Stormskerry Maja

Maja is a resilient, curious wife and mother who grows from a rural girl into a literate, self-reliant matriarch. She manages the farm on Stormskerry, teaches her children, and negotiates with lenders and soldiers alike. Her bond with the sea remains central to her identity, guiding her decisions and dreams.

Janne is Maja’s husband, a steadfast Ålandic man who envisions building a self-sufficient life on Stormskerry. He faces the risks of sea life and uncertain fortunes, and his relationship with Maja evolves as the family endures loss and hardship.

Saka is a wealthy landowner whose loan enables Janne and Maja to establish their homestead. He represents the mercantile influence in the island’s economy and the choices families must navigate to secure a future.

Erker is Janne’s father, visiting with gifts and sharing in the family’s early moments on Stormskerry. He embodies the elder generation’s expectations and the familial ties that anchor the couple through trials.

Anna is Maja’s sister who comments on Janne’s proposal and adds perspective on marriage and practicality. Her presence underscores familial dynamics and the social pressure surrounding Maja’s choices.

Maria is the couple’s daughter born during a shipwreck, symbolizing hope and continuity. Her arrival deepens Maja’s sense of family legacy and the stakes of raising children on Stormskerry.

Mikael is one of Maja and Janne’s children who drowns while keeping watch for his father’s return, marking a tragedy that tests the family’s resolve and memory.

Gabriel is the couple’s later child, baptized as the family grows. His presence continues the lineage and the sense of continuity in a land shaped by the sea and war.

Lt. Wilson is the naval officer who interacts with Maja during the war, offering a moment of compassion and aid amid conflict. His presence highlights the human diplomacy that can arise even in wartime.

Pappi is the local priest figure, whose presence marks rites of passage and the community’s moral framework during times of birth, marriage, and hardship.

Saka’s wife represents the other side of the mercantile partnership, speaking up for Maja and shaping decisions in the background of the island’s economy.

Magnus is a young man connected to Maja’s initial encounter with visions and the social circles around the midsummer moment, highlighting romantic tension and cultural beliefs.