Sámi Epic Poetry Critiques Sweden’s Treatment of Indigenous People
Sámi writer Linnea Axelsson’s AEdnan: An Epic uses poetic form to expose Sweden’s historical oppression of the Sámi people. Through multigenerational storytelling, Axelsson portrays the dispossession and assimilation of the Sámi into Swedish society, highlighting the loss of language, culture, and land. The poem reflects on the impact of forced assimilation on individual lives, delving into the complexities of identity and memory within the Sámi community.
Axelsson’s unique approach to epic poetry challenges traditional narratives by focusing on historical tragedy and everyday experiences rather than heroic exploits. She explores the struggle to preserve cultural heritage amid colonial pressures, using language as a tool for resistance and resilience. AEdnan navigates the tensions between borrowed language and authentic expression, embodying the dualities of Sámi history and contemporary struggles for recognition.
Through poetic form and narrative structure, Axelsson crafts a powerful critique of colonialism and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Sámi people. AEdnan invites readers to reflect on the complexities of cultural survival and the ongoing quest for voice and representation in the face of historical erasure.