ISSUE

4 Midnight Sun V O L U M E 2 7 October 2014

Quarterly Magazine for the Scandinavian Club of Regina The Written Sources Theme: Norse Settlement 1000 According to the Icelandic sagas ("Eirik Years Ago the Red's Saga" and the "Saga of the Members’ Matters 2 Greenlanders") [—-] the President’s Corner 3 Norse started to explore lands to the west of Editorial 3 only a few Theme articles 1, 5, 6, 7 years after the Greenland settlements Scandinavian News 4, 6 were established. In 985 while sailing from Upcoming Events 8 to Greenland with a Seeking Out The Past By Kari Mitchell

Back in 1960, Norwegian explorerChandra Helge IngstadMark discovered what looked like Norse settlement traces in L’anse aux Meadows at the northernmost tip of - 's youngest province. Over a period of seven years his wife Anne Stine Ingstad led the meticulous excavations of what turned out to be eight turf-walled structures, dating from the early 11th century.

migration fleet consisting of 400-700 settlers and 25 other ships [—-], a I remember the thrill of merchant named Bjarni the news when they Herjólfsson was blown found the soapstone off course, and after spindle whorl - proof three days sailing he that there had been sighted land west of the women among the fleet. Bjarni was only interested in finding his settlers from Greenland! father's farm, but he Such a small thing! But described his discovery easy to bring across the to who ocean, and necessary explored the area in to spin wool for the more detail and planted a Site of a "workshop and atelier" at L'Anse aux Meadows. weaving of the giant small settlement fifteen The view of the bay will not have changed much in a woolen sails for the thousand years years later. (Continued on page 7)

(Continued in margin of page 3) Online: http://scandinavianclubregina.com/Newletter.htm Exit Game Night Members’ Matters

Unfortunately, Fishy Fridays at the Freehouse we had to give up the Club’s Game Nights, due to low attendance. It is always a challenge to come up with ideas for activities that will appeal to enough people, and this one missed. But we will keep trying!

Norsk August event: Club Høstfest members enjoying the outdoors quiet before the storm. Norsk Høstfest, held in Minot, North Dakota, annually celebrates the turnout of 17 made the September comes to providing more seating for a culture and heritage of A Fishy Friday event one of the the growing crowd. Attempts have been the five Nordic best attended ever. Some members made to find a different place, with no countries of Denmark, have suggested we change the venue, luck so far, but we keep looking. Finland, Iceland, but the Cathedral Village Freehouse is Stay tuned on our Facebook and web , and . well suited for our type of arrangement, sites for news! and the staff has been flexible when it This year the event took place 30 Sep. To 4 Oct. Each nation is represented in one of Picnic Sunday in Candy Cane Park the halls in which the festival takes place, 44 (including Trygve the Troll) were and each named after present at the SCoR picnic on their country's capital September 14th. A good crowd on a city. The individual not exactly warm afternoon! styles of each Chefs Larry and Greg in action at the country's barbeques, preparing corn, burgers entertainment, food, and hot dogs. clothes, art, and jewelry can be found throughout Norsk Høstfest and also in the Scandinavian Heritage Park, the only park in the world The representing all five youngest Nordic countries. SCoR Never been there? member: Why not go next year! 3 weeks old.

2 SCoR Website http://www.scandinavianclubregina.com/

President’s Corner (Continued from page 1) The sagas describe This summer both our July MidSummer Fest and three separate areas August Corn Roast were cancelled due to rain. discovered during this We thus made one last attempt for a picnic in exploration: , September. Those who attended the cool which means "land of outdoors received an unexpected treat of roasted the flat corn. Thank you to those who helped put it all stones"; , "the together! land of forests", definitely of interest to Last spring, we started a monthly card/game settlers in Greenland night. After giving it a valiant effort, it has "folded". where there were few A big thank you to Mavis Debruin for graciously recoup the shortfall from trees; and , "the hosting this monthly event. Please let us know if membership fees. A big thank land of wine" (or as there is a particular activity you would like us to you to club member, Eldon suggested by modern try. We think Nordic knitting might be fun. Do we Jensen, and all of the Prairie linguists "the land of have a member willing to teach us this skill? If so, Rambler musicians, for meadows"), found please call me! As well, Kelly Nelson is in the providing us entertainment at a somewhere south of process of organizing a genealogy event. Keep bargain basement price! Markland. It was in posted for more information on this. We are also Vinland that the reviewing our scholarship policy and expect to Please join us for our Christmas table an amendment to our bylaws on this, at our party on Sunday, December 7th. settlement described in next AGM. A scholarship will be offered next fall, I anticipate our potluck dinner the sagas was founded. from our 2013 and 2014 steak night profits. Given will feature a delightful variety the success of the fundraiser we started 2 years of hot food once again. I hope ago, we intend to continue this annually, with to see many of you there, along proceeds going toward a scholarship fund. with children and grandchildren! We moved our October supper to the Caledonian We would really love to have Club this year, hoping to reduce our expenses. some help with organizing However, there was no way to break even without events. Please let our social increasing ticket price to $28. The price per plate coordinator, Larry Bristol, or any was almost $25, excluding entertainment and an of our board members know, if additional flat fee for coffee/tea. Nevertheless, the you would like to give us a hand. board voted to leave the ticket price at $25 and Pearl Baumgartner

Three of 's children visited the Editorial North American continent: his sons Leif online readers can click on the linked and Thorvald, and their words and get lots of background sister Freydis [main information about a person, a place, a character of Joan theme, or anything. There are also links Clark’s novel eaders of the to email addresses, so you can reach Eiriksdottir - editor’s R printed issue of SCoR contacts with email messages by comm]. Thorvald died Midnight Sun may simply clicking. This is an added value there. have noticed that to the content of the magazine which we Wikipedia certain words or are sure our members appreciate. It will phrases in the text are underscored and also mean a good deal less work in the have a different colour. This is due to the production of this publication - and we fact that you are holding a print version hope there will be an increase in the of the online magazine. The content is number of members who will prefer to exactly the same in both versions, but read the Midnight Sun online.

http://www.facebook.com/scandinavianclubregina 3 Record Number Living in Regional Iceland Carbon Capture Usage

Never before have as many Icelanders Engineers in Norway are experimenting lived outside the capital area, with a use for carbon dioxide new numbers from Statistics captured from the chimneys of Iceland indicate. It has often power plants -- feeding it to been said that an exodus of fish. people from more rural areas has been Carbon capture technology has Agreement on transpiring in recent years and the advanced rapidly in recent years, but Dual assertion that population growth is down normally the resulting emissions are Citizenship everywhere but in the capital region has pumped into vast underground been a popular one. This is far from the chambers. Instead, a Norwegian case, although certain regions are in a consortium thinks it can use the carbon Danes living poorer state than others, visir.is reports. dioxide to grow omega-3 fatty acids from abroad and (A) professor at the University of Akureyri algae. foreigners (—-), said in an interview with visir.is that After oil and gas, seafood is Norway's living in Denmark will about 92 percent of the nation lives in largest export. The country produces 60 soon be able to apply three growing areas of the country (—-) for dual citizenship. “Diverse metropolitan communities in On June 4, 2014, the Reykjavík and Akureyri support Danish government surrounding communities up to an hour signed a broad away, and in the east the counties of political agreement on Fljótsdalshérað and Fjarðabyggð form a dual citizenship with relatively diverse business and service the Liberal Party, the region ... The continued growth of these Socialist People’s areas must be insured, but they are not Party, the Unity List under any immediate threat,” he added. (the Red-Green Alliance) and the percent of the world's farmed Atlantic Liberal Alliance. The salmon. But farmed fish can't gain Minister of Justice will Omega-3 fatty acids the normal way - by introduce a bill in the eating algae and phytoplankton as they fall of 2014 which is grow - so it has to be added to their feed. expected to pass and (—-) By streaming CO2 through a tank enter into effect in mid containing seawater and 'algal mass', the -2015. Norwegians think it should be possible to Danes living abroad generate 300-400kg of oil per tonne of will thereby be able to CO2. As the algae grows, it's harvested, retain their Danish dried and then processed to get at the oil “Those communities which consist of citizenship when it contains. small towns and villages, far from each obtaining citizenship in The country's government has invested other, and far from service centers, (—-) nearly £600,000 in the idea, which will be the country they are those facing the greatest population immigrated into. Also, trialled at the Mongstad centre - the reductions (—-) A serious population world's largest test facility for carbon foreigners living in problem is affecting a small part of the Denmark will no capture and storage technology. nation. Therefore it would be relatively The experiment will run for five years, longer have to easy to respond to that in a focused and after which time a decision will be made renounce their original systematic way, if the will of the people is on whether the process is commercially nationality to become there, but for such actions popular viable. Danish citizens. support would be necessary,” (the wired.co.uk (—-) professor) said. Iceland Online Review (More in margin of page 6) Danish Embassy

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Vinland in Popular Fiction Picture credits

Not surprisingly, Vinland has provided inspiration to fiction authors as well as writers of scientific reports. The (see p. 1 ”The P.1: (Sod house, building Written Sources”) have been subject to analyses and commentaries in site) K.Mitchell; many written works. The popularity of everything ”viking”has resulted (Manuscript) Wikimedia; in e.g. the Canadian-Irish historical drama television series . (Spindle whorl) Univ.of We will take a look at a few fictional books dealing with the Norse Pittsburg; discovery of and the people involved in the drama P.2: (Guests) unidentified around that event. server at the Freehouse; (Picnic) K.Mitchell Many of the works of fiction fall into the Material like the story of the discovery category ”popular literature” which finds of North America and the settlement at P.3: (P.Baumgartner) a big audience and are normally easy to L’Anse aux Meadows T.Baumgartner; (Skálholt access. Within this category we find will typically feed book Map) The Royal Library, graphic novels - comic book style series writing. In this Copenhagen. publications. Ralph category we find The P.4: (Village) Iceland Cinque is an author Axe of Iron three book working in this series, written by fairly Online Review; (Fish farm) format, assisted by obscure author Jerry Eksportutvalget for fisk ten artists, one of Hunsinger. He develops P.5: (Doorway) K.Mitchell them Matt McKay of the story through the Ontario. The book volumes The Settlers, P.6: (Airplane) Scanpix Vinland: The Saga Confrontation and Assimilation, based P.7: (Pin) Univ of Pitts- of Leif Eriksson on his theory that the Norse settlers did burg; (Monument, rock chronicles the life of not disappear, rather they assimilated face) M.Mitchell the Norseman from with the natives of North America. his boyhood on Other: Public domain Greenland to the aftermath of his discovery of America. With a mix of historic facts and vivid fiction, such an illustrated story will bring entertainment (and enlightenment) to an audience enjoying the graphic novel format. Although it does not really deal with the Norse discovery of North America, it is natural in this category also to mention the manga (Japanese for comic art) publication , created by celebrated manga author Makoto Yukimura. This story is, however, set in England at the start of the 11th Doorway of reconstructed settlement house, L’Anse aux Meadows century, and deals with the Danish invaders of England. (Continued next page)

http://www.facebook.com/scandinavianclubregina 5 Swedish (Continued from previous page ) reader will still be airfares to get entertained by the cheaper in 2015 R.G.Johnston, resident of Groom Lake, plot and the lives of Ontario, has written two books his characters. developed around his knowledge of Vera Henriksen historical sources. does not fit the The first book, typical category of a Vinland the writer of popular Beginning, centres literature. She is an around the fictional award-winning Sweden is set to buck the characters Thorfinn Norwegian author of European trend of rising and his wife Gudrid, historical novels. In air prices with fares with close 1986 she wrote the expected to drop next references to facts book Runekorset: en year according to a new described in old saga om Vinland report. sagas. The second (Runekorset: a Saga The Global Travel Price book, however, Vinland Ragnarok: of Vinland). Her Outlook report carried out Twi’light of the Gods, brings a writings have not by travel management confusing mythological mishmash into been extensively company Carlson the story of the characters. translated into English, but those who Wagonlit Travel (CWT) are able to read the has revealed that flights Stuart W. Mirsky's depiction of Vikings Norwegian language originating in Sweden will in his book The King of Vinland’s Saga will enjoy her decrease by 0.4 percent. is a tale of first contact between two very different cultures as a small group novelization of the Scandinavian neighbours of take their first steps various sagas that Norway will also across the Atlantic - and into history. describe the viking experience a saving [—-]. Mirsky’s style is straightforward and to discovery and The two countries are the attempted colonization only ones in the study the point. Despite possible lacks of of Vinland. where cheaper tickets conventional literary qualities, the were forecast for 2015. By contrast, fares will rise in Germany and the UK. Global air fares are anticipated to rise says the report. Other Suggested Readings "In our region we have players like Norwegian In Midnight Sun no. 4 of These four books are all available at who are very active and last year we brought the Regina Public Library. that has driven prices news of the launch of Then there is down. That's been met by Anne Stine Ingstad’s book Birgitta Linderoth our traditional airlines, The New Land with the Wallace. She has especially SAS, with Green Meadows in written Westward some competition for English. Vikings; The Saga prices," Johan Wilson, Other books on this subject: of L’Anse aux managing director of : Westward To Vinland. Meadows which tells about Park CWT in Sweden. [—-] Canada’s excavations on the site in the The report also stated Helge Ingstad and Anne Stine Ingstad: 1970s and has lots of interesting that hotel prices will The Viking Discovery of America; the illustrations. increase in Sweden by Excavation of a Norse Settlement in 0.5 percent and globally L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland. And don’t miss club member Brenda by 3.6 percent. Niskala’s next book which will take us Joan Clark: Eiriksdottir ; a Tale of into this fascinating era! TT/The Local/pr Dreams and Luck (novel)

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.. Seeking Out .. (Continued from page 1) vowel sound) but vin (with a short The recreated houses ships used for their voyages. sound), an Old Norse word with the sitting a little distance meaning "meadow, pasture". Vin is away from the original The final proof found in old farm names in Norway. sites are interesting in that these Helge Ingstad in his writings prefers that they give an idea were really this interpretation. of what it could have Norse looked like when the settlements Norse men and women came with the unearthing of a bronze lived there. They are ring-headed fastening pin, well known not claimed to be from earlier archaeological findings, accurate - but certain e.g. in Greenland, and known to have modifications have to been used by men for fastening their be allowed in a modern cloaks at the shoulder. It was a -day facility like this. triumph for the archaeological We met expedition! knowledgeable people The name L'Anse aux Meadows looks The monument outside the interpretive in period dress - one of a bit confusing - a mix of French and centre was unveiled by Norway's Royal them had been a young English. I had read that it derives from couple in 2002. The centre provides lad in the village during the French L'Anse aux Méduses or lots of information through exhibitions the excavations and "Jellyfish Cove", but the visitors' and guided tours. There is a film knew the Ingstads well. brochure gives this explanation: theatre and a gift shop - and then of He was the son of The earliest recorded name for L’Anse course the opportunity to go outside Maud of whom Anne aux Meadows appears on an 1862 and look for ourselves. Stine writes and who French chart as Anse à la Médée or was the archaeologists' Seeing the now covered up much loved and “Medee’s Cove.” The name is probably excavation sites gave me an intense from “Medea,” the heroine of Greek respected bread- feeling of the double history of the maker! tragedy, after whom many 17th and place: the settlement back in the 11th 18th century ships were named. century - and the achievement of the What more to say? Go Settlements and shore stations were Ingstads, their co-workers and the there and see for often named after ships. After the villagers back in the 1960s to uncover yourself. It’s well worth English settled in the area the name what had so long been hidden. The the trip! was anglicized to its present form. The building sites themselves were like an bay in front of the village is still called adventure. Medee Bay. Knowing that this was the place where More name Leif Erikson and other Norse confusion(?): It was immigrants had arrived - most probably assumed that the with the intention of making this their "vin" part of the new home - made me feel a breath word referred to from a thousand years back. Why did ”wine”, and that they leave after just a few years? grapes were growing where the Norse Nobody knows for sure, but they did, explorers landed. The immigrants may and they seem to have taken all their well have made wine, but probably equipment away with them. The from berries. Squashberries grow in artifacts that were excavated were Newfoundland woods, and to an small things that could have been lost untrained eye they might be taken for in the grass or trampled into the dirt wild grapes. floor of the house, never to be found by Another interpretation of the name the owners who would no doubt have Vinland, is that the pronunciation of the been looking for them. These were not The Norse settlers will first syllable is not vín (with a long days of plenty. have seen this exact rock face!

http://www.facebook.com/scandinavianclubregina 7 Upcoming Events Roast Turkey dinner Fishy Friday at the Sunday, October 19th Freehouse at the Caledonian Curling First Friday of every month Club, 2225 Sandra Schmirler Way at 5pm at Cathedral Please Doors open at 5:30pm, dinner at 6pm Village Freehouse, Music by the Prairie Ramblers for one observe: 2062 Albert Street. hour, starting at 7pm No need to sign up - just turn up! We would like to remind Tickets: $25 per person (members & our members that non-members); children 10 & under: 1/2 Upcoming dates: Nov. 7th, Dec. 5th. guest numbers for price; children 5 & under: free catered events are

submitted one week in advance. The caterer SCoR Christmas Party will order the food and SCoR will be charged Sunday, Dec 7th accordingly. If you are at Whitmore Park United unable to attend an Church, 336 Durham Drive Share SCoR events event after you have 3:00 - 6:00pm with your family been included in the Back by popular demand: Potluck and friends! final numbers, the club supper! will have to bill you for Children's activities your meal. Presentation by Greg Swanson about Thank you for your his Nordic bike trip. understanding Follow us on for monthly details!

Midnight Sun Issue 4, Vol. 27; October 2014 Quarterly Magazine for the Scandinavian Club of Regina

2014-2015 Board of Directors Membership Fees

Family membership $ 30 President Pearl Baumgartner 306-761-0678 Single membership $ 20 Vice President Greg Swanson 306-586-9737 Membership starts January 1, expires December 31. Past President Kim Rathwell 306-531-9794

Treasurer Susan Bjorndalen 306-540-4637 Contact us: Secretary Connie Grasdal 306-359-1031

Directors Blair Hudyma 306-543-6084 SCoR contact email Kelly Nelson 306-584-2562 [email protected] Jamie Struthers 306-949-5608

Ingrid VanDusen 306-949-6064 Membership contact

Kelly Nelson , Phone 306-584-2562 Email [email protected]

Social Coordinator Larry Bristol, Phone 306-586-1799 Email [email protected]

Midnight Sun editor Kari Mitchell Phone 306-565-2450 Email [email protected]

SCANDINAVIAN CLUB OF REGINA Any views expressed in individual articles do not necessarily reflect the policies of the Scandinavian P.O.Box 37182, Regina, SK S4S 7K4 Club of Regina.