The Song of the Scarlet Flower

The Song of the Scarlet Flower

Year: 1938

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: Finnish

Director: Teuvo Tulio

Drama

Olavi, a farmer’s son, leaves his home after a dispute with his father and leads a life of a womanizing logger.

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Timeline – The Song of the Scarlet Flower (1938)

Trace every key event in The Song of the Scarlet Flower (1938) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Olavi's wandering life begins and first glimpse of love

Olavi Koskela works as a lumberjack while wandering the countryside. He catches the eye of Kyllikki, daughter of the wealthy Moisio family, but she resists his charm at first. Their initial encounter hints at a complicated romance shaped by social differences.

early in his journey Finnish countryside near the Moisio estate
2

Kyllikki resists Olavi's charms

Kyllikki does not easily fall for Olavi's rugged charm. She tests his persistence and doubts his true status, remaining cautious about a romance with a forest worker's son. The budding connection remains guarded.

shortly after first meeting near the Moisio manor
3

The dangerous log-rafting test

To win her, Olavi descends a life-threatening rapid on the river with a log raft. He pushes through the peril with skill and nerve, showing a brave face under pressure. The feat marks a turning point in their relationship.

during the rafting test a wild river in the countryside
4

Rafting victory deepens their bond

Having completed the daring raft crossing, Olavi's effort makes Kyllikki's reluctance melt a little. She starts to see his courage and determination, even as other obstacles loom. The moment strengthens their growing connection.

soon after rafting by the river
5

Love tested by a dangerous swim and parental opposition

Olavi and Kyllikki are forced to swim across the stream, which intensifies their bond but inflames the Moisio host. His fury at the prospect of an unlikely marriage creates a formidable obstacle. The couple's feelings survive the political and family pressure.

during the crossing across the stream near the Moisio property
6

Olavi's hidden lineage emerges; Annikki memory

Olavi is revealed to be the heir to the Koskela estate, not merely a wandering lumberjack. He had left home after clashing with his parents over marrying a maid, Annikki, a secret that haunts his past. He keeps his true lineage hidden as he continues his journey.

earlier in his life roadside and Koskela estate backstory
7

Past lovers surface during his travels

Along the road, Olavi meets women he has slept with before. He does not reveal his true parentage to those he encounters, choosing to press forward with his current romance. The encounters remind him of his complicated history.

during his travels various stops along his journey
8

A seasoned return & maternal forgiveness

A man with a lot of experience returns to the homestead, where the mother lies on her deathbed. She forgives her son for past quarrels, offering a moment of reconciliation. Olavi's father had died earlier, making the forgiveness bittersweet.

near the end of his journey Koskela homestead
9

Return to Moisio's house and wedding resolve

Olavi returns to Moisio's house and takes Kyllikki as his wife, ignoring the host's objections. The romance is driven by Olavi's newly acknowledged status and the couple's enduring bond. The marriage marks a tentative peace with the Moisio family.

upon deciding to marry Moisio household
10

Revelation of Olavi's Koskela inheritance

By the time of the wedding, Olavi's true identity as the Koskela heir has been revealed, and Moisio's host is pleased with the match. The long-standing tension fades as the household embraces the union. The revelation cements Olavi's place in both families.

before the wedding Moisio household
11

Wedding-day crisis over virginity and past relationships

On the wedding day, Olavi demands Kyllikki as a virgin and is confronted by Toivo, who reveals that Kyllikki had a former boyfriend. Kyllikki counters with Olavi's own past adventures, testing trust between them. The early happiness hangs in the balance as revelations unfold.

wedding day Moisio wedding venue
12

Calm after the storm: first child and atonement

The marriage, which began with wild frenzy, gradually calms after the birth of the couple's first child. Their relationship matures as they adapt to family life. Sins are atoned as love and forgiveness heal the rift between them.

after first child's birth Moisio household

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 12:11

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The Song of the Scarlet Flower Summary

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The Song of the Scarlet Flower Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Song of the Scarlet Flower

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Song of the Scarlet Flower

More About The Song of the Scarlet Flower

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