Little-Known Facts About the Finnish Winter War in On Blazing Wings
In the chilling expanse of Scandinavia, amid the roars of warplanes and the icy grip of the Finnish Winter War, L. Ron Hubbard’s On Blazing Wings finds its heart. Originally published in the May 1940 issue of Five Novels Monthly, the novel transcends the conventional boundaries of the genre by combining military fiction, historical fiction, romance, and mythological fantasy into a synergistic tour de force.
Inspiration for On Blazing Wings
As Europe teetered on the brink of World War II, Ron captured the essence of an embattled Finland with a historian’s pen and a mythmaker’s imagination. The story follows David Duane, an American fighter pilot whose mercenary motives are challenged by a more profound, almost mystic confrontation with destiny and love. Inspired by the heroic real-life struggle of the Finnish people against the overwhelming might of the Soviet Union, the author mixes air battles and military strategy with Finnish folklore, creating a unique backdrop where ancient myths and the stark realities of war collide.
To write the story, Ron meticulously researched the rise of Communism, the nuances of Finnish mythology and traditions, the performance details of military aircraft at the time, and even battle routes and possible invasion strategies.
The Finnish Winter War: Historical Context
The Finnish Winter War, which began on November 30, 1939, was a stark and vehement conflict triggered by the Soviet Union’s invasion of Finland. This aggressive move came just three months after the outbreak of World War II, with the Soviets demanding substantial territorial concessions from Finland. The refusal of these demands led to a brutal but fiercely patriotic resistance from the Finns.
Despite facing a Soviet force that was vastly superior in numbers—over three times the soldiers, thirty times the aircraft, and a hundred times the tanks—Finland’s defense was unexpectedly resilient and effective. The Finns utilized their deep knowledge of the local terrain and guerrilla tactics to inflict significant losses on the Soviet forces before Finland, exhausted and unable to secure help from Britain and France, made peace on Soviet terms on March 12, 1940.
Using guerilla tactics, knowledge of the terrain, and white uniforms created a resilient and effective Finnish defense.
Poorly led and ill-equipped, the Soviet Union Red Army was unable to deal with the Finnish terrain and the indomitable spirit of the Finnish people.
In On Blazing Wings, Ron does not merely depict the physical battles but encapsulates the spirit of the Finnish resistance. The protagonist, David Duane, serves as a metaphor for Finland’s fight for survival—stoic, unyielding, and deeply intertwined with the national psyche despite being an American working for hire. The Winter War’s themes of resilience and defiance against overwhelming odds provide the backdrop for the Finnish people’s broader themes of destiny, honor, and sacrifice.
Finnish Folklore and Mythology in On Blazing Wings
Finnish folklore, rich with tales of the mystical Puhjola, a realm of powerful entities and enigmatic legends, significantly influences the story. Puhjola, often depicted as a stark, foreboding place in myth, mirrors the harsh Finnish landscapes of the Winter War. The novel integrates these elements through the protagonist’s surreal encounters, particularly when facing Khulater, the Ruler of the Dead, after being shot down.
The city in the sky was full and bright before him, and he was flying into it.
“Wait!” cried David, in new alarm. The room was beginning to tilt and spin about him, and he could no longer see Khulater.
The interplay of Finnish mythology with the historical setting of the Winter War elevates On Blazing Wings beyond a mere war story. It reflects themes of fate, sacrifice, and redemption that resonate with the Finnish people’s struggle for survival and identity.
The Hero, David Duane: A Study in Character
David Duane’s character arc is emblematic of internal and external conflicts. As a mercenary, he initially views the war as a means to an end but gradually becomes enmeshed in the conflict’s existential crises. His transformation from a detached warrior to a man deeply connected to his cause and the people he fights for is central to the plot.
Finnish cultural values and mythological elements influence Duane’s evolution. His interactions with Finnish folklore and his romantic entanglement with a Finnish revolutionary underline the transformative power of love and cultural immersion in his journey from a soldier of fortune to a mythical hero.
The Enduring Legacy of On Blazing Wings
On Blazing Wings remains relevant today as it encapsulates universal themes of courage, love, and the human spirit’s resilience. Its portrayal of a lesser-known conflict through a fantastical lens allows contemporary readers to learn of historical events while engaging with timeless narrative themes.
L. Ron Hubbard’s extensive research into Finnish folklore, the strategic details of the Winter War, and the technical specifics of wartime aviation lend authenticity and depth to the story, showcasing his commitment to historical accuracy.
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A Cinematic High-Definition Audio Experience
Experience this 3D audio landscape firsthand with the following excerpt:
References:
What Free Men Can Do: The Winter War, the Use of Delay, and Lessons for the 21st Century
The Winter War: How Finland Resisted Russia’s WW2 Expansion
For more information on fantasy fiction see:
Folklore and Mythology Are Strong Influences in Modern Fantasy
Definition of Fantasy Novel: A Journey Beyond the Veil of Reality
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