When St. Jaffen, “the Apostle of the North,” was one time riding through Jämtland from the borders of Norway, his way led along a beautiful green valley, in the parish of Åre. Becoming weary, he dismounted and laid himself down for a nap. When he awoke it occurred to him that such a garden spot must some day be inhabited by mankind, so, selecting a slab of stone, he cut in its surface the following prophetic lines:
“When Swedish men adopt foreign customs
And the land loses its old honor,
Yet, shall stand the Stone in Grönan Dal.
When churches are converted into prisons,
And God’s services have lost their joyous light,
Yet shall stand the Stone in Grönan Dal.
When rogues and villains thrive
And honest men are banished,
Yet will stand the Stone in Grönan Dal.