On November 30, 1718, Karl XII was killed under mysterious circumstances during the siege of Fredriksten Fortress. Even today, "the young hero king" remains one of the most debated personalities in Swedish history and is often highlighted as an example of courage and sacrifice.
Karl XII, one of Sweden’s most legendary kings, whose reign was marked by military triumphs and a dramatic, mysterious death, continues to fascinate both historians and the Swedish public. His short but eventful life is a tale of courage, sacrifice, and a tragic final act.
This article was originally published on The Nordic Times on December 2, 2023.
Born in 1682, Karl XII ascended to the throne at the age of fifteen following the death of his father, Karl XI. He was the last monarch of the Swedish Empire, an era built up by his predecessors, and a king of his time, deeply influenced by military culture and a profound sense of duty to his kingdom.
His reign quickly became dominated by the Great Northern War, where his leadership and military prowess were put to the test. His most famous triumph was the Battle of Narva in 1700, where a smaller Swedish force defeated a Russian army more than three times its size. This victory, achieved through what is often described as tactical brilliance and personal courage, cemented Karl XII’s reputation as one of history’s great military leaders.
In the following years, Karl XII continued to lead his country in war against several European powers. He was a combative monarch, personally leading his troops in the field and often participating in battles. His tactics and courage on the battlefield made him a feared opponent and a symbol of Swedish strength and resilience.
Karl XII in the Battle of Narva. Painting: David von Krafft
The Battle of Poltava in 1709 marked a fateful turning point well-known to most Swedes. The Swedish army suffered a crushing defeat against the Russians under Peter the Great. This setback was followed by a period of difficulties and defeats. Karl XII spent several years in exile in the Ottoman Empire, a time when his kingdom simultaneously struggled to maintain its position as a European superpower.
Mysterious death
The death of Karl XII on November 30, 1718, during the siege of Fredriksten fortress in Norway remains one of the greatest mysteries in Swedish history. The details surrounding his death are still disputed and have given rise to many theories. According to some reports, he was hit by a bullet in the temple while observing enemy positions, leading to immediate death. There has also been speculation about whether the king died in an accident, an assassination, or perhaps even a murder organized by his own in some form of conspiracy.
According to investigations carried out by Finnish researchers as recently as 2022, it is most likely that Karl XII was killed by canister shot ammunition made of iron with a diameter of over 20 millimeters. They also consider it likely that the bullet was fired from the enemy in the Norwegian fortress.
Karl, who had no wife or known children, was succeeded by his sister Ulrika Eleonora, who soon abdicated in favor of her husband Frederick of Hesse. They also had no heirs, and the next Swedish king became Adolf Frederick of the House of Holstein-Gottorp. The warrior king’s death definitively marked the end of Sweden’s status as a great power, and the country became a less influential actor on the European stage.
Hero king or tyrant
More than 300 years after his death, Karl XII is still remembered in many circles as a bold, self-sacrificing, and uncompromising leader. His military exploits have been praised for bravery and strategic genius, but the exhausting wars have also been criticized for draining the kingdom’s resources and leading to its decline as a superpower. Historians usually say that Karl’s death marked a definitive end to an era and the beginning of a new phase in Swedish and Nordic history.
Karl XII is often regarded as one of Sweden’s most important monarchs. Photo: Alexey M/CC BY-SA 4.0
The life and death of Karl XII have inspired numerous cultural and literary works. He has been portrayed as both a hero king and a tyrant, and his decisions and personality have been analyzed and debated for centuries. His sudden death is a legend in itself and continues to attract new generations of history enthusiasts.
In summary, it can be said that Karl XII’s reign was a time of dramatic changes in Sweden and Europe. His military achievements and personal sacrifice, along with the mystery surrounding his death, make him one of the most memorable and discussed figures in all of Swedish history. His life and death are not only a part of the national memory but also an important chapter in European military history.
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Australian singer and doctor, Iyah May, has stirred the pot with her provocative song Karmageddon, which addresses the political divide in society, corporate greed and public apathy.The song’s socially critical lyrics led to her manager leaving her after she refused to make changes.
Iyah May, born Marguerite Clark in 1990 in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, initially pursued a career in medicine and trained as a doctor. Music entered the picture while she was a medical student in New York, where a meeting with rapper Shaggy led to her performing with him. This inspired her to focus on music instead of a medical career, as reported by ProtectNFM.
At the same time, as the coronavirus crisis was in full bloom, May went back to work full-time as an emergency room doctor, putting her music on hold for a while.
“Man-made virus”
In 2024, she released the song Karmageddon, which criticizes social issues such as political corruption, abortion, the Israel-Palestine conflict, corporate greed, media manipulation and cancel culture. It places a strong emphasis on the influence of big pharmaceutical companies and their role in shaping public health narratives, with the text mentioning, among other things, “man made viruses” in reference to the companies.
“Man made virus watch the millions die. Biggest profit of their lives. Here’s inflation that’s your prize. This is Karmageddon. Turn on the news and eat their lies”, reads part of the chorus.
May says that her background as a doctor, and in particular her experiences working on the frontline during the coronavirus crisis, have greatly influenced her song lyrics. She highlights issues she witnessed first-hand as a doctor, such as inequalities in healthcare and social exploitation.
“Fuelled by my own despair over a divided world and deceitful corporations, I channelled my frustration into Karmageddon. My career as a doctor has been greatly impacted, and I was affected on a deep and personal level”, May says of the song on her website.
Despite the dark tone of Karmageddon, May describes the song as “a message of hope and unity” where art can be a way to inspire and even heal. Karmageddon is a call to confront social divisions and to unite. At the time of writing, the song has received 1.5 million views on YouTube since its release in December.
Manager wanted to change the song
Karmageddon has received a lot of attention, with both appreciation for the song’s straightforward content and backlash. May’s manager wanted her to change the lyrics because of its “controversial” content but May chose to stand up for her song instead, leading her manager to terminate her contract, reports Where is the Buzz.
“I wish this story wasn’t true but it is”, May wrote in a post on social media. “My manager didn’t agree with the lyrics in my song and refused to work with me and support me until I changed the lyrics. So I said, ‘bye’”.
While artists often believe that it is difficult to succeed without the support of a management team, May has found that she has received more attention since. Fans have rallied around the artist, sharing the song widely and celebrating its unapologetic honesty.
“I’m not the only one feeling this way”, May wrote in another post.
May continues to forge her own path as a fully independent artist and has hinted that there is an upcoming EP on the way in 2025, but not given much detail around it. However, it seems that for the time being, she has put her medical career on the back burner and is now planning to make a full commitment to music again.
UNESCO estimates that about half of the Earth’s approximately 7,000 languages will be forgotten by the end of this century. Thousands of languages are at risk as global languages often replace the smaller ones.
Around a decade ago, about one language disappeared every three months, but by 2019, this increased to one language every 40 days. This means that nine languages are lost each year.
Languages go extinct when they simply stop being used, usually because English and other official languages take over, leaving the smaller languages behind.
– It pains my heart every day to see that a language is dying off, because it’s not just about the language, it’s also about the people, Tochi Precious, a Nigerian living in Abuja and helping activists working for endangered languages through the organization Wikitongues, told The Guardian:
– It’s also about the history associated with it and the culture. When it dies, everything linked to it dies off too.
English is considered more important
Ongota, a language belonging to the Afro-Asiatic family, has long been considered “dying” and is spoken in a village on the western bank of the Weito River in south-western Ethiopia. As it is not taught in schools or to children, it is in danger of dying out in the near future.
Igbo, a West African language, is also at risk and is predicted to be extinct by 2025. It is one of Nigeria’s largest languages and is written in the Latin alphabet. In 1999, around 18 million people spoke the language, but the number has declined since then. Precious is actively working to save Igbo together with other activists. Among other things, they are compiling an extensive register of words and making films using the language to preserve it.
There is hope
Although the language is relatively widespread, many parents believe that only English, Nigeria’s official language, will be useful for children in the future. According to Precious, it has long been the norm in the country that those who do not speak English are excluded from society. However, she believes that efforts to save the language have paid off.
– I have realised that, yes, a language can be endangered but then the people who speak the language can also fight for its survival. Because 2025 is already here, and definitely Igbo is not going extinct, she says.
Investigative journalist James O’Keefe is back with a new documentary entitled Line in the Sand.This time, O’Keefe goes to the front lines of the migrant industrial complex, using hidden cameras and raw testimony.
In Line in the Sand, O’Keefe reveals the shocking reality behind the US border crisis like never before: Mexican freight trains, cartel tunnels and US-funded detention camps for children. The film depicts a corrupt system with a clear message of demand for change.
In the documentary, James O’Keefe and his team travel south to investigate how secure the existing part of the border wall actually is. The film also seeks to draw attention to the actors who benefit from the migration chaos on the Mexican-US border.
It includes interviews with several migrants who share their stories and destinations, highlighting the dangers they face on their journey. From falling off moving trains, to the risk of children going missing along the way.
“‘Line in the Sand’ is a brutal watch. One of our homies was crying by Act Three,” shares Tim Pool (@Timcast).
“There’s this moment where a border guard says to James, ‘Hey man, big fan,’ right as children are being trafficked,” he adds.
The documentary also shows how parts of the border wall under the Biden administration were cut up, highlighting the inadequacy of border protection.
James O’Keefe uses hidden cameras to reveal the financial interests driving the border crisis, including how US tax dollars are funding the transportation and housing of migrants.
Line in the Sand has received generally positive reviews, but also some criticism for what critics say is its focus on O’Keefe himself. Those who praise the film describe it in terms such as “a necessary and poignant documentary that sheds light on an ongoing crisis”.
Known for his previous role in Project Veritas, O’Keefe’s Line in the Sand once again challenges the established media with its revelations, using a storytelling technique that combines investigative journalism with powerful visual narratives.
For more information and to watch the documentary, visit Tucker Carlson’s official website.
–The farmstead gnome has played a prominent role in Swedish folklore as one of the most important protective spirits. His influence was so significant that people not only offered him food but also prepared a straw bed for him. A satisfied gnome would bring prosperity, known as “tomtebolycka”, to the household, while a displeased one could bring misfortune.
In Nordic folklore, the farmstead gnome is among the most well-known beings, enjoying a particularly close connection with Swedes. Tales of various supernatural entities were common, but gnomes were especially prevalent and widely believed in. The Institute for Language and Folklore (ISOF) houses over a thousand archival stories about these gnomes.
“My mother had seen a gnome. She was so sure of it. She was walking along a road when she saw a tiny man with a red cap running ahead of her. When they reached a fork in the road, he ran down the other path” recounted Adolf Johansson, born in 1883 (recorded by Ragnar Nilsson, IFGH 4786, p. 4, Institute for Language and Folklore, Gothenburg).
The word “tomte” originates from the term tomt (homestead) and was previously used in the form tomt-gubbe, later evolving into tomtegubbe, according to the cultural organization Kulturminnet. The being is also known by other names, such as gårdstomte, hustomte, tomtevätte, tomtrået, tomtenisse, or tomtebisse.
Christmas cards by artist Jenny Nyström.
The Spirit of the Farmstead
The term bissemeans leader, sage, or “top hen” (a Swedish expression for “head honcho”). In many ways, the farmstead gnome fulfilled such a role. He watched over the farm and assisted with daily chores, such as sifting flour, sweeping, haymaking, carrying straw, and tending to the animals. He was often described as the very spirit of the farm. Some stories claimed that he was the first man to cultivate the land, unable to rest in death and thus continuing to guard “his” farm.
The farmstead gnome is closely related to the vätte, a subterranean being believed to dwell beneath human houses in folklore.
Finding a horse with a braided mane in the morning was a sign that the gnome had visited the stable. Gnomes were said to love horses and braiding their manes. The horse, considered the gnome’s favorite animal, was never to be neglected, as mistreatment could have severe consequences.
A Temperamental Being
The gnome brought security to everyday life, and his satisfaction was key to the farm’s success. However, he was easily angered and intolerant of negligence. A dirty barn could earn someone a slap or a kick. It was crucial to avoid working at night on the farm, as that was the gnome’s time for labor. Disturbing him could result in a noisy reprisal the following night.
“They didn’t like it when people made noise after dark. If you did, the same noise would return later, without anything being done. I heard it myself more than once. I also saw them once”, said Ingeborg Nilsson West, born in 1836 (recorded by Olle Lindskog, IFGH 964, pp. 11–12, Institute for Language and Folklore, Gothenburg).
The gnome was considered conservative and resistant to modern agricultural machinery or significant changes. Introducing too many modern elements could prompt him to abandon the farm, an ominous sign. If angered, the gnome might kill a cow or otherwise sabotage farm work, according to ISOF records. A farm’s prosperity or hardship was often attributed to the state of its gnome.
Rewards and Rituals
Rewarding the gnome was crucial. People commonly prepared a straw bed for him in the barn and offered him tobacco, which he reportedly enjoyed. At Christmas, it was traditional to leave out a bowl of porridge, leading to the term tomtegröt. The porridge had to include butter, as one story illustrates:
“They had to give the gnome milk and porridge on Christmas Eve. There had to be butter in the porridge. At one place here, they had a gnome. They gave him porridge on Christmas Eve, but there was no butter on top. The butter was underneath, but the gnome didn’t see it. He became so furious that he went to the barn and killed their best cow”, recounted Viola Gustafsson in 1927 (IFGH 937, pp. 40–41, Institute for Language and Folklore, Gothenburg).
The gnome was often credited with magical powers, such as saving farms from famine by increasing grain yields or warning of dangers like fire or livestock illness. A satisfied and content gnome symbolized security and prosperity, embodying the concept of tomtebolycka.
A well-known legend tells of the gnome pulling a straw of hay. He huffs and puffs with effort, which prompts the farmer to mock him for struggling with such a small load. The gnome becomes angry and retorts that if he exerts as much effort back at the farmer as the farmer has mocked him, the farmer will have nothing left to boast about. In reality, the gnome had been carrying far more than the farmer realized, and after the incident, the farmer ends up impoverished.
Gnomes. Olaus Magnus’ History of the Nordic Peoples. Book 3 – Chapter 22 – On the Service of Spirits. – Published in 1555.
Common in the smithy
The farmstead gnome was not confined solely to farms. There are also tales of forest gnomes, who, for example, would wake charcoal burners if their kilns began to burn during the night. A story from Axel Lind, born in 1884 and recorded by Olle Lindskog in 1927, describes how blacksmiths were particularly superstitious and believed strongly in gnomes.
“My uncle used to say that if a blacksmith tried to take coal from a bin that wasn’t his own, the gnome would immediately appear and give him a resounding slap”, reads one account in IFGH 961, pp. 5–9, Institute for Language and Folklore, Gothenburg.
The origins of belief in the farmstead gnome are unclear, but according to the Nordic Museum (Nordiska museet), it can be traced back to at least the 7th or 8th century. In written records, the gnome is mentioned by Saint Birgitta, who in the 14th century criticized the custom of offering porridge to the gnome, considering it ungodly. The Swedish priest Olaus Magnus also references gnomes in his book History of the Nordic Peoples, where he includes illustrations of them.
Invisible to most
The farmstead gnome is a being that typically remains invisible but is sometimes said to reveal itself to certain individuals. Those who were synsk or clairvoyant might catch a glimpse of the gnome, but it was crucial to show him respect. Generally, people knew a gnome was present on the farm not by seeing him, but by noticing the traces of his work.
The gnome is often described as a small, elderly man, ranging in size from a few decimeters to roughly the size of a child.
“In Restebacken, my father saw a gnome. He was as small as a three-year-old child but as quick as a cat”, recounted Maja Kajsa Johansson, born in 1868 (recorded by Ragnar Nilsson, IFGH 3018, p. 6, Institute for Language and Folklore, Gothenburg).
The gnome is sometimes described as a being with one eye but more often as a figure with two green eyes that glow in the dark. He frequently has white or gray hair and a beard, typically dressed in gray clothes and a gray or red cap. Occasionally, people would gift him new clothes as a kind gesture, but they had to be modest. If the clothes were too extravagant, he might deem himself “too fine” to work.
The gnome was believed to be incredibly strong and was said to be able to lift an entire horse. He could also be mischievous, hiding objects or playing pranks. Even today, the expression “the household gnome has been up to something” is used jokingly when something goes missing. There are also tales of the gnome amusing himself by throwing items down chimneys.
Unlike other beings that often lived in families, the gnome is usually described as solitary. However, there are stories that mention female gnomes (tomtegummor) and gnome children. The gnome often resided in the farm’s stable or barn but could also inhabit the mill, smithy, distillery, mine, ship, or even inside the house.
Gnomes and Christmas
In Sweden and the Nordic countries, there are two distinct types of gnomes: the farmstead gnome (gårdstomte) and the Christmas gnome (jultomte). The traditional red-clad Christmas gnome traces its origins to legends about the generous Saint Nicholas, who later became known as Santa Claus. According to Kulturminnet, Santa Claus gained popularity in Sweden during the 1860s. While Santa Claus is widely recognized around the world, in Sweden, his image has been influenced by the farmstead gnome. As a result, the Swedish Christmas gnome is often considered a blend of the farmstead gnome and Santa Claus.
Illustration inspired by the poem “The Gnome.” Illustration: Jenny Nyström/New Illustrated Magazine
Two individuals were particularly instrumental in shaping the Swedish image of the Christmas gnome: the author Viktor Rydberg and the artist Jenny Nyström. In 1871, Rydberg published the Christmas tale Lille Viggs äventyr på julafton (Little Vigg’s Adventure on Christmas Eve), a story that doesn’t directly feature the Christmas gnome but instead includes a gift-giving goblin (vätte). Nyström illustrated the tale, and the goblin became a prototype for the Swedish Christmas gnome. Rydberg is said to have given Nyström detailed instructions on how this goblin should be portrayed. Together, they helped connect the traditional household gnome to Christmas. Nyström continued to refine the image of the gnome in Sweden, painting thousands of Christmas postcards and illustrating Rydberg’s famous poem Tomten (The Gnome), which begins:
The midwinter night’s cold is harsh,
the stars sparkle and glimmer.
All are asleep in the lonely farmstead,
deep in the midnight hour.
The moon walks its silent path,
the snow glows white on pine and fir,
the snow glows white on the rooftops.
Only the gnome is awake
It is unclear who first coined the term jultomte (Christmas gnome), but Jenny Nyström continued to draw significant inspiration from the farmstead gnome of folklore. In this way, the modern Swedish Christmas gnome has become firmly rooted in holiday traditions, according to the Nordic Museum.
One notable distinction of the Swedish Christmas gnome is that he is rarely associated with reindeer. In Swedish tradition, the gnome instead travels with horses, goats, or pigs. He is most often depicted as solitary, walking through the snow with a sack on his back.
The Farmstead Gnome Today
Despite an increasingly secularized society and a decline in belief in supernatural beings, folklore still holds a place in our collective consciousness. Many old myths and beliefs have adapted and endured over time, often taking on new forms, rooted in a deep human need to understand the world through the mystical and inexplicable. In an age where science explains the physical world, the supernatural continues to fascinate, providing space for stories and traditions.
Interest in folklore is not merely a relic of the past. It thrives in contemporary popular culture, where farmstead gnomes and other mythical beings are brought to life in books, films, and TV series. Even modern media, such as podcasts, frequently share new accounts of supernatural phenomena. It is also intriguing to observe how traditions from other cultures, like American “Nisse doors”, are gaining popularity in Sweden. This demonstrates the universal and timeless appeal of mythical figures. Although these nisse differ from the Swedish farmstead gnome, they share a common love for mischief and humor – qualities that ensure such characters remain captivating.
The question of why folklore persists, even in a rational and technological world, is complex. Perhaps it is a way to hold onto something ancient, a link to the past when the world felt more mysterious and uncertain. Or it may reflect an intrinsic human attraction to the unexplained, a need to believe in something beyond what we can see and measure. Whatever the reason, figures like gnomes, farmstead spirits, and other mythical beings will likely remain a part of our shared cultural identity, reminding us that there may be more to the world than we understand.
