Buzz
Scandinavian innovation has come a long way since the age of Viking explorations. In addition to their stunning good looks—blonde, beautiful, and sun-kissed—Swedes are known for directing films, writing books, and distilling vodka. The land of the midnight sun has made significant contributions to global culture, including a famous pirating website and a rebellious heroine with a punk mohawk. Read on to discover some familiar things that you might not have realized came from Sweden. These fun facts could come in handy the next time you're enjoying a drink with a captivating Swede.
10. Vikings
The term 'Viking' originally referred to embarking on an expedition or raid. When you think of Vikings, you might picture pigtails, horned helmets, and longships adorned with dragon heads. Yet, these iconic images are more rooted in myth than fact. In the 19th century, a renewed fascination with the Vikings led to a romanticized view of them, known as the Viking Revival. Artists like Sir Frank Dicksee, Albert Goodwin, Henryk Hector Siemiradzki, and Robert Gibb portrayed Viking funerals and raids. Later, Nazi Germany adopted the Viking as a symbol of the master race, and elements of Viking paganism were incorporated into Nazi mysticism.
9. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
This Swedish bestseller gained massive popularity in the United States after it was released posthumously and later adapted into a major film directed by David Fincher (director of Fight Club), starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. The film also featured a soundtrack by Trent Reznor, the frontman of Nine Inch Nails. Written by Stieg Larsson, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was originally titled 'Men Who Hate Women' and drew inspiration from Larsson’s feelings of guilt for not intervening when he witnessed a friend's assault at the age of 15. Much of the novel unfolds in real and fictional Swedish locations like Stockholm and Uppsala.
8. Alexander Skarsgård
This 6’4 former Swedish Marine gained fame for his portrayal of Eric Northman in the hit HBO series True Blood. He also appeared briefly in the 2001 film Zoolander as one of Zoolander's male model roommates. Since then, Skarsgård has featured in films like Rod Lurie’s Straw Dogs and Lars von Trier’s Melancholia. Recently, he has been promoting his new fragrance 'Encounter' for Calvin Klein, and there are rumors that he will play Christian Grey in the upcoming film adaptation of the popular Fifty Shades of Grey book series by E.L. James.
7. Pippi Longstocking
Though overshadowed by Strawberry Shortcake, many still remember the adventures of Pippi Longstocking, a character created by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Like the beloved Swedish bear Bamse, Pippi possesses superhuman strength. Stieg Larsson mentioned that Lisbeth Salander, the protagonist of his Millennium series, was inspired by an adult version of Pippi Longstocking.
6. IKEA
IKEA has grown to become the largest furniture retailer globally. Founded by Ingvar Kamprad in 1943, the company was influenced by Kamprad's involvement in the New Swedish Movement, which supported Nazi Germany during World War II and espoused Swedish nationalism and fascism. IKEA has faced ongoing criticism in recent years, including accusations of offending the Goth subculture and Denmark. A notable instance was a controversial bedding packaging that stated, “Brightens up your grad’s dorm. Unlike a creepy gothic room-mate, who can be a bad influence.” Additionally, IKEA named its budget-friendly rugs after places in Denmark, while its high-end furniture was named after Swedish locations.
5. H & M
H&M ranks as the second-largest clothing retailer worldwide, just behind the infamous Zara and ahead of GAP Inc. The brand’s clothing style is designed to reflect the latest runway trends, with campaigns featuring prominent figures such as David Beckham and Sasha Pivovarova. H&M has collaborated with renowned designers like Versace for its seasonal collections. The company was founded in 1947 by Erling Persson, with its headquarters now located in Stockholm. With over 200 stores in the U.S., H&M’s locations, including a multi-level store in Las Vegas, are known for their striking décor, featuring suspended disco balls and mannequins in dynamic poses.
4. ABBA
Everyone knows the iconic track 'Dancing Queen.' ABBA, the Swedish pop group, formed in 1972, released this hit in 1976. It became one of the most popular anthems of the 1970s. The group inspired artists like Lady Gaga, whose 'Alejandro' draws influences from ABBA’s 'Fernando.' ABBA’s flamboyant stage outfits, often including capes, space boots, jumpsuits, robes, and swimsuits, left a lasting impression. After reaching global success, ABBA disbanded in 1982.
3. The Pirate Bay
2. Ingmar Bergman
Ingmar Bergman is a name synonymous with cinema, especially in the art and film school world. Woody Allen once hailed him as the greatest filmmaker in history. The majority of Bergman's films were set in Sweden, with recurring themes of mortality, madness, and betrayal. His most famous works include *The Seventh Seal* and *Wild Strawberries*. The iconic scene of a person playing chess with Death in *The Seventh Seal* became a symbol of the director’s exploration of life's greatest mysteries.
1. Absolut Vodka
In 1877, Swedish entrepreneur Lars Olsson Smith introduced Absolut, a brand that would go on to become the most internationally recognized alcoholic spirit. Its 1980s ad campaigns, known for their bold creativity, helped define the brand’s image, featuring wild scenes like a massive pillow fight, a drag performance, and the surreal fractal transformation of its iconic bottle. Smith, who was dubbed 'The King of Spirits' in Sweden, is credited with breaking Stockholm's alcohol monopoly. More recently, Absolut appeared in Swedish House Mafia’s *Greyhound* music video.
+ THE SWEDISH CHEF!
