And When They Got Home, There Was a Hook In The Door!

In Swedish, we're doing a unit on myths and legends. We've been reading a book called "När djävulen hoppade från kyrktornet" ("When the Devil Jumped From the Church Steeple"), which is very obviously aimed at the 13-15 year old set. Lots of jokes about urination and sex, but slightly (although only slightly-- this is, after all, Scandinavia)) veiled. I've actually really enjoyed reading these stories despite the urination and sex (I'm gunning for a huge number of hits on my blog. I figure a constant repetition of the phrase "urination and sex" will mislead a lot of people in here), because the stories are written in a very informal tone. I like having the chance to get a better feel for the way Swedes might talk at the dinner table (although I assume they aren't talking about urination and sex. But I suppose I don't really know.).

Today our assignment was to tell each other urban legends (vandringshistorier) in Swedish. It was like being back in Girl Scout camp, telling stories about Three-Fingered Willie. It's interesting how many of these stories are essentially the same from culture to culture.

My American readers will surely remember the Alvin Schwartz collections "Scary Stories to Tell In The Dark". These were some of my favorite books as a youngster. I loved the creepy drawings and the explanatory sections sprinkled in, giving a cursory explanation of the origins of certain legends. I think I'm going to bring my Swedish teacher my copies to borrow. She told us that she loves urban legends and has several books discussing them.