Röde Orm

I had to read a book as part of my Swedish language course. Read, write a 2 page report on, and present verbally to the class. In Swedish, of course. First problem was in finding a suitable Swedish book. The problem I had was that every book that was at a suitable level for me, was only about 20 pages long. And usually included "pop up" pictures. So that was a bit of a mission. In the end I went for "Röde Orm", which is a swashbulking tale of a Swedish viking lad in the 10th century. 250 rip roaring pages of pillaging, drinking, fighting, more pillaging, and more drinking. Could have just as easily have been set in Manchester. I won't bore you with the details but the story follows the travels of our hero Orm, as he sails around the place. It details the various unique environments that he finds himself in, and how those experiences change and develop him. As I was thinking about how I was going to present this to my classmates, I began to realise how the story was so much more than a viking tale. Sure, it gave an insight into viking life. But, in many ways, Orm's tale was representative of an immigrant's life. And that's the approach I took for my presentation. Like Orm, we're constantly facing new things in the course of building our new lives here. And those things, in turn, are changing who we are. I remember an old dog breeder lady once telling me that a dog's personality is the product of 20% genetic, and 80 % environment. And I think that may apply to us also. I'm not the same person I was 2 years ago. I've changed a lot since coming to Sweden, in some pretty fundamental ways. Circumstances have meant I've had to learn patience at a higher level. Communication problems have made me more accepting of situations. Suddenly being a minority, has made me more tolerant towards others. Some other changes I'm not so happy about. But I'm sure they are only a result of being dumped out of my comfort zone. And will not be necessary traits over time. All in all, I think that every immigrant is an explorer in some way. In many ways, even with the passing of 1000 years, young Orm and I have a lot in common. Rather sobering when you think about it. I wonder how the people back in my home country would view me today. And how I would view them.