
A mysterious reef known as Pohjanpiltti haunts the waters off Merenkurkku, its sharp tip once a nightmare for sailors who saw its eerie glow on moonless nights. Legends speak of ships shattering against its hidden stone, of a phantom presence that turns calm seas into deadly traps. As the centuries pass, the reef seems to sink deeper, its menace fading into folklore, yet the fear it inspired still lingers among the coastal folk.
In the crisp autumn of 1595, a sturdy vessel sets out from Pietarsaari, its crew a mix of rugged seafarers and notable passengers. Among them is the affluent Hannu Hannunpoika Fordeel, a man who once lent money to the Swedish crown, and the stout, fiery‑eyed Pentti Pouttu, a farmer‑turned sailor whose resolve matches the rolling waves. Their journey toward the treacherous strait promises a clash between ambition, superstition, and the unforgiving sea, inviting listeners to taste the tension of an age when the unknown lay just beyond the horizon.
Language
fi
Duration
~2 hours (151K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2006-07-25
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1830–1903
A major voice in Finland’s 19th-century national awakening, this historian, professor, and statesman helped shape public debate as the Finnish language and identity gained ground. His writing and political work made him an important figure in the Fennoman movement.
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