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The Old Country Newsletter – Big Announcements!
Your Weekly Newsletter From Sweden
Philip Hannes
November 15, 2024
Good morning!
It’s Friday, November 15th.
This week, we have plenty of announcements. First, I’d like to introduce you to my new co-editor, Hannes. You might recognize his name from one of our earlier editions, where he shared his family history and connections to the U.S.
With Hannes’ entry into the editorial room, we will be making a few changes. First up is a new segment of the newsletter, where we dive into the shared history of our two countries. You can find that segment at the end of this edition.
Other changes will include a greater presence on social media, allowing you, our readers, to share and discuss your stories. Stay tuned for that – and more!
As always, have a wonderful weekend!
Philip & Hannes
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Your Weekly Swede-ish
Attribution: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0
From Sweden to La-La-Land: Emma Stone
Did you know that Academy Award-winning actress Emma Stone has Swedish roots? Born Emily Jean Stone in Scottsdale, Arizona, the “La La Land” star has charmed audiences worldwide with her talent and wit. But behind the scenes, Emma’s family tree branches back to Sweden through her paternal grandfather, who was of Swedish descent. Known for her quick humor and down-to-earth personality, Emma embraces her heritage – at least that is what we tell us. Next time you watch one of her movies, remember there's a sprinkle of Swedish spirit behind that brilliant smile!
Statistics you didn’t ask for
Since 1876, Sweden has seen over 30 prime ministers lead the nation, reflecting a stable yet evolving democracy. Notably, Tage Erlander holds the record as the longest-serving prime minister, guiding Sweden from 1946 to 1969 during a period of significant welfare state expansion. On the other end, the shortest term was held by Ola Ullsten, who served from 1978 to 1979. Social Democratic Party leaders have dominated, serving for about 70 of the past 100 years, showcasing the party’s influence in shaping Swedish policy. The current leader, Ulf Kristersson, represents a shift with a center-right coalition government.
Sweden’s Equality Minister's Unusual Phobia: Bananas
Attribution: Lowelilliehorn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Swedish Equality Minister Paulina Brandberg (L) recently gained attention for a unique phobia—bananas. Reports from Expressen on Wednesday revealed that her staff ensures spaces she occupies are cleared of the fruit.
Emails obtained by the newspaper show that team members request, or even insist, that bananas be removed from areas Brandberg frequents, signaling the impact this phobia has on her work environment. The minister herself previously acknowledged this fear in an August 2020 post on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “I have the world’s quirkiest phobia of bananas.”
While some emails mentioned a severe allergy, Brandberg clarified that she simply dislikes bananas, and while “you could call it an allergy,” it’s more accurately a phobia for which she receives treatment. The story has prompted responses across the political spectrum. Social Democrat Teresa Carvalho voiced solidarity, admitting to sharing the same fear, while Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson criticized the publication’s focus, questioning its public interest.
Psychologist Maria Farm noted in SVT’s broadcast that although banana phobia is rare, it is considered a “specific phobia” that can be managed with therapy. Brandberg declined to appear on SVT to discuss the matter.
In other news
🎫 Mikael Damberg, the Social Democrats’ financial policy spokesperson, stated that the party may permanently halt all phone-based lottery sales following a widely publicized scandal involving unethical sales practices. The party's lottery operations are paused pending investigations, and Damberg emphasized frustration within the party, vowing comprehensive reforms to prevent future issues.
📰 Dagens Nyheter, one of Sweden’s leading newsletters, has decided to stop posting on the social media platform X due to concerns over its alignment with Elon Musk’s and Donald Trump's political ambitions and an increasingly extreme climate, according to editor-in-chief Peter Wolodarski. Other media outlets like Aftonbladet made similar moves last year, while SvD and Dagens ETC remain on the platform; The Guardian also announced a similar decision this week.
🏓 Table tennis star Truls Möregårdh, known for his Olympic success with a silver medal, faced off against the legendary Jan-Ove Waldner in an exhibition match – that you can view by clicking here. The entertaining encounter was featured in Carina Bergfeldt’s show, showcasing playful banter and impressive skills.
Would you like to feel closer to Sweden? A perfect way to do that would be to have a look at Swedish broadcasts, either current or past. SVT Play is an online streaming service provided by Sveriges Television (SVT), the Swedish national public television broadcaster.
To watch it, one has to be in Sweden – or have access to a VPN provider that can connect to a remote server located in Sweden. Like NordVPN, which sponsors this segment of the newsletter.
By using NordVPN, you can access what SVT Play has to offer – including current news, documentaries about emigrants, live broadcasts from nature events, and much more – by simply connecting to a server in Sweden. Follow the link here to get 74 % off for your first two years and three months (!) of usage. By doing so, you also help support the distribution of this newsletter.
The Notorious “Nytorgsmannen” Arrested Again for Suspected New Assault
Attribution: Udo Schröter, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In a development that has sent chock-waves through an appaled nation, the convicted sex offender known as the Nytorgsmannen has been detained on suspicion of a new assault in Hörby, southern Sweden.
Local news outlet Sydsvenskan first broke the story, with SVT later confirming his identity through sources. This arrest comes only months after the man’s conditional release in March 2024, despite warnings from correctional authorities about his high risk of reoffending.
Originally sentenced in 2022 to five years in prison by Svea Court of Appeal for a string of offenses, including seven rapes and multiple cases of sexual abuse, the Nytorgsmannen gained notoriety for recording his assaults, often involving unconscious victims in his Stockholm apartment. The news of his recent apprehension has shocked many, including previous victims who expressed their dread at this predictable turn.
According to reports, the latest incident involves a teenage girl from a care facility, whom he allegedly met outside a grocery store. The police have deferred additional comments to the prosecutor, who was unavailable due to court duties.
Journalist Jimmy Kirvesmäki, who produced a documentary on the offender, expressed no surprise at the new allegations, citing well-documented concerns about his potential for recidivism.
Word of the week
FRUKTANSVÄRD [FROOK-tahn-svehrd]
Legacy Lanterns – shedding light on the stories of the past
The Kensington Runestone: Were Scandinavians the First to Reach America?
Welcome to the first article in our new series, where we’ll explore significant historical events that connect Sweden with America. In upcoming newsletters, we’ll take a closer look at the journeys Swedish explorers, settlers, and pioneers made to the New World and the impact they left behind. From Viking expeditions to waves of 19th-century immigration, these stories weave a fascinating tapestry of our shared heritage.
When we think about our roots and Scandinavian heritage, we might picture Vikings, midsummer celebrations, or the long journey our ancestors made across the Atlantic. But what if there was evidence suggesting that Scandinavians reached America long before Columbus? One of the most fascinating and controversial artifacts in this debate is the Kensington Runestone—a stone found in Minnesota that, if genuine, implies that Scandinavians reached America in 1362.
The Story of the Kensington Runestone
The Kensington Runestone is a 92-kilogram slab discovered by Swedish farmer Olof Öhman near Kensington, Minnesota, in 1898. The stone’s surface bears an inscription in runes, the ancient alphabet used in Scandinavia during the Viking Age. This inscription describes a group of Norsemen and Geats from Sweden and Norway who allegedly explored and traded in America in 1362, only for their journey to end in tragedy when several members were killed.
The translated inscription reads:
"Eight Götar (swedes) and 22 Norrmän (norwegians) on an exploration journey from Vinland far to the west. We had camp by two sheds one day’s journey north of this stone. We went fishing one day. When we returned we found ten men red from blood and dead. Ave Maria, save us from evil."
This brief message would imply Scandinavians set foot in America more than a century before Columbus.
A Controversial Artifact
Is the Kensington Runestone a hidden key to medieval Scandinavian exploration, or just an elaborate hoax? That’s the question that continues to divide experts and enthusiasts alike. While local folklore in Minnesota cherishes the stone as proof of Norse explorers reaching America’s heartland in the 1300s, academics remain skeptical. Runologists and linguists, including renowned expert Helmer Gustavson, have repeatedly debunked the artifact’s authenticity, dating its inscriptions to the late 1800s, perhaps created by Öhman himself or others locally to add a romantic, Viking-era narrative to the region.
Some critics have highlighted that the runes and language on the stone don’t fully match known 14th-century runic inscriptions, containing a mix of modern Swedish and older language forms. Others have argued that certain inconsistencies could reflect unique dialects or regional styles challenging to trace today.
Adding fuel to the fire, Hollywood star Peter Stormare’s documentary series The American Runestone, which premiered on Viaplay in 2020, dives into the mystery with cinematic flair. Historians like Adam Hjorthén from Stockholm University quickly criticized the show for sidelining academic voices, arguing that it undermines rigorous scholarship by treating researchers as adversaries.
For many in Kensington, the story of the Runestone has become more than historical inquiry; it’s a cherished piece of identity that facts alone may never sway.
Were Scandinavians the First Europeans to Reach America?
Whether or not the Kensington Runestone is authentic, historical evidence confirms that Scandinavians visited America long before Columbus. Archaeological sites like L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland support that Vikings, including Leif Erikson, reached North America around the year 1000. This story is well documented in the Scandinavian sagas and we'll dive into that journey and its historical significance in the next edition of our newsletter!
The Kensington Runestone would, therefore, not be the only example of early Scandinavian presence in America. If real, it suggests later expeditions to explore or settle in the area. If it is a forgery, it still reflects the powerful cultural ties and curiosity linking Scandinavians and America, and our desire to feel connected to this intriguing history.
What Does the Kensington Runestone Mean to Swedish Americans?
For Swedish Americans in the Kensington region, the Runestone has become a symbol of our Scandinavian heritage and an emblem of a spirit of exploration. It reminds us that we are part of a long tradition of courageous explorers and that our ancestors, whether they traveled by Viking ship or steamship in the 19th century, shaped American history in profound ways.
Minnesota featured the Kensington Runestone to promote the state as part of the 1965 New York World’s Fair, a major international exhibition. The stone was prominently featured in Minnesota’s pavilion, showcased as a symbol of the state’s Scandinavian heritage and rich cultural history. This exhibit presented the Runestone as evidence that Vikings might have reached the region long before Columbus, adding a sense of historical mystery and intrigue to the state’s image.
The Kensington Runestone is now housed in the Runestone Museum in Alexandria, Minnesota, where it has become a local attraction and symbol of Scandinavian heritage. What do you think? Are you on the side of historians and linguists, or has the mystery and question marks surrounding the stone caught you in its grasp? Head over to our Instagram and cast your vote!