摘要：This article discusses the discursive production of the Finnhorse as a national animal. While the role ofthe Finnhorse has transformed from a rural workhorse to a companion animal, its image and culturalrepresentation continue to reflect traditional values famously promoted by nineteenth-century nationalistthinkers such as Zachris Topelius. Since the Finnhorse articulates clearly Finnish values and is stronglylinked to the past values of a rural Finland, the article addresses the Finnhorse in the context of nation. Wediscuss its representation in a variety of contemporary documents planning the future of the Finnhorseand its cultural representation in contemporary popular culture and literature. According to the findings,the traditional ideals of Finnishness such as honesty, humbleness, and hard work characterize the Finnhorseas well as the nation. The role of the Finnhorse in the World War II has become a part of Finnishcultural memory and is addressed in popular cultural representations. The relationship between Finns andthe Finnhorse is an emotionally laden and gendered relationship. The future of the Finnhorse as imaginedin planning documents sees its Finnishness as a strength, but some cultural representations problematizethe relationship between the animal and nation in the era of European integration. When the econationalistdiscourse of biodiversity argues for the protection of the Finnhorse, it simultaneously argues for thepreservation of traditional Finnishness.
