Uusi Grottelaulu by Viktor Rydberg

"Uusi Grottelaulu" by Viktor Rydberg is a poetic work written in the late 19th century. The book combines elements of mythology, philosophy, and social commentary, using the allegory of a mythical mill, Grottemylly, to explore the themes of human suffering, greed, and the quest for knowledge throughout history. It delves into existential concerns and critiques society's increasing disconnection from its roots and moral values. The narrative is framed through the character Ahasverus, who converses with a poet while recounting his eternal wanderings and observations about humanity's follies. The story unfolds in a world driven by Mammon, the god of wealth, with Frode as a ruler who exploits the oppressed to fuel an insatiable greed fed by the Grottemylly, a metaphor for industrialization and materialism. The verses highlight the struggle of the enslaved, especially children, who labor endlessly while their oppressors prosper. Rydberg poignantly critiques this cycle of exploitation and loss of humanity, questioning the true cost of progress and the demise of collective memory and moral duty in favor of individualistic gain. The people's despair contrasts with the hollow glories of their rulers, leaving readers to reflect on their own roles within the societal structures of their time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Rydberg, Viktor, 1828-1895
Translator Nuormaa, Severi, 1865-1924
Title Uusi Grottelaulu
Credits Produced by Matti Järvinen and Tuija Lindholm
Reading Level Reading ease score: 41.9 (College-level). Difficult to read.
Language Finnish
LoC Class PT: Language and Literatures: Germanic, Scandinavian, and Icelandic literatures
Subject Poetry
Category Text
eBook-No. 20284
Release Date
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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