POHJAISMYRSKYN KEHTOLAULU
by Zacharias Topelius · from Lukemisia lapsille 5
Adapted Version
Listen, wild North Wind, it's time to sleep. Sleep now, dear wind. Please sleep now. You blow so hard. You make the windmill turn. You scatter clothes on the line. They fly like flags. Do not bother the boy playing. Let him laugh. Do not scare the bird in her nest. She is warm. Do not hurt the pretty flowers. They are soft. Please do not make big waves. The sea should be calm. Let boats be safe and water calm. Let them rest. Help the sailor come home safe. His boat is small. His family will be so happy then. They wait for him. You are strong. You make the sea white with foam. You shake the tall pine trees. They whisper your name. Your soft whisper is nicer than your roar. It is gentle. You have cleaned the world. You have blown the dust away. Now it is time to sleep. The day is done. Become a little lamb or a pretty butterfly. Be soft. Rest gently in the flowers. They hold you close. Do not think about loud noises. Think of quiet. Forget the big waves and the red sky. Think of blue. Comb your hair. Wash in the mist. Be clean. Sleep by the stream in the roses. They smell sweet. Rest your head on a cloud. It is like a pillow. Let the sunset cover you like a blanket. It is warm. Sleep sweetly until morning. Dream happy dreams. Wake up happy when the sun kisses you. It is bright. Now you are strong again. You are ready. You are like an eagle or a lion. You are brave. Go help the world again. The world needs you. Even strong winds need to rest. Then you can help more. Sleep now, wild wind. Sleep until the sun comes back.
Original Story
POHJAISMYRSKYN KEHTOLAULU.
Viihdy, hurja, kiitävä
Lapsi, uneen ratkee!
Isä käyttää myllyä:
Myllyn siivet kätkee!
Äiti kuivaa vaatteita
Valkeita ja hienoja;
Pois niit' et saa heittää
Etkä hiekkaan peittää.
Pikku poika kuurassa
Sulun rantaan laittaa;
Älä vettä sekoita,
Riemua se haittaa!
Älä estä pääskystä,
Joka luovaa pesäänsä,
Kukkain loistaa anna,
Sääksein tanssiks panna!
Säästä purjeet aluksen
Merellä, mi pauhaa!
Lahden peilityvenen
Salli viettää rauhaa!
Kalamies, kas, venossaan
Soutain pyrkii satamaan:
Hänet salli päästä,
Perheen suru säästä!
Olet kaunis, uljas niin,
Kun sä ilmaa jyskäät:
Meri käypi valkoisiin,
Honkain latvat ryskää,
Kylä syttyy tulehen.
Taivas veripunainen…
Tok' on tenhoisempi
Kuiskees hiljaisempi.
Puhdistit jo maailman,
Tehty työs on suuri:
Päätä unen helmahan
Matkas huima juuri!
Lampaaks muutu, leijona,
Pohjatuuli, liipota
Hiljaa perhon lailla
Kukkaisilla mailla!
Ryskeet, jyskeet unhota,
Valkolaineen huiskeet,
Punaliekkein leimunta,
Tummain honkain kuiskeet!
Kampaa tukkas sekava,
Kylve illan vihmassa,
Puron hopeoissa
Ynnä ruusustoissa!
Ilman kotka, leijaile
Vienosti ja tyynyyn
Paina pilven reunalle
Pääs ja silmäs kyynyyn!
Sumu sulla patjanen,
Raiti taivaansininen,
Peittees — kai sen uskot? —
Neuloi iltaruskot.
Siinä aamun koittohon
Makaat makeasti;
Päivän suloon suukkohon
Heräät iloisasti.
Perho muuttuu kotkaksi,
Lammas jalopeuraksi,
Rientää matkustamaan
Mailmaa puhdistamaan.
Story DNA
Moral
Even the most destructive forces can find peace and serve a purpose.
Plot Summary
A narrator sings a lullaby to the fierce North Wind, urging it to cease its destructive actions that harm mills, clothes, nature, and fishermen. While acknowledging the wind's powerful beauty, the narrator suggests a quieter charm and encourages it to complete its work of cleansing the world. The lullaby guides the wind to transform into gentle creatures, find peaceful rest in a bed of mist and clouds, and awaken renewed to continue its essential, albeit powerful, role in the world's cycle.
Themes
Emotional Arc
chaos to calm
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Zacharias Topelius was a prominent Finnish-Swedish author, known for his fairy tales and patriotic writings, often drawing on Finnish nature and folklore.
Plot Beats (14)
- The narrator addresses the wild, rushing North Wind, urging it to sleep.
- The narrator lists the wind's destructive actions, like turning the mill's wings and scattering clothes.
- The narrator asks the wind not to disturb a boy by the sluice, a nesting swallow, or blooming flowers.
- The narrator pleads with the wind to spare ships at sea and allow the bay to remain calm.
- The narrator asks the wind to let the fisherman reach harbor safely, saving his family from sorrow.
- The narrator acknowledges the wind's beautiful and mighty power, describing its impact on the sea, pines, and villages.
- The narrator suggests that the wind's quiet whisper is more enchanting than its roar.
- The narrator tells the wind that its work of cleansing the world is done and it's time to rest.
- The narrator encourages the wind to transform into a lamb or a butterfly and gently settle among flowers.
- The narrator instructs the wind to forget its crashing and roaring, its white waves and red flames.
- The narrator advises the wind to comb its tangled hair, bathe in the evening mist, and rest in silver streams and rose bushes.
- The narrator envisions the wind, like an eagle, gently laying its head on a cloud pillow, covered by a blanket woven by the sunset.
- The narrator describes the wind sleeping sweetly until dawn, waking joyfully to the sun's kiss.
- The wind, transformed from a butterfly back to an eagle, and a lamb to a lion, sets off again to cleanse the world.
Characters
Pohjatuuli (North Wind)
A powerful, unseen force, described as 'wild' and 'rushing'. When manifesting, it causes the sea to turn white with waves, pine tree tops to rustle violently, and villages to catch fire under a blood-red sky. It is also capable of transforming into a lamb, a lion, a butterfly, and an eagle, suggesting a fluid, shapeshifting nature.
Attire: None, as it is an elemental force. Its 'wardrobe' is the storm itself – white-capped waves, rustling pine trees, and red skies.
Wants: To rage and cleanse the world through its powerful actions, though it is also motivated by the desire for rest and peace, as suggested by the lullaby.
Flaw: Its own wild, untamed nature, which can lead to destruction. It needs to be lulled to sleep to find peace.
Begins as a wild, destructive force, then is lulled into a gentle sleep, transforming into various peaceful creatures (lamb, butterfly). It awakens renewed and ready to continue its work of cleansing the world, but perhaps with a refreshed perspective.
Wild, powerful, destructive, energetic, but also capable of being soothed and gentle. It is a force of nature that can be both terrifying and beautiful.
The Father
A sturdy, working-class man, likely with a weathered face and strong hands from his labor. Given the setting, he would likely be of Finnish descent, with fair skin, light hair, and blue or grey eyes.
Attire: Practical, durable working clothes suitable for a miller in a Nordic climate. Likely a heavy wool tunic or shirt in muted earth tones (grey, brown, forest green), sturdy linen trousers, and possibly a leather apron or vest for protection against the mill machinery. Strong leather boots.
Wants: To operate his mill and provide for his family.
Flaw: Vulnerability to the destructive forces of nature, such as the North Wind, which could damage his mill.
Static, serves as a symbol of human industry and vulnerability to nature.
Diligent, responsible, hardworking, providing for his family.
The Mother
A caring, domestic woman, likely of Finnish descent, with fair skin, possibly light hair, and a gentle demeanor. Her hands would be accustomed to household chores.
Attire: Traditional Finnish peasant attire: a long, practical linen dress or skirt and blouse in muted colors (e.g., natural linen, soft blue, or grey), covered by a simple apron. Perhaps a knitted shawl for warmth. Her clothes are described as 'white and fine' (valkeita ja hienoja) implying they are clean and well-maintained.
Wants: To care for her child and maintain her home, drying clothes.
Flaw: Vulnerability to the destructive forces of nature that could harm her family or possessions.
Static, serves as a symbol of domesticity and vulnerability to nature.
Nurturing, diligent, concerned with the well-being of her family and household.
The Child
A small, innocent child, likely of Finnish descent, with fair skin and soft features. The lullaby is sung to them, implying they are young enough to be put to sleep.
Attire: Simple, comfortable nightclothes, perhaps a soft linen nightshirt or gown, suitable for a child in a Nordic home.
Wants: To sleep peacefully, undisturbed by the storm.
Flaw: Utterly vulnerable to the forces of nature and dependent on parental protection.
Static, represents innocence and the need for protection.
Innocent, vulnerable, the recipient of the lullaby's soothing intent.
The Little Boy
A young boy, likely of Finnish descent, playing by the water. He is 'in the frost' (kuurassa), suggesting he is robust and accustomed to cold weather, perhaps with rosy cheeks from the cold.
Attire: Warm, practical Finnish children's clothing for cold weather: a thick wool cap, a sturdy wool coat or jacket in a dark color (e.g., navy blue or forest green), wool trousers, and warm mittens. Perhaps wooden clogs or sturdy leather boots.
Wants: To play by the water, possibly interacting with the sluice.
Flaw: His youthful exuberance could lead him into danger, or his play could be disrupted by the storm.
Static, represents childhood innocence and playfulness.
Playful, curious, potentially mischievous, enjoying the outdoors.
The Fisherman
A rugged, weathered man, likely of Finnish descent, with a strong build from years of rowing and working on the sea. His face would be tanned and lined from exposure to the elements.
Attire: Traditional Finnish fisherman's attire: a thick, dark wool sweater, waterproof oilskin trousers, and a sturdy sou'wester hat. Heavy, waterproof boots. His clothes would be practical and worn.
Wants: To return safely to harbor with his catch and avoid causing sorrow to his family.
Flaw: Vulnerability to the dangers of the sea and the destructive power of the North Wind.
Static, represents human struggle against nature and the desire for safety.
Resilient, determined, hardworking, focused on providing for his family.
Locations
Windmill and Farmstead
A traditional Finnish farmstead with a working windmill, its sails turning rapidly in the wind. Nearby, clothes are drying, likely on lines or racks, suggesting a domestic scene amidst the blustery weather.
Mood: Busy, domestic, exposed to the elements, with a sense of daily life continuing despite the strong winds.
The setting where the father works the mill and the mother dries clothes, representing the everyday life affected by the wind.
Riverbank with Sluice and Swallows' Nests
A riverbank with a sluice, where a small boy is playing in the frost. Swallows are building nests nearby, suggesting a natural, somewhat wild environment that the wind should not disturb.
Mood: Fragile, natural, innocent, with a plea for the wind to be gentle and not disrupt the delicate balance of nature.
The wind is asked not to disturb the boy's play, the swallows' nesting, or the blooming flowers, highlighting its potential for disruption.
Stormy Sea and Harbor
A tumultuous sea with roaring waves and a fisherman's boat struggling towards a harbor. The bay, usually calm, is now disturbed, and the fisherman is trying to reach safety.
Mood: Perilous, urgent, dramatic, with a sense of danger and the need for safe passage.
The wind is implored to spare the ship's sails and allow the fisherman to reach his family safely, emphasizing the wind's destructive power.
Pine Forest and Burning Village
A landscape dominated by tall pine trees, their tops swaying violently in the wind. In the distance, a village is on fire, casting a blood-red glow against the sky.
Mood: Destructive, terrifying, chaotic, with a stark contrast between the natural power of the wind and the human tragedy.
The wind's destructive power is vividly described, showing it causing the sea to whiten, pines to crash, and a village to burn.
Cloud Bed in the Evening Sky
A serene, ethereal space in the sky where the wind, personified, can rest. It's a bed made of mist, with a blanket woven from the colors of the evening twilight, bordered by a rainbow.
Mood: Peaceful, magical, comforting, a place of rest and tranquility after chaos.
The wind is invited to rest and transform from a destructive force into a gentle, butterfly-like presence, preparing for a peaceful sleep until dawn.