eirikgul

This is a short comment about the source of the history behind the movie. It as based on an incident called "Battle of Vinjesvingen" that took place in May of 1940 in Telemark county, Norway. It became the last stronghold of Norwegian resistance in southern Norway during World War II, under the command of 2nd Lieutenant Thor O. Hannevig (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Vinjesvingen). A book was written, but details of the story has been challenged by some of those who took part. This is probably the reason why the filmmakers decided to use fictional names in their story. The main battle continued from the 3rd to the 5th of May. Large German forces were eventually deployed to the area, and the German losses were considerable. When it was realized that the entire south of Norway was lost, and that there would be no Allied invasion from the west, Hannevig initiated peace negotiations. The battles of Vinjesvingen had a great symbolic effect during the occupation, and provided a moral boost to a rather depressing occupation. it was not known to the rest of the country while the battles were fought, however.