Tomten (poem) facts for kids
| by Viktor Rydberg | |
| Country | Sweden |
|---|---|
| Language | Swedish |
| Publication date | 1881 |
Tomten is a famous poem from Sweden. It is also known by its first line, "Midvinternattens köld är hård," which means "The cold of the midwinter night is hard." The poem was written by Viktor Rydberg and first came out in a newspaper called Ny Illustrerad Tidning in 1881.
Even though it seems like a simple Christmas poem, Tomten asks big questions. It makes readers think about the meaning of life. The poem tells the story of a tomten (a mythical creature, like a gnome) who watches over a farm on a cold winter night.
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About the Poem
The poem describes a tomten, a small, old creature. He lives on a farm and secretly takes care of the animals and buildings. He works while everyone else is asleep. The tomten thinks about how humans and animals live and die. He wonders about the purpose of life.
The poem is popular in Sweden, especially around Christmas. It helps people think about nature and life's deeper meanings.
Tomten in Other Media
The story of Tomten has been shared in many ways. People have enjoyed it as films, audiobooks, and even in music.
Film and Audio
- In 1941, a short film called Tomten was made. In this film, Hilda Borgström reads the entire poem aloud.
- The poem has also been made into an audiobook. The famous Swedish writer Torgny Lindgren read it for this version.
Music and Albums
- In 2009, the Swedish singer Lotta Engberg released a Christmas album called Jul hos mig. The album includes a hidden bonus track. On this track, the actor Sven Wollter reads the poem.
- The poem's words were set to music by Lyyli Wartiovaara-Kallioniemi. This musical version appeared in the 1997 songbook Julens önskesångbok. It was listed under "Traditional Christmas songs."
Tomten in English
Rydberg's poem has been translated into English several times. Translators include Charles Wharton Stork, Anna Krook, Elias Gordon, and Judith Moffett.
Astrid Lindgren's Version
In 1961, the famous children's author Astrid Lindgren created a prose version of the story. This means she rewrote it as a story, not a poem. Her version included beautiful pictures by Harald Wiberg.
German Film
In 2007, a German film was made based on Astrid Lindgren's stories. This film was called Tomte Tummetott and the Fox.
