wind moves its head. It is small and soft. God made it.
The children jump in the soft hay. They rake the hay into piles. They carry the hay to the barn. It is food for the cows.
"We brought the hay!" they all shout. They worked and played together.
Selma finds a little bird's nest. "Shh," she says. "Be very quiet." "God keeps the little birds safe." "Grow up and sing for us."
Walter says, "Time to eat!" He is very, very hungry. The children talk about the food. Walter wants a big, big piece.
"Make a circle," says a girl. "The girls will give us food."
"Bread! Berries! Milk!" they call. "Yummy food for everyone!" "This is our happy place!"
The children sit and eat. They love their green home. They play now. They will help later. They will be strong for their home.
"God," they say, "keep our home safe." "Keep it safe in all seasons." Playing is fun. We love nature. We will help our home when grown.
Original Story
HEINÄNTEKO.
Kaikki lapset.
Peuhaten, teuhaten riemuitaan,
Heiskuen, leiskuen laulellaan.
Hyörien, pyörien harppaillaan
Tääll' yli vihreän niittymaan.
Yrjö.
Miehet ne raataa,
Luokoa kaataa.
Toini.
Naiset ne oivat
Taas haravoivat.
Werner.
Ruoho on tää
Niin mehevää,
Härkä jos oisin, nyt ahmisin mä.
Eeva.
Härkä jos oot, vedä kuormaamme,
Vaan varo vitsaani, norja on se!
Werner.
Kiitosta paljon! No katsopahan,
Härkänä käyn sua puskemahan!
Eeva.
Härkä se häijy
Kuin peto väijyy.
Ilmari.
Tässä on niini,
Pannaan se kiinni;
Lyön sitä niskaan,
Maahan sen viskaan.
Mari.
Putkassa paikka
Sille on, taikka
Vitsa yks kaks
Saa paremmaks.
Kaikki lapset.
Sätkien, mätkien mylvitään.
Hilvaten, kilvaten kiidellään,
Seppelin, heppelin leikitään
Niityllä iltahan päivän tään.
Aina.
Reunassa mättään tuolla kukka hento vain on.
Sen vaotta kevättuuli hiljaan nuokuttaa.
Hän laps on kuin me. Hän nyt avaa silmäns kainon,
Suuruutta luonnon, Luojan töitä katsastaa.
Loitommas, niittomies! Hän pieni kukkanen on!
Hän umpulasta on tän' aamun' auennut,
On niityn kuningattarena hetken, mut
Sitt' eteen hyvän Luojan laskee kruununs hennon.
Väinö.
Nähkääs kuin
Päin sekä suin
Heinihin hyppään, niissä mä uin!
Hilja.
On vihantaa
Metsä ja maa,
Nyt haravoimahan kiiruhtakaa!
Lutvi.
Haravoi sä,
Lennätänpä
Heinäsi paikalla latohon mä.
Helmi.
Heiniä tuokaa,
Latohon luokaa,
Ett' olis lehmille kyllälti ruokaa!
Werner.
Nyt kuperkeikka
Oiva on seikka!
Oon lohi mä,
Lahn' olet sä,
Siis varo, kohta sun nielenpä!
Kaikki lapset.
Uiskimme, huiskimme heinissä,
Ennämme, lennämme leikissä,
Toimin ja voimin jo niityltä
Heinät on latohon vietynä.
Selma.
Tääll' linnunpesä on. Sä peipon poikain rauhaa
Äl' yhtään häiritse! Käy hiljaan, hiljaan luo!
Ken suojaa teitä, pienet, ukkonen kun pauhaa?
Katotta tupanne: on köyhä koti tuo.
Ei kuitenkaan tapahdu mitään pahaa teille
Tiedotta Herran; hänpä teitä holhoopi.
Oi nuku pieni lauluperhe tyynesti,
Ja kasva, kiitä Luojaa, viserrä myös meille!
Werner,
Työstä nyt lakkaan,
Käyn eväsvakkaan
Kiinni ja tyydytän vastani rakkaan.
Mari.
Leipä on tässä näin,
Tässä on voita.
Toini.
Katso, mun ystäväin,
Vaan älä koita!
Werner.
Kiiruhtakaa,
Nyt ihan näännyn, jos syödä en saa!
Yrjö.
Veits' ota tää,
Viillä jo leivästä, henkihin jää!
Lutvi.
Tyttöjä vartokaa,
Kyllä ne tarjoaa!
Hilja.
Käykäätte piirihin nurmellen,
Niin tytöt kantavat tarjoten!
Werner.
Voileipä, paistia, läskiä tuo!
Armahin, mulle se suurin suo!
Helmi.
Juustoa, kalaa!
Ken mitä halaa?
Väinö.
Meillä on kemut,
Rehtevät remut.
Eeva.
Maitoa, marjoja!
Kaikki lapset.
Maitoa, marjoja!
Herkkuja tarjona!
Täällä on onnela!
Peuhaten, reuhaten riemuitaan,
Heiskuen, leiskuen laulellaan,
Hyörien, pyörien harppaillaan
Tääll' yli vihreän niittymaan.
Lutvi.
Suur' armas maamme iltapäivän loistoss' aivan
Kuin äiti hellä meille sylins levittää.
Aina.
Ja meidän melskatessa lasten elämää,
Kansamme työskelee ja kantaa tuskan, vaivan.
Yrjö.
Meill' liian kevyt miel' on, käs' on heikko vaan.
Vahvistukaamme työhön edest' oman maan!
Selma.
Rakastakaamme myöskin murhees', iloss' sitä,
Ja sille meidän elää, sille kuolla pitää.
Kaikki lapset.
Tehkäämme siihen kylvö kevätsateella,
Ja kesäheltehess' sit' aina kastelkaamme.
Oi Herra, syksyin, talvin, kaikkin' aikoina,
Sun vahvaan varjeluksees ota kotimaamme?
Story DNA
Moral
Children should enjoy their youth and nature, but also learn to appreciate the hard work of adults and prepare to contribute to their homeland.
Plot Summary
A group of children joyfully plays in a meadow during haymaking, mimicking the adults' work with imaginative games and boisterous energy. Amidst their play, some children pause to reflect on the delicate beauty of nature, like a small flower or a bird's nest, and the protective hand of God. They then gather for a celebratory meal, sharing food and expressing their happiness. The day concludes with the children transitioning from carefree play to a more contemplative mood, expressing their love for their homeland and praying for its future, acknowledging the importance of growing strong to serve their nation.
Themes
Emotional Arc
joy to contemplative patriotism
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Zacharias Topelius was a prominent Finnish-Swedish author, poet, and journalist, known for his children's literature and patriotic works during a period of Finnish national awakening. His works often combined nature, childhood, and national sentiment.
Plot Beats (17)
- All children express their joy and excitement while playing in the green meadow.
- Yrjö and Toini describe the adults' roles in haymaking: men scything, women raking.
- Werner playfully pretends to be an ox, threatening to butt Eeva, who in turn pretends to be his driver.
- Ilmari and Mari join the game, pretending to tie up and punish the 'ox'.
- All children resume their boisterous play, running and making wreaths.
- Aina delivers a contemplative verse about a delicate flower, a child of nature, that briefly reigns before bowing to God, cautioning the haymaker.
- Väinö, Hilja, Lutvi, and Helmi continue the haymaking play, jumping in hay, raking, and bringing hay to the barn for the cows.
- Werner performs a somersault, then pretends to be a salmon threatening to eat a bream.
- All children declare the hay has been brought to the barn through their playful efforts.
- Selma finds a bird's nest, urging quiet and reflecting on God's protection for the small, encouraging the young birds to grow and praise their Creator.
- Werner announces a break for food, eager to eat.
- Mari, Toini, Yrjö, and Lutvi discuss the food, with Werner impatiently demanding the largest portion.
- Hilja instructs the children to form a circle for the girls to serve the food.
- Werner, Helmi, Väinö, and Eeva call out their desired foods, celebrating the feast.
- All children reiterate their joy and the abundance of their 'paradise' in the meadow.
- Lutvi, Aina, Yrjö, and Selma deliver a series of verses reflecting on their beloved homeland, the contrast between their carefree play and the adults' toil, and the importance of growing strong to serve and love their country.
- All children conclude with a prayer to God for the protection of their homeland through all seasons.
Characters
Yrjö
A sturdy Finnish child of average height and build for his age, with a healthy, sun-kissed complexion from outdoor play. His movements are energetic and direct.
Attire: A simple, light blue linen tunic, possibly with a leather belt, and sturdy, dark brown breeches. He wears practical leather boots suitable for farm work and play in the fields.
Wants: To participate actively in the haymaking and to contribute to the group's efforts, even if through play. He also shows a budding sense of national pride.
Flaw: Can be overly direct or demanding, as seen when he tells Werner to take a knife.
Starts by observing adult work, then participates in the children's play, and ends with a more mature reflection on national duty.
Practical, responsible, energetic, and a bit bossy. He observes the adults working and understands the importance of their labor.
Toini
A lively Finnish girl, slender and agile, with quick movements. Her skin is fair, with a healthy flush from activity.
Attire: A simple, light-colored linen dress, possibly white or pale yellow, with a practical, dark-colored apron over it. She wears sturdy, low-heeled leather shoes or clogs.
Wants: To participate in the haymaking, both the work and the play, and to enjoy the camaraderie of the other children.
Flaw: Can be a bit possessive or teasing, as shown when she tells Werner not to try her food.
Remains consistent throughout the story, embodying the joyful spirit of the children.
Observant, playful, and a bit teasing. She enjoys participating in the group's activities and interactions.
Werner
A boisterous and energetic Finnish boy, slightly stockier than the other children, with a robust build. He moves with enthusiasm and a touch of clumsiness.
Attire: A sturdy, rough-spun grey linen shirt, rolled up at the sleeves, and dark green wool trousers that are likely patched. He wears worn leather boots, possibly a size too big, covered in dust and hay.
Wants: To play, eat, and engage in imaginative games. He is driven by immediate desires like hunger and the joy of the moment.
Flaw: Impulsive and easily distracted by hunger or a new game. Can be a bit demanding.
Remains consistently playful and focused on immediate gratification (food, games) throughout the story, serving as a foil to the more reflective children.
Boisterous, imaginative, hungry, and a bit dramatic. He loves to play-act and is often the instigator of playful antics.
Eeva
A spirited Finnish girl, nimble and quick, with a slender build. Her movements are precise and purposeful.
Attire: A simple, practical dark green linen dress, possibly with a subtle embroidered pattern at the hem, and a light-colored apron. She wears sturdy, dark leather clogs.
Wants: To engage in the playful aspects of haymaking and to assert her playful dominance over others, especially Werner.
Flaw: Can be a bit sharp-tongued or overly critical in her playful interactions.
Remains consistent throughout the story, embodying a playful yet assertive character.
Spirited, quick-witted, and a bit bossy. She enjoys playful banter and is not afraid to assert herself.
Ilmari
A sturdy Finnish boy, slightly younger than Werner, with a determined expression. His movements are earnest and a bit clumsy.
Attire: A simple, practical brown linen shirt and dark blue trousers, possibly with suspenders. He wears sturdy, well-worn leather boots.
Wants: To participate in the haymaking games, particularly the 'taming the bull' scenario, and to show his strength.
Flaw: Can be overly aggressive in his play, not fully understanding the boundaries.
Remains a minor character, contributing to the playful chaos.
Earnest, determined, and a bit aggressive in his play. He takes his role-playing seriously.
Mari
A practical Finnish girl, of average height and build, with a no-nonsense demeanor. Her movements are efficient and direct.
Attire: A sturdy, dark blue wool dress, possibly with a simple white collar, and a practical grey linen apron. She wears dark, sensible leather shoes.
Wants: To ensure things are done correctly and to maintain a sense of order, even in the children's games. She also wants to ensure everyone is fed.
Flaw: Can be overly critical or quick to suggest punishment, even playfully.
Remains consistent, serving as a voice of practicality and order.
Practical, sensible, and a bit stern. She is focused on tasks and maintaining order, even in play.
Aina
A gentle and thoughtful Finnish girl, slender and graceful. Her movements are soft and deliberate.
Attire: A flowing, pale green linen dress, possibly with delicate white embroidery at the neckline, and no apron. She wears soft, light leather slippers or goes barefoot, emphasizing her connection to nature.
Wants: To appreciate the beauty of nature and to express her observations and feelings about the world around her, particularly its fragility and divine creation.
Flaw: Can be overly sensitive or withdrawn from the boisterous play of the other children.
Remains consistent, serving as the story's voice of natural beauty and spiritual reflection.
Sensitive, poetic, observant, and deeply connected to nature. She is reflective and often expresses profound thoughts.
Selma
A compassionate Finnish girl, slightly older than the others, with a nurturing presence. Her movements are careful and protective.
Attire: A modest, earth-toned (perhaps rust-colored) wool dress, with long sleeves and a high neckline, and a simple, unadorned white linen apron. She wears practical, comfortable leather shoes.
Wants: To protect the innocent and vulnerable (like the bird's nest) and to express her faith in divine providence.
Flaw: Can be overly serious or preachy, even in her gentle way.
Remains consistent, serving as the story's voice of compassion and faith.
Compassionate, protective, and reflective. She shows concern for the vulnerable and expresses a sense of spiritual faith.
Locations
Green Meadow
A vibrant, green meadow, recently mown for hay, with soft, fragrant grass. There are small, delicate flowers growing on tussocks at the edges, and possibly a hidden bird's nest among the grasses. The surrounding landscape includes a green forest and open land.
Mood: Joyful, playful, industrious, peaceful, and abundant.
Children are playing and helping with haymaking, raking, piling hay, and later having a picnic. It's also where Aina observes a delicate flower and Selma finds a bird's nest.
Hay Barn (Latohona)
A traditional Finnish hay barn, likely constructed of weathered timber, where the hay is stored. It would be a simple, functional structure, possibly with an open side or large entrance for easy hay delivery.
Mood: Productive, rustic, essential.
The children are bringing the hay from the meadow to be stored here for the cows.