
A remote village clings to the foothills of the Alps, its rugged peaks and deep valleys painted in vivid, almost reverent detail. The narrative opens with a sweeping description of towering porphyry cliffs, snow‑capped summits, and the quiet majesty of the surrounding forest, setting a tone that feels both pastoral and solemn. The landscape itself becomes a character, inviting listeners to breathe in the crisp mountain air and sense the timeless rhythm of rural life in 1857.
Into this scenery steps a young farmhand named Antero, barely in his twenties, whose modest attire and earnest eyes mark him as both humble and deeply reflective. He encounters a boisterous group of village youths who break into song, their laughter and teasing masking a subtle tension between faith, pride, and camaraderie. As Antero navigates their teasing and his own devotion, the story gently explores the clash between youthful exuberance and the weight of personal conviction, promising a thoughtful glimpse into the lives of those bound by tradition and belief.
Language
fi
Duration
~2 hours (133K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Tapio Riikonen
Release date
2009-02-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1840–1894
Known for lively historical novels for young readers, this 19th-century German writer also worked on the stage as an actor. His stories brought the past to life in an accessible, adventurous way.
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