“Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter” by Astrid Lindgren is the book that I am really into right now. It makes me reflect on generation gap, relationship between human and nature, how hate inherited or stopped. Most of all it is rich in imagination, funny and warm-hearted. One interesting thing is, there are a few songs being described in the story. In this post, I note down 4 songs. Well, one of them is scream not song, but I like it so much that it has to be included. As I read German version of this book, all quote is in German, but my word will be in English. So now have a glimpse into Ronja’s world.
1. Ronja’s scream – a joyful song.
At the end of the story, it was spring, and all the troubles were disappeared. As Ronja back in her forest in spring, she shout for joy! Jubilation! When I read this, it reminds me about the cherry blossom in Pomeranzengarten (Leonberg) I’ve seen last weekend. The scenery of cherry blossom screaming joyfully.
“Erschrick nicht, Birk”, sagte Ronja. “Jetzt kommt mein Frühlingsschrei!”
Und sie schrie, gellend wie ein Vogel, es war ein Jubelschrei, den man weithin über den Wald hörte.
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| Der Pomeranzengarten, Leonberg. |
2. Lovis’s song – a comforting and peaceful song.
Lovis is Ronja’s mother. She believes in the power of singing. For example, she sang when she gave birth to Ronja, because it would make the delivery easier and the baby would be a cheerful one. She cradle her family into the kingdom of dream with song every night. Her song is a necessity to Ronja to have a good night’s sleep.
Aber Lovis sang, und da wurde die Welt wieder so, wie sie sein sollte. Ronja sank in den tiefen Kindheitsfrieden, und den Kopf in Lovis’ Schoß schlief sie unter den Sternen ein und erwachte erst am hellen Morgen.
3. Mattis – a reconciliation song.
Mattis is Ronja’s father. A loving father with quick-tempered. Anyway, he went to Ronja’s and reconciled with her. At the moment that Ronja agreed to come home with him, he jumped out of joy and sang a tremendous song that frightened the wild horses.
Auch Mattis freute sich. Er ging ihnen voran durch den Wald und sang so laut und dröhnend, dass die Wildpferde erschrocken davonstoben.
4. Birk – the unique melody.
Birk is Ronja’s friend, but he is belong to the archenemy of Ronja’s ancestor, which made thing really difficult for Ronja. There was a long time that they did not see each other. One day, Ronja decided to visit Birk, even if it means to stepped in her enemy’s territory. And she heard a melody, and she recognized Birk by this unique melody before she saw him.
Good night, sleep tight!