""The Legends of Ensign Steel" A romantic chronicle in pictures of the Russo-Swedish War ("The Finnish War") of 1808-09, from the poems of J. L. Runeberg" "Act I" "Let the name of our fatherland ring out." "No peak heaven-reaching peak, no deep-set valley no wave-swept shore, is more beloved than our own countryside, the soil of our fathers." "I gladly let my thoughts be drawn back to times gone by, where events flash in my memory light twinkling stars ." "Join me now in a journey back to the dark billows of Lake Näsijärvi." "At Captain Enehjelm's house studies were keenly pursued, led by Johan Ludvig Runeberg, a student in the prime of life." "Down on the point was a small crofter's cabin." "There sat the former Ensign Steel, mending his nets." ""One could expect a bit more cooperation from a young student."" "A friendly word, some fragrant tobacco..." "and peace was restored." ""You're a good soul after all, my boy!" "As an old soldier who hasn't met many of those since the war, it makes me very happy."" "That young know-it-all felt the need to fill the lengthening days..." "My thoughts were drawn to a world I never knew." "I became fascinated by things I never suspected." "The days flew by and my own life seemed so short." ""Can't a man get a bit of peace, even at night?"" ""I'm all fired up to know more..." "can I possibly get that from you?"" ""Well, I'm your man for that, if that's what you want..." "as I was there."" "End of Act I" "Act II" "I set these legends, that I had from the old man, as poems." "I heard them on many a quiet night, by the light of a feeble flame." "February 1, 1808." "That brave nobleman, Carl Natanael af Klercker, was in charge of (Swedish) Finland's troops." ""Carl Olof Cronstedt was commander of the fortress."" ""Never far away from him was Colonel Jägerhorn."" "...Finland must be made ready for defense without delay." ""That's what Stedingk says." "Yet no word from the government!" "We've neither the money nor the supplies." What are we supposed to do, gentlemen?" ""If the Russians attack us, we have absolutely no choice but to surrender." "They are simply far too strong."" ""Surrender?" "!" "..." "You can go to the devil!"" ""We'll mobilise here and the fort made ready." "A special brigade will be put together to defend Savolax and Karelen."" ""So Klercker's warning to defend the fatherland was sped across Finland's countryside..."" ""Where do we go to, and where to we get weapons?" "Do we get to fight tomorrow?" ""Two weeks later, a brigade, led by the brave Colonel Cronstedt, formed in St Michel..."" ""The devil!" "..." "I meant to say Törne..." "How are things going, major?"" ""A Finlander always feels good when it comes to a fight!"" ""Cheer up, old boy..." "You didn't forget your prayerbook, did you?"" ""I'd never forget it, Colonel, for however you look at it, God is the best commander."" "What of Vilhelm von Schwerin...?" ""The young hero Schwerin came back from Sweden." "He no sooner showed off his uniform at the family estate, when war broke out." ""Are you a real lieutenant, who can go on parades and all that stuff?"" ""Can I go to battle too, if I have to, little sister?" "'" ""As fate would have it, Vilhelm's childhood sweetheart was a guest at his family's estate..." "Karin, from the Land of 1000 Lakes."" ""What are you both so shy about?" "Shouldn't you kiss, when you're in love with each other?"" "End of Act II" "Act III" ""Let us set events in order." "War broke out and the enemy stormed our borders, sending ahead a sweet message."" ""No we shan't surrender!" "Let the Russians come..."" ""Our cottage will be emptied, but that can't be helped."" ""As for you my boy, thank heavens you're too young to fight."" "Then he seemed no longer pleased as if he couldn't see me." "We shared our sorrows, we shared our joys We shared the strong tobacco." ""The main force under Klercker stood at Tavastehus and other scattered units converged there..." "Including the legendary Björneborg Regiment..."" ""To there, too, came Georg Karl von Döbeln at the head of the Nyland Regiment..."" ""...and the elderly Von Essen with his Tavastehus Commandos.."" ""...and Otto von Fleandt."" "May glory go to Klecker...for eternal glory did he yearn." "At 70-years, a battle-hardened soldier and a man." "Bereft of fear and hesitation, no other wish than go to war..." "That each of us depends upon the other is one thing sure." ""Tension reigned during the wait for the field marshal..." "So even the brave Sandels had blasphemous thoughts."" ""Adlercreutz."" ""What's your opinion of the field marshal?"" ""Klingspor's bravery award was up for review, but one had to wonder if he'd fight or retreat."" ""At least get that pipe out of your mouth, Fleandt!"" ""Did you see that dopey-looking character, Munter?" "And he's supposed to be leading us against the Russians!"" ""I don't care how he takes the enemy on, so long as we get to fight!"" ""Yes, gentleman, in accordance with special orders from the War Office, we have no choice but retreat until further notice."" "End of Act III" "Act IV" ""It tore at many a brave heart, but the Finlander army marched northward, so as to avoid the enemy."" "Lotta Svärd was a pearl on the warpath, and a pearl of a woman, too." "She made us laugh, but she was honored by all." "Shall old Spelt be forgotten?" "No!" "He was no more than a baggage carrier and would have been as unnoticed as his peers, were it not for his remarkable laziness." ""As usual, the field marshal was careful to avoid any conflict on the journey."" ""Finland needed reinforcements, and even Vilhelm von Schwerin received his orders."" ""Are you forced to obey, Vilhelm?" "Can you be dragged off to war when you've scarcely been home?"" ""A real man doesn't hesitate to volunteer in defence of his fatherland!"" ""Would you think better of me if I betrayed my duty and a chance at honor?"" "A snowstorm raged across the Finland countryside, and the enemy, who were scarcely less violent, still pursued them." ""In Kuopia, Olaf Wibelius, already greyed by the pursuit of peace, was now provincial chief."" ""Yes, I fell asleep at my desk, but it's long since I had a proper rest."" "...We don't come to you as enemies but as friends and protectors, who can make your lives happier..." "He had to rest, if only for a moment." "The door was thrown open." "There stood a warrior with an armed guard." "The Russian general was a man of importance." ""Write..." "If anyone shall be found guilty of continuing to resist his new lord and master, his family will be hunted down and driven out of their homes."" ""Sir, there's protection here for those you're threatening."" ""The National Law of Sweden"" ""If it is now a crime to defend one's country, whatever one's conscience might dictate, punishing armed men is one thing..." "But woman and children?" "...no!" ""You have prevailed...power is yours today." "I am ready for you to do with me what you will." "But the law will survive me, that I know."" "As evening falls and we enjoy our memories, let me tell you about Kulneff....a true man of the people, famous for his wood-chopping and drinking." ""Let him go, you wretches!"" ""Listen, Kulneff, a thousand times I've tried to get it into your thick skull that you can't attack defenceless people!"" "End of Act IV" "Act V" "So many things the world's forgotten lay hidden in his faithful memory." ""By the time the Finlander army had retreated to Brahestad in the north, Adjutant Löwehielm had lost patience with Klingspor." "He succeeded in getting across that now they must defy the enemy..."" ""I say, Hurtig old chap, aren't you getting tired of flying from the enemy?"" ""I can't fly, sir, but I can keep up with the rest, if they're running."" ""Are you prepared to fight, Munter?"" ""I'm surprised you can ask that, sir!"" ""At last...the real thing, lads!" "But first, I think it calls for a drink!"" ""Löwenheilm reports that the enemy is faltering." "He requests reinforcements and further orders."" ""He shan't get any reinforcements, but he'll get an order..." "Retreat!"" ""During the battle, the brave Löwenhielm became separated from his men..." "with grave consequences..."" ""But in secret, dark intrigues were being woven to further the fatherland's misfortune."" ""I have full details of the Russians' strength and they have dangerously superior numbers." "It's not worth trying to hold the fortress."" ""I also know that the enemy will conduct terrible reprisals on those foolhardy enough to resist them..."" "They finally reached the shores of Siikajokis." "Only a frozen silver of their fathers land remained, and this too would soon be lost." "But the strong can be broken, the weak be revenged." ""That was a close thing, boys..." "Who got hit?"" ""I was shot!"" ""Carry me, lads..." "I can't walk!"" "By evening, the army's first battle was won A day of defeat became a day of victory..." "The ebbing wave surged back..." "The pursued were now the pursuers." ""Keep your hands to yourself, cheeky!" "A fine warrior like you shouldn't do that."" ""No more retreating, lads!" "At 6 am we move south..." "against the enemy." "So everyone be prepared."" ""Turn the damned sled tonight and even with a broken-down nag in the shafts, we'll find someone to make it fly!"" "The struggle had been long and hard, the Russian soldiers likewise tired..." "All glad to believe the end was nigh." ""Kulneff may have got to sit for a while, but don't let that fool you."" ""Now he has to learn to behave himself for a while."" "End of Act V" "Act VI" ""Next morning, before dawn..."" ""What happened to you old chap?" "The laziest, grubbiest man we have, is now spick and span and ready to march!"" ""I don't bother when I'm leaving my own country, watching people forced to flee in disgrace." "Then it's better to be asleep than alert." "Why would I wash this old face and reveal myself?"" ""Call the people to arms, let the drums roll..." "Now's the time to move quickly, noble young master."" ""After Siikajoki, Klingspor and Cronstedt met up with the Savolax Brigade, and the battle really got underway at Revolax."" ""Old Lode began his battle in the usual manner..."" ""Come on, you army from hell, and face us on our path!" "God is with us, that's for sure..." "Cheers, boys!" "..." "Full speed ahead!"" ""That bloody game soon came to an end..." "The victory ours..."" ""Such a good man, who tends to those he has just wounded."" ""I just recall a man from St Michel, old Törne." "As he was in peace, so he was in battle." "I was a sergeant in his squad at that time."" ""Stop!" "Boys are being mown down like so much corn!" "A miserable sight." "Food for the ravens...nothing to laugh at."" "...and the old lord sought to put a hold for the Finlanders shot so sharp and cold." ""Shame about this spritely lad." "His old father shall have my cottage."" "A message came from Adlercreutz:" ""Speed it up!" "Get the battalion moving faster."" ""Is that so?" "!"" ""But the general gave the order."" ""Yes, long live Carl Adlerkreutz..." "He's a man of honour."" "As Hans Klinga said when a bullet grazed his eyebrow..." ""The devil has no regard for people's sight, even."" ""How about that numskull, ruining my brand new coat!"" ""Forward now lads, and the devil take the hindmost!"" "Against the Polish border, our troops were hemmed tight, but our courage was afire and our hopes glowed bright." "As long as Sveaborg was ours, all would go right." ""Come on down, traitor!" "We'll rip your heart out!"" "On May 8, Finland's proud army fell [after a 2-month barrage on the fortress.]" "Such is life!" "The man responsible for this tragic episode had won his laurels as a hero in the naval war with Denmark." "End of Part I" ""The Legends of Ensign Steel" A romantic chronicle in pictures of the Russo-Swedish War ("The Finnish War") of 1808-09, from the poems of J. L. Runeberg" "Part 2" "So the story continued..." "from memories both joyful and dark." "The tiny cottage lay high in the forest, deep in the wilderness, far from the road." "No enemy had ever found it, nor hostile foot stepped on the footbridge to it." "Only the raven, the kite and the wolf had any lust for blood in the heath-covered ravines." "Brother of the Clouds!" ""Here I sit in my cottage, longing in vain to hear if my country is saved or lost."" ""The youngster who should be turning to me, is now getting heartfelt advice from a woman."" "Long before anyone was awake, at the very first glimmer of a rosy dawn..." ""The Russians are coming!"" "Noon came, but nothing seen of the third person." ""It's a long way to the village, my girl." "Even if you start at dawn, you won't get back until evening."" ""What power enchants so much as love..." "What fetter can hold lovers back?" "He crosses lakes like the wind, and tackles mountains with eagles' wings." "He's back long before midday, not as expected, that night."" ""Then evening fell..."" ""There...in front of the church...perhaps..."" ""I found love to be greater that life, but to die like this is greater still."" "Woe betide you, my poor little girl!" "You've lost everything..." "You've nothing left!"" ""Your memory shan't be celebrated with lamentations..."" ""A state of war was also counselled at Dean Schwerin's estate in Sweden."" ""So now you have to rush home to Finland, with war raging and the Russians laying waste to the countryside." "I hadn't noticed this homesickness before!"" "You have to understand, uncle that you want to be with your parents when danger threatens them."" ""Father and mother both want you to stay here until the war is over." "That's what shall happen."" "It's not just that I miss father and mother." "Vilhelm will be there soon, too."" "End of Act I" "Act II" ""With great secrecy, the girls made their preparations..." "and soon showed the result..."" "Sven Dufva was a pious, happy and willing man, wiser than most, who'd always do your bidding but do it wrong."" ""Do you really expect to join us in battle, you stumblebum, gold-plated idiot!"" ""If I can't join the others, I'll go on my own."" ""One spring day near Adlerkreutz..."" ""We must do better at taking advantage of our wins, otherwise, what's the point of a victory?"" ""First I must get reinforcements from Sweden!"" ""It'll be as I said!"" ""The bastard went off..."" ""Few attended his funeral...2 men to dig the grave, 4 to stand by his coffin, (three corporals and a sergeant...me.) Plus the general and the priest."" ""No slaves trample the hill wherein lie the brave." "None but the lineage of an ancient tribe stand and protect them." "Amen."" ""He...was...a Finlander!"" "After a host of adventures, Karin finally reached the coast, but the Swedish troopship had already left." ""If you're keen to become cannon fodder, then come along."" "Karin finally reached the family home." ""When the Russians came here, the gentlefolk got away." "But I stayed." "I haven't long to live anyway."" ""Shortly thereafter, the Finnish army defended its honour brilliantly, at Lappo..."" ""During the battle I became separated from the troops."" "End of Act II" "Act III" "On that fine victorious day, Döbeln rode along the line of his proud army." "Don't sneak away!" "You didn't do that when it was all about life and blood." "So open up, my fine intrepid fellow, and let's hear your name!" ""Most o' me life, people called me "Stinker"." ""You live by petty thieving, though, from churches and on the road?"" ""If I was a petty thief, it was just the odd penny, and if I robbed a beggar, it was not for his coat."" ""Who was the bravest in the company who died today?" "Fetch his kit, his coat, his hat, his bayonet and rifle." "With his name and paybook, they'll go to this man here."" ""Do I get to be in the thick of it, with all those gallant soldiers?"" ""Now you're a true-blue soldier through and through..." "You're one of us and one of the Proud Fifteen."" "After the fighting was over for the day..." ""I'll get through this evening..." "you can hear the clink of my silver." "I can win friends with it!"" "Oh, I know who you are!" "You were like an old woman out there, today." "How did you fight?" "In my tent, sitting timid and weak...moaning you were hurt." "She clenched her fist, as she was wont to do, and the rich cavalier found no way to get around her." "But she did cast a very gentle gaze upon a young man lying alone nearby." ""I know there's no money in your kitbag..." "You came to battle from a hut in the forest." "But when it came to bloodshed, you were with the best."" ""Nothing to pay...one glass for Lappo..." "and another for Ruona makes two."" "One September evening, a small troop of Swedish soldiers marched into Adlercreutz's camp..."" ""General, it appears the enemy intends to cut off our line of retreat at Ömossa."" ""Lieutenant-Colonel Drufva is to get 1,500 men and 2 canons under Lieutenant Von Schwerin." "They'll fight to the last man."" "Old Drufva was not slow in following orders..." ""15-year old Count von Schwerin is in charge of the battery." "Who do I have like that?"" ""Are you prepared to offer your young life today, if necessary?"" ""The life, that has lived 15 years in my heart, is in its prime." "Shall I not dare to risk it?" "Who dares question my resolve?"" ""The path of the enemy took it by Karin's family home..."" "End of Act III" "Act IV" ""One hour later, the first shots were fired at Ömossa."" "As the day closed, the fighting was broken off..." "Then he brought the artillery back to safety, and grizzled veterans cheered his name as Drufva embraced the brave." ""As the canons' roar subsided, Vilhelm's thoughts went back to his home over in Sweden..."" ""Is there anyone here named Vilhelm von Schwerin?"" ""I won't leave him again!"" ""You can stay with me then."" "But Döbeln lay on his bed racked with pain." "His chest was bursting, his eyes burning, his skin red with rashes." "He hadn't slept for 2 days and was stricken until Nykarlby." ""Get this priest out of here!"" ""Döbeln is a heathen." "He will be lost for eternity if he dies."" ""There's no question I want to get well." "I'd have to get up, even with one foot in the grave."" ""Listen, that's cannon fire near Jutas, where our army is retreating." "I have to get there to save my squad." "Will roads be blocked, and Adlercreutz taken?" "What will become of you brave fellows then?"" ""Find me a potion, doctor, that might make me much worse tomorrow, but will keep me on my feet today."" ""Now, General, don't let my medicines stop you."" "At Jutas the shooting went quiet, as Death made its first harvest." "Our troops, ready to fall after nary a victory, were broken, scattered and harassed." "As he rode by, they could tell what he hoped for..." "and morale rose, from rank to rank." ""Is that the reward you get for contributing to the victories at Lappos and Kauhajokis?"" ""It doesn't matter much if I have shoes or not." "But it's harder to run, if you don't have any..." "so you stand and fight!"" ""Comrade, do you get never enough of battles?" "Is there none younger available than you?"" ""Sir, I may be growing old, but all that matters is that I've the strength in my arms to play."" ""Haven't you learned to despise death, yet?" "You're as white as a sheet..." "Are you a coward?"" "I was wounded in battle, but seeing you has given me new strength, so let me try again."" ""With these troops we can defy the world..." "but we don't wait to be attacked...we attack!"" "The sons of a nation that bled..." "And before evening had time to cast its shadows, the Russian force had been blown away, and Adlercreutz rescued." "The throngs of warfare vanished from the place where they'd first appeared, but out on the quiet, darkening battlefield, stood a man." ""It is all due to You, God my Brother, for I may call You that today." "Oh, Giver of Victory...thank You!"" "End of Act IV" "Act V" "The cost in blood at Oravais turned near-victory into a defeat that destroyed our hopes." ""Relax, my lass...see how the Good Lord has let me live through this day..."" ""The fate of the rearguard depends on you." "If you give way, we'll be surrounded!"" ""That day, Karin couldn't be as close to Vilhelm as she would like..."" "He never made it to 17, he died so young." "Even the wounded mourned him, while the noblest collected in the camp and recounted his bravery." ""My regards...to my..."" ""With the defeat of Oravais, the fate of our heroic army was sealed." "During the difficult retreat, it fared even worse." "So when the Russians offered a truce..."" ""For now, the truce will last one month, with an 8-day notice of termination..."" "All was quiet as Sandels breakfasted in the village of Paradala." ""Today there'll be a new battle...at Virta Bridge." "Enjoy your food, then we'll ride out."" ""Such calm!" "..." "Before facing an enemy who's many times more powerful!"" ""But the Russians were already getting prepared..."" ""It's now twelve o'clock on my watch..." "We go by that."" ""But it's one o'clock, Russian time."" ""The Russians are on a forced march here..." "they've broken the truce!"" "Inform General Sandels of the situation, right away!" "End of Act V" "Act VI" ""Well, tell Fahlander that the bridge is narrow and he has the artillery." "He has to hold out for an hour and a half."" ""Confusion reigns...the army's in chaos..." "What are your orders?"" ""That you sit down and get your envelope ready!"" ""General, you deserve the truth, well..." "You're despised by the whole army." "Every soldier I know, thinks you're our biggest coward! "" ""What did you say?" "That Sandel's a coward?" "Is that what they say?" "How dare you!"" ""Many times larger, the enemy poured over the bridge."" ""Don't let one of those devils across!" "..." "You can still hold them an hour."" ""General, you've been spotted..." "They're aiming at you." "You're in danger..." "Ride away!"" ""Are your people screaming from fear?"" "It's one o'clock!" "Do we advance in 3 columns?" "Who'll be first?" "There he was broad-shouldered and erect, quite calm as usual, ready show what he did best." "He soon got his chance." "The swarm of enemies charging him were given a swift left-right and knocked flying." ""Our army blew the enemy away like a hurricane." "And soon it was the Victory of Virta Bridge..."" ""Where's that man now who battled on the bridge?"" ""The bullet did not know it, but it left his feeble brain in peace...and felled him by his valiant breast instead."" ""There's nothing after that to talk about, other than sorrow and despair, dear boy."" "Here it was the blood did flow Yes, this is how it really was..." "From here one day our joy would grow But now we only sighed, because As people, we our burdens bore, Long, our allotted time, before." "Land of 1000 lakes, built upon song and fidelity, where the sea of life washes our shore, A land with a past and a future, not ashamed of her poverty..." "Be free...be happy...be secure!" "The end." "Subtitles by FatPlank [RLB] for KG"