Commentary, 5/6 2004

In Norwegian, an eventyr is a story that an English speaker might describe as a fairytale or adventure. As in English, these types of stories follow a formula, beginning with the Norwegian equivalent of “Once upon a time…” (Det var en gang…). Typically, as is most likely the case the world over, such stories involve a deserving, honest person who’s elevated in class or wealth beyond his or her wildest dreams.