
A poor but spirited girl wanders the forest, clutching a simple loaf and a sacred bow. When she meets the kind-hearted Annika, she learns of a strange prophecy that speaks of a lost queen and a kingdom waiting for a brave soul. Armed with a magical arrow and a veil over her eyes, she sets off toward an uncertain fate, dreaming of a glittering crown and a silken dress.
Along the way she encounters a host of eccentric figures—a mischievous witch named Tähkimö, a sly fortune‑teller Musta‑Mirja, and a chorus of forest creatures that both aid and impede her progress. The promise of winning a princess and half a kingdom fuels her determination, even as she must outwit jealous rivals and navigate enchanted obstacles. The tale blends classic fairy‑tale wonder with lively folk humor, inviting listeners into a world where courage, wit, and a touch of magic may yet rewrite a humble girl’s destiny.
Language
fi
Duration
~1 hours (90K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Tapio Riikonen
Release date
2020-07-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1873–1948
Best known for lyrical poems rooted in Finnish countryside life, this writer brought warmth, music, and everyday feeling into early 20th-century literature. He also wrote plays and stories, earning a lasting place in Finland’s literary history.
View all books