Astrid Lindgren II: The Brothers Lionheart.

The book Bröderna Ljonhjärta (in English ``the Brothers Lionheart´´) was published by Astrid Lindgren in the autumn of 1973 and has been translated into 46 languages. The book was written for children but some people think that it should be considered as heavy or dark genre book. This is because it talks, for example, about the meaning of death, the concept of disease, tyranny, betrayal and rebellion. The lighter themes are loyalty, courage and pacifism. A.Lindgren wrote the book to explain children some themes considered as taboo for the society. She received a lot of criticism from some people, for example, because they thought the book promoted suicides. But it also received a lot of praises from many other people around the world. That’s why ``The Brother Lionheart´´ is seen as a controversial book. 

After reading Pipi Longstocking, I wanted to read this book to try something different from Astrid. I was surprise.

Plot

Here we have two brothers who love each other more than any couple with children in the world. Their relationship is so strong that it is impossible to move them away. One of the brother is Karl Leon, a 9 years-old boy who is going to die soon because of his sickness. The other is Jonathan and he is the opposite of Karl. Karl is weak, small, sick and with crocked legs while Jonathan is a 13 years-old boy, tall with eyed-blue eyes and shining hair. He is brave and strong. Everybody would love to be like him.  

Jonathan Lion tells Karl stories about sagas and camp fires to make his brother forget about his soon death. He tells him about Nangiyala, a wonderful place where people goes after dying. It is a place where you can live adventures everyday. You can climb the trees and make a camp fire in the forest and sit by a small stream and fish, all those things you've longed to do so much. There is no one who tells you what to do or how to do it. Furthermore, there are still sagas in there.

One terrible day, a fire swept the house where they lived. Jonathan died when he attemps to save his little brother but he promised him to meet in Nangiyala. That's why people called him Jonathan Lionheart, because he saved his brother's life. After a while Karl will die too and they will meet in Nangiyala where they will live amazing adventures from morning till evening.

The brothers in Nangiyala

The book has to be read from a child perspective. The bad guys of the book are too evil. The leader of the bad ones is Tengil and he is probably as evil as Hitler was. His soliders, the tengilmen, do not have good feelings, they do not have morality, they only want to destroy the world of Nangiyala.

On the contrary, the good ones are too good. They are not strong but they are very intelligent. With their intelligence and cunning they will be able to pass through difficulties and will face the enemy. It is a story that all children want to read. I would say a little sad sometimes because the main character, who is Karl, is very pessimist and negative. But thanks to his beloved brother they will change his attitude and will become a Lionheart as well. I have to say also that the book has a lot of aspects of Nordic culture. For example:

• Jonathan is a blue-eyed boy with blond hair, tall and strong. He's the model of goodness and he's the clear representation of Swedish boys at his age.
• Karl's nickname is Skorpan (Rusky) since Jonathan likes these typical Swedish toasts or crusts.
• Katla, the Tengil's dragon, is the name of an active volcano placed in Island.
• Nangiyala is the spring in Sweden where everthing turns in green. There are roses, cherries, strawberries... There are beautiful lakes and hills... The houses are described as if they were cottages from Småland.

As you can notice, Astrid recieved a lot of influence from his beloved country. The book became so famous in Sweden than a film was made in 1977: Bröderna Ljonhjärta. The film was directed by Olle Hellbom and adapted for screenplay by Astrid Lindgren herself. In 1985 an extended version was made and it's been reguraly shown on TV. The film was recorded in Swedish and I've not been able to find the Spanish version but there's a version with subtitles in English.

The Brothers Lionheart is one of Astrid Lindgren's finest stories. A best-seller across the world and it is loved by generations of adults and children.

Harlem Shake at the Linnaeus University

¡Cooooon loooos terroristaaaaaahh!

Hej hej guys!
The other day, the international students from Linnaeus University decided to gather all together in front of the library to create a Harlem Shake. We recorded four different shots: in front of the castle, near the library, inside K-building and opposite Tufans coffee. Our idea was to merge all the videos to create a unique film of 30sec.

I have to say that, despite we seem like crazy, it was a really funny experience that I recommend to all of you. Can you guess who am I????

THE FIRST DAY WITH SNOW IN VÄXJÖ

Hej hej!!!

Today I was sleeping so well in my bed when I heard an SMS from my grilfriend that weaks me up. I read it and it said ''Il a neigé :D''. That means ''it snowed!''. I looke through my window and, yes, there was snow everywhere!! It was the first day with snow in Växjö  and it's been really joyful!

I quickly woke up, dressed me up and I met my girlfriend to go downtwon from the University. We were walking to enjoy the lake and to feel the snow in our faces. It reminded me when I do sky, it is always white everywhere you go.

When we arrived in Växjö, we went to have coffee and I bought a winter hat to protect my ears, it was really cold! Then we come back Uni and we saw our friends. We walked ICA (the main supermarket in Sweden) to buy the ingridients to prepare a Paella. It is Sunday and this Spanish tradition cannot ever be broken haha =)

While my collegues were preparing the Paella, I went to the library. There was a snow battle in front of the library. People was throwing snowballs each other and having a lot of fun! Of course, I joined them.

Then, some of my friends, my girlfriend and me walked to the castle to see the frozen lake. It was incredible. In only one night, the lake was completely frozen. We took some pictures of the lake and the castle.

After this, we went back home. Some of my friends and girlfriend went to eat a kebab but I went with my others friends to have a Paella. It was a very good Sunday and you know what?? It has not finished yet ;))

I can finally says that ''It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!''

GOD JUL =)

ASTRID LINDGREN

Astrid Lindgren is, without doubt, Sweden’s most famous and influential author of children’s literature. Astrid Lindgren lived a very happy childhood in the small town of Vimmerby in the province of Smalland. She loved to play and to live adventures around the house in which she lived with her family. These games were only interrupted by daily routine and the farm work. Her childhood was a happy one. Precisely, this childhood is the origin of her novels. They usually tell stories about the relationship between parents and children and they also contain deep reflections about the acceptation of our own fears and death. Their main characters live adventures, learn to solve situations and they all enjoy with funny moments (just as Astrid’s childhood).

Lindgren’s books were made and inspired by her children and, specially, her daughter. Precisely, the most famous book written by the author from which she gained the international admiration of the whole world was ``Pippi Longstocking´. Thanks to this book, Astrid Lindgren began to gain literature awards all over the world. She received the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, that it is considered as the Nobel Prize for children’s literature. However, her most important recognition was the creation of ALMA (Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award) by Swedish government to keep and inspire her work.

The famous Swedish writer Astrid Lindgren

Pippi Longstocking

All the main characters chosen by Lindgren have a lot of imagination and this fact allows them to play.I had a previous knowledge about Pippi Longstocking because I used to watch the famous T.V. series in Spain when I was a child. The Spanish name for the character is ``Pippi Calzaslargas´´ and I enjoyed a lot with her adventures.

The story was invented in 1941 when Lindgren’s daughter was sick and told her mother to tell a fairytale. Lindgren wrote the story which, later on, won the first place in an important award in 1945. From this moment, the book became famous and was translated into 70 languages all over the world. Many people (and especially in Europe) know about this little red-haired girl who is only nine years old and that lives alone in a big house with her monkey Mr. Nelson and her horse.

Pippi Longstocking, the book.

Who is Pippi Longstocking?

Pippi Longstocking is 9 years old and a red-haired girl who live alone in Villekulla Cottage in a small and traditional Swedish town of 1940. She has a mother who is an angel (she is dead) and a father who is a very important captain and the King of some cannibal people. 

Pippi is crazy. According to the author, she is the richest, strongest and brightest girl in the world. Pippi Longstocking breaks with all the ideals of how a girl should be and act in Sweden during that time. In addition, she has a very modern point of view of the family. She hopes for the arrival of her beloved father and,  and in the meantime, she has to live alone just as many children are living in the world today. The author is very contemporary.

Pippi is also the example of girl for the feminist movement during the XX century. She tries to free children of the oppression of adult’s norms, many times considered as male chauvinists. She is always for the weakest in society. Pippi also laughs at conditioned roles given by sexual reasons. There is no game ``typical for boys or for girls´´ according to Pippi.

Pippi Longstocking loves playing. It could be said that the game is the centre of her life. She loves playing when she has to clean, when she is having a tea, when someone wants to steal her, when she is at the circus… And she always gets what she purpose. This philosophy is very important for modern education in comparison to traditional one. On the one hand, the traditional education in the middle of XX century was focused on teacher’s authority and theorical knowledge. Students had to respect the norms and be quiet while the teacher was lecturing. On the other hand, Pippi breaks the rules in a very radical way. She barely respects the norms, she loves learning by playing and all the knowledge she acquires is thanks to practice. I still remember when Pippi visited school for her first time… She was always making questions to the teacher and she was behaving in a very ``bad way´´. But what is she supposed to do at school but making questions?

This last philosophy makes you think about children as children and not as ``little adults´´ (as they were considered during that time). Children needs to play, children needs to use imagination to create new worlds in their little minds. This imagination is, probably, the answer of many questions they have, and it is a way to forget about problems. Astrid Lindgren knew it, that’s why she put as much imagination as she could in her novels. This is, probably, the reason of her success. Pippi’s imagination is able to create new things from nothing. And it allows Annika and Tommy (her bestfriends) to discover other face of the world.

This thought is not too far away from modern education. Nowadays, to discover, to research, to have your own opinion and personality are the goals of modern education. This is what teachers fight for in the XXI century. Pippi is a clear example of a modern child who wants to learn by her own. As she always says ``If you don`t know, don’t think I am going to work it out for you´´.

Who are Annika and Tommy?

Tommy and Annika are Pippi’s best friends. They are the source of inspiration for many of the antics of Pippi. They belong to a traditional family who respect the old way manners. But they were also quite open as well, and let their children to play with Pippi (who was a bit dangerous for them). Tommy and Annika are the example of children in Sweden during the middle of XX century.

While you are reading the book, you realize that some events happen. You are not able to understand these events if you don’t know something about the Nordic culture. However, Astrid Lindgren didn't show a lot of ``Swedish typical culture´´ in Pippi's book but she did in the book she wrote after Pippi:

Mio and My son, Emil I Lönneberga, Världens bästa Karlsson, Kajsa Kavat or Noisy Village are a few examples. 

They have all made films about these books and they have became very famous around the world.

·

Det finns sagor och sägner som väl aldrig glöms bort
Om det goda mot onda, om de storslagna slott

Dom där spöklika platser känns så lockande så
Liksom faror som hotar just på lek men endå

Riddare och hjälte ja vad man än vill bli
Allting är så mjöligt med lite fantasi

Över kullerstenar, in i gränder
Vi smyger och vi strider
De hjältemodiga

Aldrig vet man vad som härnäst händer
Med planer som vi smider
De hjältemodiga
Äventyrarna,

Först en hjälte och sedan nu mästerdetektiv
Alltid kan man bli med en smula fantasi

Över kullerstenar, in i gränder
Vi smyger och vi strider
De hjältemodiga

Och planerna vi smider
De hjältemodiga
Äventyrarna,

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There are tales and legends, 
that never will be forgotten,

With good against evil and with magnificent castles,

This spooky place can be so temping,
Like dangers that threatens, sure it is a game but still...

Knight or hero, yes whatever you want to be,
anything is possible with a little of imagination

Over cobblestones, into the streets, we sneak and we fight... the heroics.
You never know what will happen next, with the plans we forge... the heroics.... The adventurers.

First a hero then a master detective, 
you can become everything with a little imagination


Over cobblestones, into the streets, we sneak and we fight... the heroics.
You never know what will happen next, with the plans we forge... the heroics.... The adventurers.

EDUCATION IN SPAIN

The next presentation talks about education in Spain. It's a summary of the Spanish education system. We try to explain to our international classmates how our education system works. 

Hope you can enjoy ;)

Education in Spain on Prezi

SPANISH POINT OF VIEW ABOUT SWEDISH CULTURE AND LIFE

  

INTRODUCTION

Sweden, the land of nature and cold winds in the northern Europe, is always seen as an adventure land for most of Spanish people who live in the warm places of the Southern Europe. A wild land full of vegetation and incredible landscapes create a special interest for many Spanish people who are got used to hot summers and constant sun. They can find something different, something colder. That’s the main reason why Sweden creates a special interest in them.

CLIMATE

Climate is Sweden is cold, rainy and windy. That’s why nature is one the most amazing attractions you can find in Sweden. Sweden is nature and nature is Sweden as well. There is a special relationship between them. Nature is considered as the base from which Sweden is built. Their fertile farmlands of Skåne, the pastoral countryside of Småland, their deep forests and island are one of the few examples of how important nature is for Sweden. It’s a land of vegetation, mountains, lakes and glaciers…

Swedish people know about this. They know how important nature is for the progress of their country. That’s why they preserve nature so hardly. There are sustainable cities planning across the country that helps to reduce the use of electricity, water, sewage and refuse.

Spanish climate is very different from Swedish one. This is because Spain receives influence from the Mediterranean Sea which is hotter than Atlantic. That creates a special warmly climate all over the year. But of course, there are differences from North to South because Spain is a land of contrasts in terms of climate. The Southern part is warmly all the year, the Middle part is too hot in summer and cold in winter, and the Northern part of Spain is warmly in summer and cooler in winter.

Spain is very similar with Sweden in terms of amazing views and landscapes. However, there isn’t so much vegetation. This is because Spain is located in the South of Europe where it rains but not so intensively. Plants need water and they compete for getting it. That’s how the Mediterranean forest appears. In addition, Spain is very mountainous and there is a great variety of vegetation from the North to South. Sweden has a lot of vegetation but constant. Spain, on the contrary, has less vegetation but there are a higher variety of trees and bushes from North to South.

Spanish people are not so deeply concerned with nature like Swedish. Most of Spanish people believe that it’s important to preserve the nature and its importance. However, they don’t take its beliefs into practise. At least, not the majority of them.

 

SOCIETY

Every country in the world needs a well-organized system for its own development. Sweden is solidly founded on democracy where everyone has the same rights and chances for living. Sweden entered in the EU because of its democratic system. In general terms, Spain and Sweden has a very similar organization in government. They are both a constitutional monarchy. The royal family has only representative and ceremonial functions. The king is the boss of the state. The most important person and he is conceived as a symbol of unity. The same situation happens in Sweden.

Democracy means ‘’power of people’’ in both countries. The real difference with Spain and Sweden is the way the society organizes the money. In Sweden, there are a lot of taxes people have to pay to maintain education, health care and social security. In Spain you must pay for having social security but not so much money. In my opinion, this is because Spain has more population than Sweden. Consequently, this also means more money and more resources. However, the Spanish system is not working in the last few years. Education and Health care are the most added institutions but it’s not enough. The state can ensure your education and Health Care until the age of 18. After this moment, you have to be enough prepared for getting a job and earn some money. Spanish education is good but is also expensive for a normal family. On the contrary, health care and social security is very developed and prepared to attend people. Spanish people pay a lot of money that goes to these institutions. Doctors are very well-prepared and their preparation is considered as one of the best in the world. However, medical facilities are not as modern as in Sweden.

From my point of view, Sweden society is much regulated. It’s very difficult to find some real problem that supposes an uncertainty for your future. You will be always insured. This situation doesn’t happen in Spain. Your future is insured but it also depends on your family income and the preparation you have gotten all over the years.

INNOVATIONS

There are really good Swedish innovations that have changed the world. The most three important are IKEA, SKYPE and THE ZIPPER. Of course, a comparison between Spanish innovations and Swedish ones would be a big mistake. Spanish innovations are also good for the rest of the world. A Spanish person invented the drudge for cleaning, and Zara firm is one of the most known clothing firms in the world, Santander bank is considered as one of the most powerful in the world... So these two nations are pretty similar one another in terms of innovations.

CULTURE

Spain and Sweden are two European countries. They belong to the EU and play an important role in the progress of Europe.  In general terms, European countries have many similarities in culture but also many differences. That´s why Europe is probably the most varied continent with the highest number of countries in such a small area. It´s important to know that you can´t judge a culture from other cultural mentality. This is because prejudices make you a closed mind person. It´s important to free your mind and be open towards others way of life and other culture.

Spanish culture is similar with Swedish culture in some aspects. We all defend the individual’s rights; we are both considered as an individualistic society and its consequences. We all have more similarities than differences but it´s important to know what make us different:

1    Spanish people like to enjoy their life in the street. We are considered as ``the culture of the sun´´. We love to enjoy the sun if we can and if the weather is good. We are seen as ``happy people´´ who love to enjoy their life. However, Swedish people usually live their lives at home. This is because the weather many times doesn’t allow going out.

2
     Spanish people are considered as very friendly and talkative people. We love talking and meeting new people. Do not be scared if we talk with you while you are waiting for the bus. We love talking about the weather, about the family, about football, in the bus station, in the street, in the underground, in the kitchen… On the contrary, most of Swedish people prefer to be silent if there is nothing to talk about. And they do not even think in talking with someone they don´t know.

3    Spanish time for food is very different compared with the rest of the world. We usually eat at 2:00 p.m. and have dinner at 9:00 p.m. while Swedish people eat at 12:30 p.m. and have dinner at 7:00 p.m. This is very weird for me and it´s probably the most difficult think to change.

4    In terms of literature, Spain has experienced two golden centuries in literature. There are many good books which are considered as truly treasures. ``El Quijote´´ (Miguel de Cervantes), ``Rimas y leyendas´´ (Gustavo A.Bequer) are one of the many examples in the history of Spain. However, Swedish literature is not so important in the international world. But It doesn´t mean they are bad writers. There are many good books like Pippi Longstocking which is known internationally.

     In terms of music, we can find a lot of differences. Spanish music is made with the Spanish guitar. Flamenco, Rumbas, Gitaneo are very famous in Spain for their joy in the rhyme. Swedish music is more Indie Rock and Roll and Pop. Sweden is also one of the biggest export nations of music in the world. Lately, Swedish are creating very good electronic music as well.

To conclude, Spain and Sweden are very similar one another. But, at the same time, they are very different. We don´t have to compare if Swedish culture or Spanish culture is better than the other one. We must know them; we must learn with them and try to get the good things for each one. That will make you an open-minded person and make you understand better the way of life of each culture.

  

This is Sweden!

I can´t start speaking about my experience before informing myself. I´ve been looking for some general information about Sweden and this is what I´ve found: usefull information to know before going!

GEOGRAPHY

Sweden is the fourth largest country in Europe. Its area is more or less equal to that of Spain or the state of California. Sweden is located so far north in Europe that the Artic circle cuts through Lapland. The Atlantic Ocean gives Sweden a quite mild climate. In Växjö, winter temperatures can drop to -20º C but are generally just above or below the freezing points. The wind often adds to the chill fators. Warm and windproof outdoor is essential during winter.

More than a half of the land area is covered by forests. Just a few area, less than 10% is farmland. The distance from north to south measures 1,600km. That means there are a great variation in terms of climate, wheater and water formation.

POPULATION

Sweden has a population of 9 million. The majority of them live in cities and urban areas. More than a third live in the three largest cities, Stockolm, the capital, Gothenburg and Malmö. In general terms, Sweden was ethnically homogeneus with the excepcion of Sami people. But with globalization things are changing. In terms of government, Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a chamber parliament, the Riksdag. The Riksdag consists of 349 members elected every 4 years. At the beginning of the XX century, the Swedish economy was agrarian and very poor. However, a rich domestic supply of iron ore, timber and water power, clever engineers and skilled workers led to rapid industrialisation. Sweden is now a modern welfare state. 

SWEDISH FLAG

The flag in Sweden is a Scandinavian Cross that extends to the edges of the flag. This Scandinavian cross represents Christianity. The design and colours of the Swedish flag are belived to have been inspired by the present Coat of arms of Sweden of 1442, which is blue divided quarterly by a cross pattée of gold, and modelled on the Danish flag. Blue and yellow have been used as Swedish colours at least since king Magnus Birgersson´s royal coat of arms of 1275.

According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colours.

- Blue colour represents vigilance, true, loyalty, preseverance and justice.

- Yellow colour represents generosity.

SWEDISH NATIONAL ANTHEM

The anthem is called ``Du Gamla du Fria´´.

GEOGRAPHYCAL MAP  AND IMPORTANT CITIES

THE SWEDISH LANGUAGE

Sweden belongs to the North Germanic branch of the Germanic languages. In addition to those living in Sweden today, about 300,000 people in Finland and 300,000 Swedish immigrants in the USA and Canada speak Swedish.

Swedish is very similar to Danish and Norwegian, and speakers of these two languages also understand Swedish. English is taught as a second language is Sweden, and most Swedes speak and understand English.

EDUCATION

Nine years of school are compulsory for all children from the age of 6 or 7. About 98% of all students go on to the upper secondary school, which offers both vocational and academic programmes. Women make up about half the student population, and a large number are students over 25. More than one-quarter of adult Swedes have some post-secondary education.

This is all I got! See you soon Sweden!! :)))

Welcome / Bienvenido

Hello everybody,

I have made a blog in oder to talk about the experience I´m having next fall in Sweden. This blog has a unique purpose: to make you know how my life is going in this amazing and spectacular country.

It was incredible when I first discover that I´d gotten an Erasmus scholarship to Sweden, I couln´t believe it! Firstly, I wasn´t concious of the moment and gradually I realized that was true.

Being a Erasmus is totally a dream in my academic life. When I was y a student at school I dreamt with bein and living in a foreign country. I dreamt with studying abroad. Now, those dreams become reality and I can´t wait to go!

What am I going to talk about in this blog?

- Travels.
- Parties.
- Experiences at university.
- Families.
- Friends.
- Anecdotes.
- Feelings...

I hope you enjoy with what I write!

Best regards!

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¡Hola a todo el mundo!

He hecho este blog para hablar sobre mi experiencia que en Suecia el próximo otoño. Este blog tiene un único propósito: hablar sobre mi vida en este espectacular país.

Fue increible cuando descubrí que había conseguido una beca Erasmus a Suecia... ¡No me lo podía creer! Al principio no era consciente del momento pero poco a poco me fui dando cuenta de que era verdad.

Ser un estudiante Erasmus ha sido siempre un sueño a conseguir en mi vida académica. Cuando era un estudiante en mi colegio soñaba con conseguir una beca erasmus para poder estudiar en el extranjero. Ahora estos sueños son realidad  y estoy deseando ir... ¡Que ganas!

¿De qué voy a hablar en este blog?
- Fiestas.
- Viajes.
- Experiencias en la Universidad.
- Familia.
- Amigos.
- Anédotas.
- Sentimientos...

Espero que podaís disfrutar tanto como yo y sintaís lo que yo voy a sentir.

¡Un fuerte abrazo!