By Sigmund Kvaløy Setreng
According to Setreng the fairytale character of the Ash-Lad is a “classical figure of Norwegian ecophilosophy and ecopolitics.” In his interpretation of the deeper meaning of the story, which first appeared in print in 2007, Setreng explores parallels with Gandhi’s process thinking and philosopher Henri Bergson’s thoughts on the origin of laughter. Moreover, he holds that the present shift in the world climate might soon change all priorities, and bring the Ash-Lads back.