Pippi, Ikea and the Nobel prize: 100 inclusions in Sweden's cultural canon

""I wanted to have a broad concept of culture. That is to say, a concept of culture... which is not limited to the art forms but includes them," Tragardh said in his introductory address. He had not wanted, he continued, to see the canon as "guidelines that are closed and definitive", but instead wanted to see the ideas and works included in it as "windows that open up to much, much more"."

""We do not," he stressed, "see our selection as a definitive and static list or as a final destination, but as the beginning of an exciting journey together in the rich, multifaceted and inalienable world of art and culture". Tragardh then left it to the economist Daniel Waldenstrom, who led the committee on social phenomena, to post a slide containing the full list of works. Karin Siden, who led the committee on literary and artistic works, then explained the choices her own committee had made."

"As well as Pippi Longstocking, Sweden's most beloved children's book, the list includes some of Sweden's most celebrated literary works, such as The Saga of Gosta Berling by Selma Lagerlof, Miss Julie by August Strindberg, Aniara by Harry Martinsson, The Emigrants by Vilhelm Moberg, Kallocain by Karin Boye, and Fredmans epistle, no 30, by the poet and songwriter Carl Michael Bellman."

A national cultural canon of one hundred works and phenomena was compiled following a two-year government inquiry with two committees. The canon spans literature, film, social phenomena and institutions, and includes beloved children's fiction alongside classic novels, poetry, and influential films. Selections range from Pippi Longstocking and The Seventh Seal to The Saga of Gosta Berling, Miss Julie, Aniara, The Emigrants, Kallocain, and Fredmans epistle no 30. The list also acknowledges social and institutional milestones such as Ikea's first branch in Almhult, paid paternity leave, the Nobel Prize and the speech that launched the 'folkhem'. The inquiry emphasized a broad, non-definitive concept intended as a starting point for cultural engagement.

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