Scandinavia: The Narcissism of Small Differences - podcast episode cover

Scandinavia: The Narcissism of Small Differences

Nov 24, 202030 min
--:--
--:--
Download Metacast podcast app
Listen to this episode in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episode description

This is the story of how Norway threw off its patronising title of 'little brother' and emerged as the richest Scandinavian nation of all.

In 1814 - just as Napoleon's rampage across Europe was drawing to a close - Sweden took control of Norway. They did this with the permission of the other great powers. Norway did not became a free and sovereign nation until 1905, and during that century they continued to produce timber and fish. But they also produced Ibsen, Grieg and Munch, who painted The Scream; plus Nansen and Amundsen, who beat the British to the South Pole.

With contributions from Thomas Hylland Eriksen and Linn Ullman in Oslo, plus Erica Wagner, Dorthe Nors and Jacob Stougaard-Nielsen of UCL.

The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android