56 pages • 1 hour read
Hanna PylväinenThe End of Drum-Time
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
The Reindeer
The reindeer are symbols of Sámi culture, survival, endurance, and identity. These animals are central to the Sámi way of life, representing not only economic sustenance but also the cultural and spiritual connection to their land. The care and herding of reindeer symbolize the continuity of tradition and the struggle to maintain an Indigenous way of life in the face of colonization. The reindeer herd scattering during the climactic confrontation highlights the chaos and disruption caused by the settler society. This event symbolizes the fragmentation of Sámi culture and the destructive impact of colonization.
Furthermore, the reindeer also represent nature and its intrinsic connection to Sámi identity and spirituality. This connection is underscored by the epigraph of the novel, "Let the reindeer decide" (xiii), a Sámi proverb that emphasizes nature’s power. The reindeer’s role as a natural guide contrasts with the control and dominance sought by settler society. In Sámi culture, the reindeer are not merely resources but are seen as sentient beings with their own agency, reflecting a worldview in which humans are part of a larger, interconnected natural order. This perspective is fundamentally different from the Christian and settler views that often prioritize human dominion over nature.
Thus, the reindeer symbolize not only the cultural and economic lifeblood of the Sámi people but also the broader theme of nature as an autonomous force. This reinforces the narrative’s critique of colonization and its impact on Indigenous ways of life, highlighting the resilience of the Sámi’s natural and cultural heritage.
The Earthquake
The earthquake that occurs during Pastor Lars Levi Laestadius's sermon is a symbol representing both divine intervention and the upheaval caused by religious and cultural conflicts. Lars Levi interprets the earthquake as a divine message, reinforcing his fervent religious beliefs and mission to convert the Sámi people. This interpretation aligns with his view of the world as being governed by a divine plan, where natural events are direct communications from a higher power.
In contrast, the Sámi community perceives the earthquake through a different lens. For them, it symbolizes the destabilizing forces of colonization and the imposition of foreign beliefs. The earthquake disrupts their sense of balance and harmony with the natural world, which is central to their spiritual and cultural identity. It highlights the intrusive and destructive nature of the settlers' presence and their rigid doctrines.
This divergence in interpretation underscores the subjective nature of events and the varying meanings they hold for different cultural groups. For the Christians, the earthquake is an unequivocal sign of divine will, reinforcing their doctrinal beliefs and justifying their actions. For the Sámi, it represents the profound and unsettling changes brought about by colonization and the clash of belief systems.
Moreover, the earthquake foreshadows the chaos and conflict that later unfold in the story. It hints at the upcoming disruption and turmoil, both physical and cultural, that affects the characters and their communities. The earthquake, therefore, becomes a multifaceted symbol: it illustrates the subjective nature of interpretation and the critique of rigid doctrines and also anticipates the narrative's escalating tensions and upheaval.
Sámi Drums
The Sámi drums, or goavddis, are a recurring motif throughout the novel that represents the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Sámi people. These drums are traditionally used in shamanic rituals and are intertwined with Sámi cosmology and identity. The motif of the drums highlights the theme of cultural resistance and the preservation of Indigenous spirituality. As the novel progresses, the presence of the drums underscores the tension between the Sámi's ancestral beliefs and the encroaching Christian doctrine.
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a recurring symbol in the novel, representing the mystical and uncontrollable forces of nature. For the Sámi, the Northern Lights are often associated with spiritual significance and are viewed with a mixture of awe and reverence. In the context of the novel, the Northern Lights symbolize the beauty and power of the natural world, which remains beyond the control of both the Sámi and the settlers. They are a reminder of the larger forces at play, reflecting the inherent power of nature over human endeavors. The lights also highlight the contrast between the Sámi’s more harmonious relationship with their environment and the settlers' attempts to dominate and exploit it.
