Myrrys, the Sage

Winner of the Topelius, Laivakello and Minna Canth’s Heir Prizes and nominee for both Junior Young Aleksis and Kuvastaja Prizes! The ancient forests and their powerful spirits add to the magic of this historical coming-of-age adventure set in 19th century Finland.

15-year-old orphan boy Niilo is living in the Finnish countryside where ancient pagan spirits and their callers still hold their own alongside the burgeoning power of the church. The master of Kivihalme farm is a brutal man who has made Niilo to work for his keep since he took him in as a newly orphaned little boy. For Niilo, Kivihalme is the only home he knows as he has no memories of his childhood. And those few times he has dared to ask about his past at the farm, his questions have been met with uneasy silence.

When the master’s son is severely injured, he turns to the mighty local sage to come and help his son. But quite unexpectedly, after tending to the wounds of the boy, the sage asks to have Niilo as his reward. The master is not pleased but finds no way to decline the request. Niilo is petrified as he leaves the farm to venture into the forest wilderness on the heels of the powerful stranger.

To Niilo’s surprise his worst fears never come to pass. Instead Martin, the man known as “myrrys”, and feared by all, takes Niilo as his apprentice and trains him in the art of healing and the spirit world. Soon the dormant abilities in Niilo are awoken. He becomes attuned to the ancient forests and their powerful spirits. Under Martin’s tutelage the boy grows brave and strong, in mind, body and spirit. Moreover, when the secrets of Niilo’s past eventually surface, he finds himself ready to rise up against those who have wronged him.