Translation of book 2 of: Den lange rejse.

Release date is 2024-08-12

Tuula Temonen and Tapio Riikonen

"Jäätikön poika: Tarukertomus Pohjolan jääkaudelta" by Johannes V. Jensen is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a young boy, who is the last hope of his tribe as they face the encroaching ice age, exploring themes of survival, identity, and the struggle against nature. He is deeply connected to the mystical tradition of fire-keeping within his lineage while wrestling with the limitations and expectations imposed by his community. The opening of the novel introduces us to the Boy, who sits by a flickering campfire amidst an oppressive darkness, maintaining the flames that are vital to his people. As he observes the restless sleep of those around him, we learn about his deep-rooted connection to his heritage and the conflict within him as he yearns for adventure beyond his prescribed role. The stark transition of his tribe's life, spurred by the increasingly cold and inhospitable environment, presents an impending challenge, leading him to contemplate their past migrations and the threat of extinction. In the midst of this turmoil, the Boy's internal conflict grows, as he battles his fate and the oppressive cold, setting the stage for his transformative journey ahead. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Helsinki: Kust.Oy Kirja, 1913