Lapp-Nils

Sami (Swedish) legendary fiddler from Jämtland, born 8 May 1804 in Hallen, died 18 April 1870 in Offerdal. Together with his playmate Lapp-Jonas from Oviken, Lapp-Nils also performed on Stockholm's streets and squares. According to tradition, they made good profits. Dressed in their Sami costumes, they were an exotic element in the street scene. During his fiddler walks, Lapp-Nils taught many pole shoes, side songs, bridal marches and other songs. Nils married in 1829 a daughter of a Offerdalssame. Her name was Kristina Clemensdotter but she was called Lapp-Kersti. In 1837, they moved to a daycare cottage in the village of Hållan in Offerdal. After a few years in Hållan, they moved in 1849 to the so-called Lapp-Nilstorpet which is located one kilometer north of Önet. Lapp-Nils played at weddings around Jämtland, Medelpad and Hälsingland. Several of his students came to Lapp-Nilstorpet, and as payment for the teaching, they had to help drive in hay, chop rowan and scrape rowan bark for the cows. Through his students, the Lapp-Nils polskor have been passed on. There are several myths about Lapp-Nils, including that he, as the newly saved, must have buried his violin in connection with the revival movement. Lapp-Nils died on April 18, 1870 in gangrene.