In this last part we will take a look at how some of Finland’s most well known authors and cultural figures have been influenced by the Bible. We have also written articles about how Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish authors have been influenced by the Bible that are worth reading.
Aleksis Kivi (1834-1872) Finnish author, poet, and playwright
Aleksis Kivi wrote the first significant novel in Finnish, “Seitsemän veljestä” (Seven Brothers) published in 1870. Some of his poems are considered among the best in Finnish poetry. When Kivi started writing, there was no established literary tradition in the Finnish language, only a few other authors wrote in Finnish. He therefore had to develop the Finnish written language in addition to challenging the prejudices against Finnish as a literary language.
His most well-known novel “Seitsemän veljestä” (Seven Brothers) contains some references to the Bible. He also used the Bible as a source for his play “Lea” (1869), which was the first play to be performed in Finnish.
Mika Waltari (1908-1972) Finnish author, poet, and playwright
Mika Waltari is best known for his historical novels, particularly “Sinuhe egyptiläinen” (The Egyptian), published in 1945, which is his most famous work in Norway. He also wrote poetry, plays and radio plays. His literature has been translated to over 30 languages.
Mika Waltari frequently uses the Bible in several of his books. In the novel “Sinuhe egyptiläinen” (The Egyptian) there are several biblical allusions. In his books “Valtakunnan salaisuus” (The Secret of the Kingdom) and “Ihmiskunnan viholliset” (The Roman), published in 1945 and 1964, he recounts stories about Jesus and the apostles from The New Testament.
