Olle Jonsson


	Hälsinglandland of myths and legends The forest, rivers, lakes, mountains and valleys of Hälsingland are the setting for many Swedish myths and legends. For centuries, parents have told their children these ancient tales. They are part of a tradition that has survived to this day. Particularly compelling are the legends of the giants, the jättar. According to Scandinavian mythology, these mighty creatures inhabited the earth prior to mankind. Some of them were so colossal and strong that they were able to transform landscape.				One legend has it that the island of Visingsö in Sweden's second largest lake, Vättern, was created when an enormous giant ripped a fistful of soil out of the ground and threw it into the lake. Other legends tell of rage, revenge, retaliation and violent combat between giants. For the young Olle Jonsson, such legends were bedtime stories. As an adult, one of them would change his life.