Recently, an 8-year old girl found a sword in a Swedish lake. While heavily corroded, scientists were able to determine that it was 1,500 years old-ish. That’s pre-Viking era, and steel swords from the time would have been very rare in Sweden. But while the science is nice and all, some people are having a bit of fun calling this girl the Rightwise-Queen-of-All-Sweden because of some loose parallels with the Arthurian legends. Fortunately, the Guardian is on the case, and dispatched interviewer Moya Sarner to record the girl, Saga Vanecek, describing the experience and its importance in her own words.
There is much to love about the interview, but perhaps the best part is that this is a kid who clearly has a good sense of her own priorities. Asked about her claim to the throne, Vanecek says
I wouldn’t mind being queen for a day, but when I grow up I want to be a vet. Or an actor in Paris.
Any mammal, bird or reptile would be lucky to have you, Saga, whether they’re directing productions in Paris or not.
Lofty says
Sensible child. Long may she reign.
cartomancer says
It’s not without precedent. Queen Christina of Sweden, the daughter of Gustavus Adolphus, abdicated after twelve years on the throne in order to move to Rome and patronise the theatre. As a role-model a girl could do a lot worse.
Marcus Ranum says
You know, “sortition” might not be such a bad idea, as a way of picking leaders. One could build a large marble block with a sword in it, that rolls 40-D-20 when someone pulls on it…
Crip Dyke, Right Reverend Feminist FuckToy of Death & Her Handmaiden says
Swordition?