Norway Ask Blog

Mainly a Norway appreciation blog, but there’s a high chance of other nordics appearing. I can’t seem to let go of hetalia, send help. Hit me up at PM if you want to chat!

[pafniii]

Please listen to Kaffivisa by Tiriltunga for added effect

[askanordic]

*sends 1 t of butter to Norway*

Y'all have seen this post, right?

[saltlakris]

I remember some years ago I saw someone make a zine I think? And the zine (if I remember it correctly) was supposed to uplift indigenous artists and show their talent through this zine. And I vaguely remember someone in the comments asking if sami people were welcome to join this zine. And I remember the creator commenting something back about how this zine was for only indigenous people who are not white (or something like that, I don't remember the exact words so please forgive me). I remember being so baffled by this response…I wanted to say something, but at the same time, I am not sami so I feel like I shouldn't speak over a community I am not part of. This person was from the US I think, so of course, I do know that different countries (and even different schools) teach different subjects, and we don't all learn about the same history. That I can acknowledge. But to me it was such a weird response, because why would you make a zine for indigenous people, but then shut out certain indigenous people? As a person who knows sami history, I would have never shut out someone with sami heritage from a project that is supposed to uplift indigenous voices.

But again, I am not sami, so I just wanted to hear your thoughts on all of this💭

Discrimination based on skin colour? Wow, where have I heard that one before...

No but seriously, sounds like these people are looking for validation through the exclusion of indigenous people they deem unfit to their narrow world view. They have created this narrative that you cant be racist against white people, and in order to keep this ethos they must therefore exclude anyone that doesn't uphold it. Interesting that they are trying so hard to unite people facing discrimination with their own kind of discrimination. In a sense, they are effectively carrying on the legacy of their oppressors themselves.

Regardless, we dont need their validation, our heritage and belonging is validated every day through our community and culture. I feel sorry for these people that have convinced themselves that their skin tone somehow creates a stronger sense of belonging than cultural practices and connections do.

[askanordic]

Just curious, what languages do you all speak? And how difficult is it for you guys to learn a new one?

The character Sápmi by the wonderful @saltlakris!

[bombadilberry]

Mathias and Baby Emil

[nordickies]

What your favorite Nordic says about you

🇩🇰 Denmark = You're depressed and cope with difficult emotions through this one fictional character

🇸🇪 Sweden = You had an absent father figure growing up, or you grew up in an unstable home. You’re also autistic

🇳🇴 Norway = You're hypersexual and have fantasies about pretty boys

🇫🇮 Finland = You're transmasc

🇮🇸 Iceland = You're non-binary, aroace, or both. You had/have an emo phase

[saltlakris]

[saltlakris]

why is ur askblog flagged as Sensitive Content

No reason...

Iykyk

[saltlakris]

what are your thoughts on frozen 2?

I heard Disney was inspired by sami culture, but they are not sami, the are called "Northuldra" I believe?

I do think it's cool though that this was the first Disney movie that got a sami dub! (I could be wrong, but that's what I heard)

Wow, its been a loooong time since I saw it, so I dont remember much. I went to watch it at the movies with another sámi friend of mine actually!

We actually really enjoyed the movie. I can definetively tell which parts of Sámi culture they were inspired by. Me and my friend laughed soooo hard at the name "Honey-Maren" which is poking (light-hearted) fun at how Sámi people usually have double names (me included lol). Kinda wished they didn't make their clothes so dull though, because we are known for loving vibrant colors.

We were both raising a stroooong eyebrow at the whole story about the dam in the beginning... because if you didn't know the story is based on the Alta conflict which took place in the 1980s (read more about it here). But I think they handled it nicely.

Of course, making Elsa and Anna half-Sámi themselves was CLEARLY something they decided after the first movie. Their whole designs are very much based on ethnic Scandinavians (including their mom). They are also so different from the other Northhuldra. Then again, Kristoff is also supposed to be Sámi, but from a different tribe I guess?

Honestly, nowadays Sámi people are so mixed you can't always tell who is Sámi and not. I look kinda "ethnic" (short frame, high cheekbones, brown eyes and epicanthic folds) But my brother is blue eyed, blonde and very tall. Both of us are equally Sámi!

(There is also a huuuuge debate in the Sámi community about how much genetics matter anyway, but I am not opening that can of worms rn)

In the end, seeing little Sámi girls be so excited and proud about Elsa being Sámi makes me so happy. The only thing close to representation I had growing up was the Disney movie "Brother bear"... but it takes place at a completely different continent since it is based on native American culture. I find that are a lot of similar traits between the cultures tho-

Also, I found this old sketch I made after watching the movie! Guess I was a fan of ElsaxHoney-Maren haha!

[saltlakris]

I could not help myself but to draw Sápmi with his little boys, though I know not everyone agrees that he would have discovered them first. Some people think it should be Scandinavia, and thats fine!

In the end it all goes back to the discussion whether or not the Sámi people are really the first people of northern Norway, Finland and Sweden. Who came here first? We will probably never know.

But in my mind, Sápmi found them first. However, Sámi people do not believe you can own land or water. We can only borrow it. Therefore it was not in his nature to keep them once Scandinavia laid claim on the northern territories.

If you have the time I want you to listen to this sámi song, a «joik» performed by Lávre to (and with) his great- grandfather (his Máttaráddjá).

Máttaráddjá is also the name of a mythical bear ancestor of sámi people, who had 3 sons. So I thought it was fitting for this piece.

[saltlakris]

He is a little camera shy-

[saltlakris]

I just have a question (I'm norwegian btw but I'm writing in english so everybody can understand) how do you feel about non sami people wearing kofte/gákti? (not as a costume but in a respectful way, I don't think anyone should use cultural traditional clothes as costumes)

Oooooh this is such a loaded question...

Personally I do not have a problem with it. I mean, if you have the chance to wear one, likely its because you have been invited to by another sami person (because how else will you have access to it anyway?). And I like sharing cultures, I have been invited to wear the kimono when I was in Japan and I thought it was such a beautiful experience. It would be hypocritical of me to then refuse the same from others

HOWEVER!

This is just my opinion and many sami people do NOT feel the same. Especially the older generation. It's understandable, because of the sensitive history and how precious the garment is to us. Not to mention how it is still today worn as a political symbol.

In the end, it is the person who wears the garments decision. So if you are willing to make such a controversial choice then go ahead, but you must then be willing to stand for it and potentially offend some people.

I'm not saying this to discourage anyone, but I think its important to keep in mind

[saltlakris]

Sapmi might just have a sliiiiiight preference for his boys…

Poor Denmark is just trying his best to get to know him better. But sadly, we are not exactly known to be super warm and welcoming in the beginning. But once you get to know us, you are considered family!

Anyway, found this sketch sitting in my files just rotting away so I thought heck! Ill just finish it! Especially since it was the Sami national day recently!

Lihkku beivviin!

[strawberisapphic]

everyone has a ship thats just: theyre perfect. they hate each other. theyre married. they havent spoken in 15 years. they have date nights three times a week. theyre divorced. theyre pining, its unrequited. its requited. theyre starcrossed. theyre meant to be. theyre doomed by the narrative. they love each other. theyve never held hands. they wont stop making out at parties. they cant look each other in the eye

[ingasolja]

Shame and understanding & memories

I just had to draw @saltlakris’s beautiful Sápmi oc!! Thanks for letting me draw him! :)

[saltlakris]

I love this so much! The fabric we wrap around our feet is like 3 meters long, and its super hard to tie it perfectly on your own. It's very common for friends (and your parents) to tie them for you!!

This is such a tender moment i cant

I'm dying

Bye

[saltlakris]

I felt like you guys just need cute baby norway and sàpmi without the angst, so here you go!

(also i am working on stuff but theres been some problems with moving so its gonna be delayed, sowwy)

[ingasolja]

Kongen han stod pá høyen lofts’ sal. han sá seg ut sá vide, til ute pá den grønne vol. der såg han herr Sigur’ å ri’e. - Sigur’ voge Live fer Jomfrúa. -

Happy birthday to my fellow Norwegians🇳🇴🎉 Hope you guys who celebrate it have fun - I’m going to work, rød dag med ekstra lønn vettu😂