METSÄNKUNINGAS
by Zacharias Topelius · from Lukemisia lapsille 8
Adapted Version
In a big, green forest, a small spirit cleaned. Her name was Metsänpiika. She swept leaves. She made a pretty place ready. Tapio, the Forest King, was coming to visit.
Tapio and Mielikki came to the clearing. Their kin came with them. They sat down to rest.
The forest spirits told their stories. "I helped a small bird," said one. "I saved a weak tree," said an other. "I cared for a hurt hare," said Tellervo. "I warmed a cold bee," said Nyyrikki. "I stopped a storm," said Tuulikki. "It was hurting a beast."
A Hunter came to Mielikki. He carried a bag for taking. "Please help me," he said. "Show me the beasts in the forest."
Mielikki was kind. "Metsänpiika," she said, "show the Hunter the beasts." Metsänpiika blew her flute. Many beasts came softly. The Hunter saw them all. He did not hurt them.
Mielikki spoke to the Hunter. "The forest is for caring," she said. "Not for taking. Your bag is not needed here. You must be kind."
The Hunter felt sad. He learned a lesson. He went away softly.
Tapio looked at the sky. "The wind is changing," he said.
Metsänpiika climbed a rock. "I see big, dark clouds," she said. "A big storm is coming. It means change."
"Blow your flute!" said Mielikki. "Stop the storm!" Metsänpiika blew her flute. But the music did not work. The storm kept coming.
"We cannot stop it," said Metsänpiika. "We must go to a new home."
Tapio stood up. "The forest changes," he said. "But we always care for it. We will go deeper into the woods."
Tapio and his kin walked away. They went to a safe, new part of the forest. They were happy. They hoped the forest would stay safe forever.
Original Story
METSÄNKUNINGAS.
Henkilöt:
Tapio, ukko; tummanruskea parta, korkea havunneulahattu, kuusennaavainen turkki, kultainen vasara.
Mielikki, nuori nainen; kultainen rannerengas ja seppeleitä, siniset sukat punaset kengännauhat, kultaiset avaimet.
Nyyrikki, poika; sininen levätti, sininen tahi punanen korkea hattu, kirves.
Tellervo, tyttö; kullankeltainen tukka, kevyt, hienohelmainen paita.
Tuulikki, tyttö; koivunvarpuja, punainen silkkiliina.
Metsänpiika, pieni tyttö, huilu kädessä.
Kaksi haltijaa, joilla on hunaja-arkkunen.
Ensimäinen, toinen ja kolmas haltija.
Eräs metsästäjä.
Tapion karjalaumoja.
Tasanko metsässä. Suuria ja pieniä lintuja ympärinsä kaikilla oksilla.
METSÄNPIIKA (yksin).
Huu – nyt tuulee vihaisesti,
Metsä kolkko on ja musta,
Ja mä tänne salaisesti
Riensin kohti valaistusta.
Oi, kuin tääll’ on koreaa,
Siroa ja loistavaa,
Oksilla on lintusia
Tänne alas katsovia!
Hyvää iltaa, ystävät!
Sallittenko että vähän
Levähdän, kun väsyvät
Jalkani? – Jos istun tähän, –
Ah, mut mua ette tunne!
Olen palvelija vaan,
Metsän pieni hempukainen,
Metsänpiiaks’ sanotaan.
Työtä tehdä saan ma vainen:
Kuivat oksat katkoella,
Suot ja nevat puhdistaa,
Vuoret vöihin sitoella,
Metsänpolut kaunistaa;
Variksille pesät tehdä,
Marjat syödä metsämiesten,
Siman karhun suuta varten.
Ja kun sudet lasta vainoo,
Olla sille tuki ainoo.
Aamuin metsän haltijalle
Siman kokoon mahtavalle.
Isäntäni käskemänä
Torvehen saan toitottaa,
Pian ovat lähempänä,
Joit’ hän tahtoo komentaa.
Palvella saan emäntätä,
Liinat kaikki kehrätä;
Sukat kudon väsymättä,
Saunan panen lämmitä;
Vielä pikku linnuillekin
Siroittelen jyviä –
Vaivojani elämässä
Kertoa en voine tässä.
Nyt on seikka tämänlainen:
Tapioll’ on lapsia,
Poikia on sata vainen,
Tyttöjä yks’ tuhatta.
Kaikki ovat tyhmäpäitä,
Aivan vailla tietoja,
Mahdotoin on kestää näitä,
Jolleivät saa oppia,
Käydä oikein koulua,
Siellä sievistetyks’ tulla. –
Väsyneenä lapsihin,
Aikoo isäntäni mennä
Kanssa lasten kaikkien
Luokse vanhan Väinämöisen,
Saada sieltä neuvoja,
Ohjehia viisaita.
Mutta metsän läpi mä
Riensin tänne suksillani,
Noiden toisten edellä,
Ett’ ois yöksi herrallani
Hyvä paikka levätä.
Jälempänä herrani
Jyskehellä tulevi,
Hämeenkangas kai’un antaa,
Jonka tuuli tänne kantaa!
(Kuuluu torven toitotusta.)
Sijaa tehkää Tapiolle,
Väellensä mainiolle,
Palvelijoilleen kaikille!
(Tapio ja Mielikki seurueineen saapuvat.)
TAPIO.
Seis! Nyt levätkäämme tässä,
Täss’ on kaunis metsämaa.
Virvatulet hämärässä
Maata hiukan valostaa,
Metsänpiika meille on
Hankkinut tään asunnon.
Mielikki, sä kaunoinen,
Istu tälle kivellen,
Väsynyt sun ukkos tähän
Istahtavi kannon päähän.
(He istuvat).
No, nyt väki astukaa
Tänne, mulle kertokaa
Kaikki tämän päivän työ!
Kuu jo loistaa. Meill’ on yö.
ENSIMÄINEN HALTIJA.
Tuon kosken männyssä
Pesäni on.
Sitä hakkaamaan
Sai mies onneton.
Mut’ miehen mä nappasin,
Kumoon kappasin,
Löin kirveen kivehen
Kiemuksi varisten.
TOINEN HALTIJA.
Asun lähtenen luona
Mist’ hirvet on juon’na.
Sai sinne tyttönen
Juomista hakien.
Mä huomasin kyllä
Kuin heikko ol’ pieno;
Niin ämpärin täytin,
Sen tytölle näytin,
Ilo poskista hohti
Nyt minua kohti.
KOLMAS HALTIJA.
Tuo vuori on mun.
Kas, isäni kun
On kääpiö vainen
Ja äit’ keijukainen.
Mä kultia sain
Noin vaan hatullain.
Ne leskelle kannoin –
Näin köyhälle annoin.
TELLERVO.
Mä pensahikossa
Näin jänösen heikon,
Ja verta vuoti tuon
Jalasta veikon.
Mä rientäen juoksin
Nyt sairahan luoksi,
Mä sidoin ja hoidin
Ja haavoja voidin.
Näin apua annoin,
Ja lopuksi vielä
Hänet kotiin kannoin.
NYYRIKKI.
Kas, hangessa tuolla
Mä näin mehiläisen,
Mi koht’ oli kuolla.
Mä otin tuon jäisen
Ja säälien kannoin,
Mä huulilla hengiten
Lämpöä annoin.
Se virkosi, pienoinen.
Sit’ yhä suojaten
Panin sen povellen’.
TUULIKKI.
Tuoll’ orava oksalla
Iloisna rapsoi,
Mutt’ pyssymies metsässä
Nuolia kapsoi.
Mä myrskynä saavuin
Ja miestä mä löin,
Ja särin sen nuolen.
Sitt’ tuskin ja töin
Taas piilohon puikin,
Jo metsähän luikin.
METSÄSTÄJÄ.
Kuullos, rouva ihanainen,
Metsän maammo kaunokainen,
Kuullos tuota tyttö nurjaa,
Minua hän petti kurja;
Multa vei hän saalihini.
Lyö nyt häntä mielikseni,
Anna vitsan koivupuista
Pehmitellä ilkiluista,
Ettei toiste miestä pilkkaa! –
Vyölläsi sun kullat kilkkaa,
Avainkimppu helisevi,
Rikkauttas muistelevi.
Avaa aarre Tapiolan,
Anna metsäonni mulle!
Salli palvelijas soman
Soitatella iloks’ sulle,
Soitatellen viekoittaa,
Metsän karjaa kuljetella
Ympäriltäs tähän tiehen,
Onneks’ tämän metsämiehen.
MIELIKKI.
Pyyntös täytän mielelläni!
Metsänpiika, pikkarainen,
Käske karja kaikenlainen,
Sudet, karhut, teiret, metsot,
Kyyhkyt, kotkat, ketut, osmot; –
Ilvekset ja jänöt kanssa
Olkoot vielä saaliinansa.
(Metsänpiika puhaltaa koolle metsän eläimet.)
METSÄSTÄJÄ (ampuen eläimet, jotka kaatuvat hänen nuolistaan).
Metsänruhtinatar, sua
Ylistän, ett’ autoit mua,
Lahjas annoit runsahasti,
Kaikki kaadoin mieluisasti.
Nyt saa riemu tupahamme,
Pian pannut pihisevät,
Pian juomat kihisevät,
Pienimmätkin elukkamme,
Kärpänen ja heinäsirkka,
Tänään nimeäsi virkkaa,
Mielikkiä muistelevat,
Onneksesi huutelevat!
MIELIKKI.
Luuletko sä, metsämiesi,
Että surmaa tuopi tiesi?
Metsän nä’yt pettää voivat
Metsämiehet vallan oivat.
Ennenkuin sun paistis paistuu,
Nousee kaikki kaatamasi,
Metsänriista ampumasi
Jaloillensa; hallussani
Ovat jälleen ominani!
(Hän antaa merkin Metsänpiialle, joka puhaltaa pilliin. Kaatuneet eläimet heräävät eloon ja hyppelevät iloisina ympäri).
METSÄSTÄJÄ.
Oi, sä velho pettäväinen!
MIELIKKI.
Oi, sä narri tyhmäpäinen!
Verta vuotaa karjaseni.
Tullos pieni palkkalainen,
Tuo’os juoma hunajainen,
Virkistä’ös aarteheni!
(Metsänpiika tarjoo karjalle hunajata.)
TAPIO.
Ken rohkeni illalla loistosan yön
Mun kanssani ilkamoida,
Ja tehdä tuhoa tuottavan työn,
Mun karjani kassaroida?
Mull’ voimaa eikö ja mahtia myös,
Mi vallita voipi metsien yöss’
Ja hallita kankahat, kummut?
(Kuuluu rakeiden rapinaa ja myrskyn pauhua).
METSÄNPIIKA (nousee, eräälle vuorelle ja puhuu seuraavaa:)
Herra kuningas, kuulen rakeiden rapinaa ja myrskyn pauhua. Näen tummanpunaisia pilviä, joissa salamat välähtelevät – ja jotka avaruuksien läpi meitä lähenevät. Ne ovat tulevat vuosisadat, jotka saapuvat maahan, kaataen metsät ja karkoittaen meidät pois. Herra kuningas, pelkään, että valtasi on ohitse!
MIELIKKI.
Puhalla pilliisi ja karkoita tulevaisuus pois!
METSÄNPIIKA.
Ruhtinatar, minä puhallan turhaan; pillini ei soi! Meillä ei ole voimaa kukistaa tulevaisuutta. Uusi vuosituhannes astuu esiin. Paetkaamme!
(Kaikki kokoontuvat Tapion ympärille ja valmistautuvat lähtemään.)
TAPIO.
Viel’ honkien humina laajalla käy
Mun Suomeni suurilla mailla.
Ei kirvestä kirkasta korvessa näy,
Ei metsissä, kotkien mailla.
Toki tiedän, ett’ aika se tuleva on,
Kun pelloksi muuttunut linnani on
Ja lankuiksi metsäni uljaat.
Mut Tapio, metsien haltija, voi
Ei peikkojen valtahan joutaa.
Hän, mahtava, yhäkin askaroi
Ja honkien sarkoja hoitaa.
Hän lämpöä metsistä maahamme tuo,
Hän kosteutta kentille runsaasti suo
Ja kummukot ruoholla peittää.
Nyt kentältä tältä me poistumme pois,
Pois kauemmas metsihin maamme,
Jos paha tai hyvä tääll’ elämä ois,
Sen vihdoin kuulla me saamme.
Mut voima jos täällä ja valokin lie,
Mi Jumalan totuuden perille vie,
Niin seisovi Suomen maamme!
(Kaikki poistuvat).
Story DNA
Moral
The forces of nature, though powerful, are ultimately subject to the relentless march of time and human progress.
Plot Summary
Metsänpiika, a forest spirit, prepares a clearing for Tapio, the Forest King, and his family, who are seeking wisdom for their children. Upon their arrival, various forest spirits recount their good deeds, showcasing their harmony with nature. A hunter attempts to exploit Mielikki, Tapio's wife, for hunting fortune, but Mielikki tricks him, reviving all the animals he shot. As a storm brews, Metsänpiika foresees the 'future centuries' encroaching, a force she cannot repel with her magic flute. Tapio, acknowledging the inevitable transformation of his forests into human settlements, leads his family deeper into the wilderness, affirming his enduring role in nurturing the land and hoping for Finland's continued existence.
Themes
Emotional Arc
pride to resignation
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Zacharias Topelius was a prominent Finnish author and poet, writing during a period of rising Finnish national identity. His works often drew from Finnish folklore and mythology, intertwining them with themes of nature, morality, and the future of Finland. This play reflects a concern for the impact of human expansion on nature, a theme that resonates with industrialization and the changing landscape of the 19th century.
Plot Beats (14)
- Metsänpiika, a small forest servant, prepares a beautiful clearing for Tapio, the Forest King, and his family, while lamenting her humble duties and revealing Tapio's plan to seek wisdom for his foolish children.
- Tapio and Mielikki, with their entourage of forest spirits and children, arrive and settle down.
- Various forest spirits (haltijat) and Tapio's children (Tellervo, Nyyrikki, Tuulikki) recount their good deeds, such as protecting trees, helping a weak girl, aiding a wounded hare, saving a bee, and thwarting a hunter.
- A hunter approaches Mielikki, praising her and asking for abundant hunting fortune, promising to honor her name.
- Mielikki seemingly grants the hunter's wish, instructing Metsänpiika to summon all forest animals for him to hunt.
- The hunter shoots down many animals, believing he has received a great gift.
- Mielikki reveals her deception, stating that the hunter's path brings only death, and with a signal, Metsänpiika revives all the fallen animals.
- The hunter is enraged, calling Mielikki a witch, while Mielikki calls him a fool and instructs Metsänpiika to give the revived animals honey.
- Tapio questions who dared to cause destruction in his forest, as a storm begins to brew.
- Metsänpiika ascends a mountain and describes the approaching storm of 'future centuries' with dark red clouds and lightning, signaling the end of Tapio's reign.
- Mielikki urges Metsänpiika to blow her flute to repel the future, but Metsänpiika finds her flute powerless.
- Metsänpiika declares that they cannot defeat the future and must flee.
- Tapio acknowledges that his forests will eventually be cleared for fields and planks but asserts that he, as the forest spirit, will continue to nurture the land.
- Tapio and his family retreat deeper into the forests, expressing hope that if truth and divine power remain, Finland will endure.
Characters
Tapio
A powerful, ancient forest spirit with a commanding presence. He is robust and sturdy, reflecting the strength of the forest itself. His form is intertwined with nature, suggesting a deep connection to trees and the earth.
Attire: A tall hat made of pine needles, resembling a conical evergreen tree. His coat is crafted from spruce lichen (kuusennaava), giving it a shaggy, natural appearance. This attire blends him seamlessly with the forest environment.
Wants: To protect his forest, his children, and the ancient ways of nature. He seeks wisdom for his offspring and strives to maintain his dominion.
Flaw: His power is tied to the natural world, making him vulnerable to the encroachment of human civilization and the changing times.
He begins as a powerful, somewhat exasperated ruler dealing with his numerous, 'foolish' children. By the end, he accepts the coming changes and the decline of his direct rule, choosing to retreat deeper into the forest while still maintaining his essence and influence.
Wise, authoritative, protective, somewhat weary, and ultimately resilient. He is a benevolent ruler but also acknowledges the inevitability of change.
Mielikki
A beautiful and graceful young woman, embodying the gentler, nurturing aspects of the forest. She possesses an ethereal quality, suggesting a connection to the forest's beauty and bounty.
Attire: She wears blue stockings and red shoelaces, indicating a touch of vibrant color against possibly a more natural-toned dress. Her attire is adorned with golden bracelets and wreaths, signifying her royal status within the forest. Her clothing is likely made of fine, flowing natural fabrics.
Wants: To protect the forest's creatures and maintain the balance of nature. She also seeks to support Tapio in his rule.
Flaw: Her compassion for her creatures can be exploited, and her pride can lead her to play tricks on those who harm the forest.
She demonstrates her power and protective nature by tricking the Hunter and reviving the animals. She remains steadfast in her role as the forest's protector.
Nurturing, powerful, protective, and somewhat mischievous. She is quick to defend her domain and can be stern with those who disrespect it.
Metsänpiika
A small, nimble girl, light on her feet, reflecting her role as a diligent servant of the forest. She is likely slender and quick, able to navigate the woods easily.
Attire: Her clothing would be practical and simple, suitable for her tasks of cleaning and maintaining the forest. Perhaps a tunic or dress made of sturdy linen or wool, in earthy tones, allowing for ease of movement.
Wants: To serve Tapio and Mielikki, maintain the forest, and care for its creatures. She strives to fulfill her many responsibilities.
Flaw: Her small size and limited power, especially against the overwhelming force of future change.
She begins as a diligent servant, preparing a resting place for Tapio. She demonstrates her power to gather animals but ultimately realizes her limitations when facing the 'coming centuries,' becoming a messenger of the inevitable change.
Diligent, loyal, hardworking, humble, and observant. She is dedicated to her duties and her masters, but also perceptive of impending changes.
Nyyrikki
A young boy, likely sturdy and active, reflecting his role in the forest. His appearance suggests a connection to the practical aspects of forest life.
Attire: He wears a blue tunic (levätti), which is a traditional Finnish garment. He also wears a tall hat, either blue or red, indicating a distinctive, perhaps slightly mischievous, character. His clothing is suitable for moving through the forest.
Wants: To help the creatures of the forest and fulfill his duties as Tapio's son.
Flaw: His youth and inexperience, though he demonstrates good instincts.
He demonstrates his compassionate nature by saving a freezing bee, showing his potential for wisdom despite Tapio's initial assessment of his children as 'foolish.'
Compassionate, resourceful, and protective of small creatures. He shows kindness and quick thinking.
Tellervo
A light and delicate young girl, suggesting grace and gentleness. Her movements are likely swift and caring.
Attire: She wears a light, fine-hemmed shirt, suggesting a delicate and ethereal quality. Her clothing is simple but elegant, suitable for a forest spirit.
Wants: To alleviate suffering and care for the creatures of the forest.
Flaw: Her sensitivity to suffering.
She demonstrates her compassionate nature by tending to an injured hare, showing her potential for wisdom and kindness despite Tapio's initial assessment of his children as 'foolish.'
Compassionate, quick to act, and nurturing. She shows great care for injured animals.
Tuulikki
A spirited and active young girl, embodying the swiftness and protective force of the wind. She is likely agile and quick.
Attire: She carries birch twigs and wears a red silk scarf, suggesting a vibrant and dynamic character. Her clothing is practical for swift movement through the forest, perhaps a simple tunic or dress in natural tones.
Wants: To protect the animals of the forest from hunters and other dangers.
Flaw: Her impulsiveness, though it serves her well in this instance.
She demonstrates her protective nature by creating a storm to deter a hunter, showing her potential for wisdom and strength despite Tapio's initial assessment of his children as 'foolish.'
Protective, brave, and quick-witted. She acts decisively to defend forest creatures from harm.
The Hunter
A robust and capable man, accustomed to the outdoors and the rigors of hunting. He is likely strong and agile, but also somewhat arrogant.
Attire: Practical hunting attire typical of a Finnish woodsman of the era: sturdy wool or leather garments in muted, natural colors, possibly a fur cap or hood, and strong boots. He would carry a quiver of arrows.
Wants: To gain wealth and sustenance from the forest's bounty, primarily through hunting. He seeks to exploit the forest for his own benefit.
Flaw: His greed and arrogance make him susceptible to Mielikki's trickery and blind him to the true power of the forest spirits.
He attempts to exploit Mielikki's generosity for his own gain, only to be tricked and humiliated when the animals he shot are revived. He learns nothing from the experience, remaining a 'foolish' human in the eyes of the spirits.
Greedy, arrogant, self-serving, and easily fooled. He is focused on personal gain and shows little respect for the forest's inherent value.
Locations
Forest Clearing
A flat area within a dense forest, surrounded by large and small trees with birds perched on every branch. The ground is likely covered with forest detritus, moss, and possibly some exposed roots. As night falls, 'will-o'-the-wisps' (virvatulet) provide a dim, flickering light. The atmosphere shifts from serene to ominous with the arrival of Tapio and his retinue, and later, a storm.
Mood: Initially peaceful and magical, becoming tense and foreboding as the storm approaches and the future is revealed.
This is the central gathering place where Tapio and Mielikki hold court, listen to their children's and spirits' reports, confront the hunter, and ultimately decide to retreat from the encroaching future. It's the stage for the story's climax.