Hej, everyone. As it is apparent, I am proud for being Swedish. So I would like to promote a bit cultural awareness and diversity (as my fine land is known for) by posting a quiz about my land.

As is usual in these games, all who answer correctly shall receive either points or “bragging rights”, as it is called. But remember, Swedes prefer that one is humble...

The amount of points which you receive will vary, though I promise that you shall receive at least 4 points for a correct answer. The amount you receive depends on how well you answer. I would like details. And I will reward you with double points if you can answer correctly in Swedish (though some answers may not have need of translation. No bonus for those).


The first question is this:

Sweden is homeland to one of the most successful athletes in sport history.
This athlete retired considerably early, after claiming multiple championships in their sport. This athlete is the only in their sport to have competed in both the women’s and “men’s” circuits. Who is this famous Swede?

Is the answer Annika Sörenstam?

Mr Gus led Sweden to victory in both the Olympics and the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships in 2006, earning him the Swedish Coach of the Year award in that year, too.

 

 

Goal! 5 points for you, Doctor.

Next question.

The Swedish national icehockey team’s sweaters feature a prominent Swedish symbol. Can you tell me the name of this symbol, and what it represents?

Is it the Tre Kronor (Three Crowns)?  Which is a national emblem of Sweden, present in the Coat of Arms of the Realm of Sweden, and composed by three yellow or gilded coronets ordered two above and one below, placed on a blue background.

The emblem is often used as a symbol of authority by the Swedish government and Swedish embassies around the world, but also appears in other less formal contexts, such as the Swedish National Men's Ice Hockey Team.

 

 

Godhet! I did not ask for an essay...

Unfortunately, you have only answered half the question, Abby. So you get 4 points, doubled for your Swedish, which equals 8.

 

Ja, it is Tre Kronor, but I also wanted to hear what each of the Three Crowns symbolizes. Knows someone else the answer? I will give 5 points to "clean up".

You should be more specific next time...

Magnus Eriksson, who ruled Sweden, Norway, and Scania from 1319-1364, used the symbols frequently probably to mark the three kingdoms which he ruled. So the crowns represents Norway, Sweden, and Scania.

 

 

Right. I shall be more specific next...

 

You get 4 points. Though that is possibly an answer, the Three Crowns rather symbolize the nations of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. It is a symbol used from a time when the three lands were part in the Kalmar Union.

 

The Three Crowns symbol on the coat-of-arms is also called Lilla Riksvapnet.

 

Now shall we move along...

 

 

Another Scandinavian symbol is the red flag with a yellow cross. It resembles the other Scandinavian flags, but it is not so commonly known, and it is only a traditional symbol now.

 

 

Tell me what it represents?

Is that the flag of Skåneland and Skane?

 

Skåneland historically refers to the area in South and Southwestern Scandinavia, which under the Treaty of Rosikilde in 1658, was transferred from Denmark to Sweden. Those areas are the provinces of Belkinge, Halland and Scania though Denmark did reclaim the island of Bornholm in the treaty of Copenhagen in 1660.

The flag itself combines the red field of denmark and the yellow cross of Sweden - symbolizing the troubled history of the region.

 

 

Hmm...VILE has time to write essays?

Ah, well. 10 points to you, Joe.

 

 

It is the flag of the landskap called Skåne, or Scania for the international ignorant...I mean English. It has been a place of conflict for centuries past. But it is now officially the property of Sweden. The population of the landskap is in question though. It is said that the Danes are quietly retaking it, because it is a popular recreational destination for our southern neighbors.

And as we speak of foreign residents, can you tell me the name of the people who live welcomed about the northern areas of Norway, Sweden, and Finland? You will not receive more points for being politically correct, but you would make a Swede proud if you should so.

It has been over a week since I posted last question, so I shall start the timer. Whoever answers within this day will receive 7 points. I will subtract 1 point for every next day in which it is not answered. If none answers, then shall we move to another question.

Uhm... The Sami People?

 

 

Hmm... Extra points are a good incentive, yes?

 

Good job. Now is it time for a more difficult question.

Political correctness originates from the realization that no one deserves more respect than any other. Can you tell me the title to the unofficial set of “rules” which many Swedes strive to follow on politeness? (For help: There are 10 rules)

Swedish Unofficial Rules on Politeness

1. Do not talk to people unless first introduced.
2. Do not smack people.
3. Do not talk too loudly in public.
4. Do not stare.
5. Do not listen to other people's private conversations.
6. Do not commit crimes.
7. Do not chew with your mouth open.
8. Do not talk with a full mouth.
9. Do not impose your company on those who do not want it.
10. Respect your elders.

 

 

(Ah, the best unofficial rule.)

 

 

Ehh... Not what I was aiming for. But you get 4 points for effort.

 

The answer I wanted was Jantelagen, or The Jante Law, which has great influence on Swedish behavior. Some dislike this, however...

 

The ten rules of Jantelagen are:

 

1. You shall not believe that you are "something".

2. You shall not believe that you are as good as someone.

3. You shall not believe that you are wiser than someone.

4. You shall not imagine yourself that you are better than someone.

5. You shall not believe that you know more than someone.

6. You shall not believe that you are superior to someone.

7. You shall not believe that you do well at something.

8. You shall not laugh at anyone.

9. You shall not believe that anyone cares about you.

10. You shall not believe that you can teach us anything.

 

You can see that this is set about for one not to be prideful.

 

Another rather unique Swedish concept which is highly exalted (and also joked about) means some like “moderation”. Not too much, not so little. It is a one-word answer. I will only accept this answer in its Swedish form (so no bonus points this time).

 

 That's a pitiful set of rules...

The concept of Lagom?

 

 

Yes, the answer is lagom. I trust it is a very good way to live. 6 points for Miss Constance.

 

(And Abby, the intention is which matters.)

One person who could learn some about lagom is a famous character in a series of stories. She is the “Strongest Girl in the World”. Many children in Sweden grow up reading the books about her. Faktiskt, there is a Swedish award for children’s book authors named after the writer of these stories. Name this character and her creator?