The Song of the Scarlet Flower

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.