Norway Ask Blog

No reason...

I heard Disney was inspired by sami culture, but they are not sami, the are called "Northuldra" I believe?

I do think it's cool though that this was the first Disney movie that got a sami dub! (I could be wrong, but that's what I heard)

Wow, its been a loooong time since I saw it, so I dont remember much. I went to watch it at the movies with another sámi friend of mine actually!

We actually really enjoyed the movie. I can definetively tell which parts of Sámi culture they were inspired by. Me and my friend laughed soooo hard at the name "Honey-Maren" which is poking (light-hearted) fun at how Sámi people usually have double names (me included lol). Kinda wished they didn't make their clothes so dull though, because we are known for loving vibrant colors.

We were both raising a stroooong eyebrow at the whole story about the dam in the beginning... because if you didn't know the story is based on the Alta conflict which took place in the 1980s (read more about it here). But I think they handled it nicely.

Of course, making Elsa and Anna half-Sámi themselves was CLEARLY something they decided after the first movie. Their whole designs are very much based on ethnic Scandinavians (including their mom). They are also so different from the other Northhuldra. Then again, Kristoff is also supposed to be Sámi, but from a different tribe I guess?

Honestly, nowadays Sámi people are so mixed you can't always tell who is Sámi and not. I look kinda "ethnic" (short frame, high cheekbones, brown eyes and epicanthic folds) But my brother is blue eyed, blonde and very tall. Both of us are equally Sámi!

(There is also a huuuuge debate in the Sámi community about how much genetics matter anyway, but I am not opening that can of worms rn)

In the end, seeing little Sámi girls be so excited and proud about Elsa being Sámi makes me so happy. The only thing close to representation I had growing up was the Disney movie "Brother bear"... but it takes place at a completely different continent since it is based on native American culture. I find that are a lot of similar traits between the cultures tho-

Also, I found this old sketch I made after watching the movie! Guess I was a fan of ElsaxHoney-Maren haha!

I could not help myself but to draw Sápmi with his little boys, though I know not everyone agrees that he would have discovered them first. Some people think it should be Scandinavia, and thats fine!

In the end it all goes back to the discussion whether or not the Sámi people are really the first people of northern Norway, Finland and Sweden. Who came here first? We will probably never know.

But in my mind, Sápmi found them first. However, Sámi people do not believe you can own land or water. We can only borrow it. Therefore it was not in his nature to keep them once Scandinavia laid claim on the northern territories.

If you have the time I want you to listen to this sámi song, a «joik» performed by Lávre to (and with) his great- grandfather (his Máttaráddjá).

Máttaráddjá is also the name of a mythical bear ancestor of sámi people, who had 3 sons. So I thought it was fitting for this piece.

Oooooh this is such a loaded question...

Personally I do not have a problem with it. I mean, if you have the chance to wear one, likely its because you have been invited to by another sami person (because how else will you have access to it anyway?). And I like sharing cultures, I have been invited to wear the kimono when I was in Japan and I thought it was such a beautiful experience. It would be hypocritical of me to then refuse the same from others

HOWEVER!

This is just my opinion and many sami people do NOT feel the same. Especially the older generation. It's understandable, because of the sensitive history and how precious the garment is to us. Not to mention how it is still today worn as a political symbol.

In the end, it is the person who wears the garments decision. So if you are willing to make such a controversial choice then go ahead, but you must then be willing to stand for it and potentially offend some people.

Sapmi might just have a sliiiiiight preference for his boys…

Poor Denmark is just trying his best to get to know him better. But sadly, we are not exactly known to be super warm and welcoming in the beginning. But once you get to know us, you are considered family!

Anyway, found this sketch sitting in my files just rotting away so I thought heck! Ill just finish it! Especially since it was the Sami national day recently!

I felt like you guys just need cute baby norway and sàpmi without the angst, so here you go!