The colonization history of the Várjjat (Varanger) region in North Norway: The yoik of Vardøhus fortress, royal pride or a loathsome commemoration of the local Sámis' fate?

Abstract

This article focuses on the darkest time in the history of Varanger, namely on the intrusion of the states into the area and in what ways it happened. In the northernmost part of Finnmark in Sápmi the union of Denmark-Norway established two towns after the year 1300: Vardø (in 1307) and Vadsø (in 1500). On the island Vardø was also the seat of power, Vardøhus fortress (Várggáid ladni in Sámi), built primarily in order to prevent the Russian empire from entering the area. Over the centuries the fortress may have been a source of fear for the Sámi people in the area, because throughout nearly the entire 17th century witchcraft trials were carried out at Vardøhus Fortress, where people were imprisoned, first the Sámi shamans, and then mostly women, who were punished and tortured there. In the end most of them were sentenced to death by burning at the stake. In recent times, researchers have examined historical documents such as court records, judgements and other public sources about those who were executed. This is how they have brought the terrible story of Vardøhus Fortress into the light of the present. A memorial site with memorial plaques of the victims, and a bonfire room as a memorial to the horrific punishments have also been set up on the Vardø island. In addition to documenting the very sad history, the article aims to show that the voice of the Sámi has been silenced in the public history, even if the memorial plaques of the victims prove that most of the victims were local people. The confessions in the court records provide details on their Sámi way of life and cultural characteristics. In my view they were Sámi. Therefore this article highlights the Vardøhus Fortress Yoik, which is the only Sámi voice left, the only surviving yoik describing how the Sámi may have experienced living on Vardø island for several hundred years.