mischaracterization in hetalia – Page 2

Misconception: She has big breasts because fanservice

Reality: She’s characterized this way since Ukrainian news supposedly
often focuses on breasts.

If anything, Ukraine is insecure about her breasts. It’s to
the point that she’ll wear restrictive clothing that prevents them from moving
too much [x].

There’s also a strip in volume 2 titled “I hate my big
boobs!”

The ironic comic gag of this is the childhood advice she
gives to Russia. When fighting her enemies, Ukraine speaks to their hearts by
showing them her breasts– I’m dead serious here. [I can’t believe I’m actually writing this…]

She also advises Belgium to show off her breasts
to get noticed [x].

Misconception: Belarus hates her.

Reality: While Belarus would rather be with Russia, there
are moments where their sibling relationship shines.

Ex: They take a cute Christmas photo together. The fan
request is to see a happy Ukraine [x].

Ex: Another fan request wants to see Italy interacting with female nations. When it’s her turn, a weird shadow appears behind Ukraine.
Some have speculated that this is Belarus being protective of Ukraine,
especially because Belarus is included in the panel right above [x].

Misconception: She’s a weak crybaby.

Reality: While she is a crybaby, she’s not weak.

Ex: She cries when she has to leave the Soviet Union,
knowing that it’s the best for them politically, but perhaps not personally as
siblings.

Once again, the differentiation between a nation following
their bosses’ orders against what they want is shown as Ukraine remembers that
her boss forbade her from giving milk to Russia. Although the subject of the order
is trivial, it’s the fact that she’s been ordered to avoid her own brother
altogether that’s important. It takes a lot of resilience for a nation to
juggle personal and political lives.

Ex: She cries when her attempts to establish relations –‘friends’
– in the EU doesn’t work out right away.

Ex: In a Volume 4 character note, she’s described as “Russia’s
fearsome sister who will stand her ground to the last” [x].

Ex: A young Russia perceives Ukraine to be evil-minded when
she gives him his infamous scarf. The reason she does so is not only to keep
Russia warm. She also wants him to thank her by making Kiev successful.

Bonus facts:

She herself is poor as a result of her country’s poor
economic performance.

Ex: She delays paying her oil bill to Russia.

In the World Academy AU, she’s part of the Choral Club along
with the other Baltics.

Her nyo – male version – looks almost exactly like Russia [x].

Misconception: She’s average.

Reality: While Hima intended for her to be average, her
characterization took a drastic turn [x]. She’s anything but average.

Ex: She’s a model student within Africa.

Ex: Regardless of her isolated position, she avidly studies
foreign relations [x]. Either way, she’d need to given how globalized the world’s
economies have become. The 2008 Financial Crisis affected her too, after all.

Ex: She’s described as a go-getter [x].

Ex: She’s not subtle about her economic transactions with
European tourists. She’s well adept at making her tourism industry thrive.

“Good –foreign
currency–

noon!” [x]

Ex: She’s good at sales promotions [x].

Ex: Prices in her country are more expensive in response to
high volumes of European tourists.

Ex: As a matriarchal society in which women are the
breadwinners of the family – as also cited by Hima in her character notes [x] –Seychelles
is not only strong and tenacious but admirably self-effficient.

Misconception: She’s a ‘stupid’ and ‘plain’ airhead.

Reality: She’s a lively, bubbly personality who simply
smiles a lot. The term airhead is used to describe her weird personality given that she’s composed of a mix of several cultures. It has nothing to do with her intelligence.

Ex: An unconfirmed African nation refers to Seychelles as an
airhead due to French and English influence.

Ex: She loves salted and pickled fish [x] [x].

Ex: She’s notorious for her butt-shaped coconuts [x].

Ex: Her isolation from other African nations parallels that
of Iceland and the other Nordics. A unique moment is shared between them where
Iceland senses her situation and relates to her fear of being forgotten. I can guarantee
you this is where the IceSey pairing came from.

Misconception: She’s related to England and France.

Reality: She inherited much of their culture, along with
some Indian and Chinese influence. What ties her and France and England together
is that she used to be a colony of theirs at different points in time [x].

Ex: A scrapped design intended for her to have one thick
eyebrow and one thin one to represent French and English influence.

Ex: Later, it’s shown that French influence on her country
has prevented her from inheriting England’s thick brows [x].

Ex: Her cuisine represents a mix of several cultures.

Bonus facts:

Both the Allies and Axis get stranded on her island during
WW2.

She’s a homebody [x].

Her costume as Captain Hook during the 2011 Halloween Event
is likely a reference to the fact that young pirates used to have hideouts on
her island [x] [x].

She’s tough on litterers.

She was the main character in an unfinished dating
simulation titled “Gakuen Hetalia” [x].

In sum, Seychelles is a wonderful character, regardless of
how little canon representation she has. She’s a cheerful and vibrant spirit
that bravely powers through the obstacles of her isolation, namely economic. Nonetheless,
she makes the best out of her unique cultural inheritance and isn’t afraid to
show it off. What’s unfortunate is that much of this complexity is watered down
in light of disliking her for coming between popular ships.

Misconception: He
hates Greece

Reality: They don’t
truly hate each other, even though they say they do. Their actions prove otherwise.

Ex: They’re
compared to cats and dogs.

Ex: They bicker
and get into fights whenever they see each other, often creating disputes out
of nothing [x].

Nonetheless, they have made some advances in their
relationship.

Ex: Turkey’s form
of ‘bullying’ Greece is taking the latter to a bathhouse and massaging his “stiff
bones.”

Ex: It’s also important to remember that Greece lived with Turkey for a considerable part of his childhood, up until he gained independence in the 19th century.

Ex: During the
Christmas 2007 event, Greece offers that France strip him instead rather than
taking off Turkey’s mask [don’t ask], even though Turkey later appears with the
mask off anyway. What matters is that it’s hinted that Turkey possibly isn’t
comfortable with taking off the mask – Greece’s expression is indicative of
that.

…

Misconception: He’s
the bad guy.

Reality: He was a
world superpower just like other European empires at the time.

What likely made him
‘evil’ in fanon is that he came between Spain and Romano.

Ex: There’s
literally no difference between Austria conquering Veneziano and Turkey’s
attempt to conquer Romano, and yet Turkey’s selectively depicted as the villain
in fanon.

He’s not
particularly malicious either.

Ex: He promises not to kill Romano (the weapon he brandishes is all show) and later leaves to get porridge instead of resuming his battle over Romano with Spain [x].

Misconception: He’s
obnoxiously cocky and arrogant

Reality: He was
cocky and arrogant in his prime but has mellowed out and become more docile
with age. While his stubbornness has remained, he has a sensitive side too.

Ex: Romano thinks
of him as a scary old fart [x].

Ex: Depending on the
character note, he’s either referred to as an old man or an uncle-type figure. Point
is, he’s considerably older than most of the other nations.

Ex: Despite his
old age, he still exercises feats of strength when least expected. In this
case, his success in stopping a pick-pocketer was enough to impress Germany.

Ex: He attempts
to force himself into an EU meeting. In other depictions, it’s also shown that
not being granted a membership in the EU is upsetting to him [x] [x]

His mask:

Not much is known about why he covers his face with a mask. Regardless,
there are times where he’s spotted without one. For the most part, when his
face is revealed it’s either shaded or partially turned to the side.

There are some times, however, where his full face is shown.
Hima’s linked to a couple drawings on his blog, where if you click on them, the
mask comes off [x] [x].

Bonus Facts:

He’s a good salesman.

In a bizarre fan request, Hima depicts Turkey – as the origin
of Santa – visiting Iceland dressed as Santa. It turns out to be a dream. Mental indeed,
Iceland [x].

He has a good relationship with Japan.

He’s considerably
muscular + well-built [x].

Although, Hima also said that Turkey would be “just as fine”
with a bit of stomach sticking out and depicted him as such [x].

It’s completely normal for him not to be wearing that much
clothing.

He’s part of the Gourmet Food Club.

All in all, Turkey’s bad reputation stems in large from his
portrayal in fanon; it wasn’t the series itself that depicted him like this. There’s
literally nothing that differentiates him and his actions from other empires in
canon.

Misconception: He
hates Spain

Reality: He hated
Spain but puts up with him now [x].

While Netherlands may be annoyed by Spain, they’re not
hostile.

Ex: Spain and
Netherlands are spotted together during the 2010 Christmas Event. Spain wants
to take a photo and Netherlands’ is reluctant. Netherlands’ threat to flip
Spain over is actually pretty funny [x].

Further, when they’re attacked by parallel France, Spain
comes to Netherlands’ aid.

Ex: They
coordinate their costumes during the 2011 Christmas Event, along with Belgium
and Romano [x].

Ex: Having been there
for part of Romano’s childhood, it’s Netherlands who points out how unaware the
latter was of the sacrifices that Spain made for him. In this case, Spain spent most of his money on Romano.

Ex: He helps lift
Spain onto Romano’s back as Belgium cheers them on [x].

Ex: Spain teases
Netherlands by putting on glasses to make himself more approachable and
suitable for business [x].

Misconception: He’s
rude

Reality: He’s kind and an older brother type.

On
the other hand, he can also be crabby and has a ‘dirty side.’

Ex: He attempts to help Belgium and Luxembourg, who were at the
mercy of other countries, through diplomacy. The running gag is that all of his advice is about money, albeit well-intentioned [x].

Ex: He teaches Luxembourg the business skills that propelled him
into the thriving economic state that he’s in now.

Ex: He’s in his element when he’s surrounded by tulips [x].

Ex: He socializes and involves himself in a discussion on gardening [x].

Netherlands’
personality is complex in that he has faults. He’s not rude all the time. Like
everyone, there are moments where he loses his composure.

Ex: He tends to lose his composure when it comes to economic
matters relating to Greece in the EU. He’s still noted to usually be a
pleasant coworker [x].

Ex: His sister declaring independence from him made him cranky
when he visits the then isolationist Japan for trade.

Nonetheless,
like other Dutch merchants, he respectively adopted the customs of his business
partners and engaged in them during transactions.

Side note: I’ve seen enough people take a dub line
as canon, so I want to clear it up.

In the “Before an International Meeting” strip… [x].

What
Netherlands does not say: “What? Do
you envy my scarf?”

What he does say: “Yo, good morning.”

It’s a big
difference.

Misconception: Business is everything.

Reality: Business isn’t everything, but it’s extremely important. It’s what taught him how to thrive.

Ex: Witnessing the wealth of his younger sister, Belgium,
motivated him to evolve past his agrarian roots.

Ex: It’s for this reason that Belgium believes that he’s become
so stingy and obsessed with profit.

Ex: He exchanges weapons with Spain while they’re at war.

Ex: He has no problem mixing his business and personal lives
together.

Ex: When the prospect of the nations’ memories being full of
gaps is introduced, Netherlands is able to recall business transactions from the
last three hundred years, as well as European countries’ weaknesses.

Bonus Facts:

Like England,
he may, in fact, have a tattoo [x].

His hair is
naturally flat and limp [x].

His
relationship with Denmark is good enough for him to offer the latter a cheaper “buddy
price.”

He’s extremely
neat and tidy – he won’t eat in his kitchen despite cleaning it + doesn’t like
messy gardens.

As such, these compulsions, along with his obsession with money, is likely why he is described as neurotic in a character note.

In sum, while
Netherlands may appear to be rough on the edges, stemming from his occasionally
“rough’ business practices, he’s far more than that. He’s kind and is more than
capable of sharing close relationships with others. It’s not that he’s
unfriendly either. He has a stand-offish appearance. Meanwhile, he’ll stand up
for himself and those close to him.

Misconception:
She’s a ‘Plain Jane.’

Reality: Her
awareness that she’s ‘plain’ and doesn’t stand out in comparison to surrounding
countries is what adds more layers to her character [x].

Ex: She tries her
best to stand out.

Ex: If anything,
her and Luxembourg realizing how powerless they were 100 years ago makes her personality
more complex. It’s revealed that she was constantly at the mercy of other
nations. Any character that’s vulnerable and has weaknesses, flaws, and
insecurities are far from plain [x].

Misconception:
She’s weak

Reality: She’s endured a lot. Resilience is what makes her strong.

Ex: There was a
period where her and her older brother, Netherlands, had a rocky period in
their relationship.

Netherlands attempted to unite their kingdoms into one, but
she declared her independence instead. This incident is described as a fight by Netherlands’ bunny [x].

Ex: Her
personality isn’t only a stock sweet-type. She’s also noted to have quite the
temper; she becomes scary when she’s angry.

Misconception: She’s fake and ingenuine

Reality: She’s incredibly sweet and supportive.

Ex: When Spain buys new clothes for a young Romano at the cost
of wearing rags, Belgium pleads for him to get new clothes too.

Ex: She cheers on Romano as he attempts to lift up Spain [x].

Ex: Because they’re so familiar with each other and regardless
of the fact that she’s a girl, Romano gets nervous and will swear in front of
her [x]. He used to have a crush on her, after all.

Ex: She gets to share rare moments with Netherlands where he
reveals his softer side [x].

Bonus Facts:

Her smile is sometimes cat-like, a probable reference to the
annual Cat Festival held in Ypres.

Given that Hima bases a lot of the physical traits of the
nations on population statistics, Belgium has large breasts [x].

She’s very serious about her waffles and will make a sour
face if she eats a foreign recreation of the treat.

All in all, even though Belgium doesn’t appear very often in
the manga, she still has a unique and distinct personality. Yes, she’s long due
for further character development, but she’s
not plain.

Misconception:
Japan’s emotionless

Reality: He’s shy,
but far from emotionless.

Due to his hikikomori phase, he became used to
communicating with others by reading their minds – he has clairvoyant powers.

Ex: Italy and
Romano initially believe that Japan doesn’t like them because of how contained he
was.

Ex: He’s an
introvert that taps into his extrovert side for business. He’s able to smile and
keep up with pleasantries. Like a true introvert, he’s drained after these
interactions.

Additionally, Japanese cultural display rules for emotion
are vastly different and more reserved than Western nations.

Fun fact: Nowadays, nations that are more reserved
emotionally in public tend to express themselves online in private more,
especially through the use of emojis. The Japanese
have some of the most innovative and creative use of emoticons.

Japan is very active online and has an Instagram account.

He
also has an appreciation for cute things, although he doesn’t realize it.

Ex: When he offers to wash Berlitz, he goes a bit overboard.

Ex: He asks to take a picture of England and America after they put on cat ears.

Misconception: He’s
weak because he doesn’t voice his own opinions.

Reality: He’s
tactful and is extremely careful with what he says out loud.

Ex: Following
WW2, he agrees with what America says, likely because it served to his own
benefit.

If you think about it, it’s amazing how within a decade
after the dropping of the atomic bombs, the Japanese were able to emerge as an industrial power large enough to compete with the United States.

Japan’s intelligence and resilience should be looked at as a
source of strength. It’s also important to mention that before his defeat, he
had pretty much ruled the Eastern Pacific.

Japan’s not always composed either. It’s said
that because he keeps his opinions to himself, he’ll “explode with 100 years
level” and that caution should be taken when this happens. [x]

Ex: He vehemently
opposes the idea of Germany forming an alliance with Russia during WW2.

Misconception: He’s
anti-social.

Reality: He’s extremely social, albeit not overtly.

Ex: He takes great lengths to set aside time to visit his
friends.

Ex: Japan has his own way of expressing
his happiness.

Misconception: He’s
inconsiderate.

Reality: He goes
out of his way to help others. It’s for this reason that he’s probably the most
considerate and sincere APH character.

Ex: He learns Western greetings and attempts to practice
them despite how much it sparks up his anxiety over maintaining his personal
space.

Ex: He helps England with artistic design during the Second
Industrial Revolution.

He also makes sure to praise and commend England for his
efforts, not to mention that these compliments are all genuine.

Bonus facts:

Due to his old historical chronological age, Japan’s body,
while appearing young on the outside, is actually old with age.

He’s a photo-lover.

Although Italy doesn’t remember this, Japan first
communicated with Italy in his dreams. This is the first time we see Japan’s
clairvoyant powers depicted.

He works so hard that even Germany worries about him.

He’s able to perform cleansing and purification rituals.

A pretty neat and complicated character, eh?

Misconception: He’s
Iceland’s father.

Reality: He
raised Iceland and acts as an older brother figure/ mentor.

Ex: He supportively
encourages Iceland to participate in their activities. In this case, they’re
designing a Nordic-inspired hotel.

Ex: He also gave young Iceland diplomatic advice.

Misconception: He’s a playboy that treats Norway like a
loose end

Reality: Denmark treasures Norway as his best friend. As the
leader of the Nordics, he’ll selflessly put others first before himself.

Ex: When Denmark realizes that Norway is struggling under
his rule, he breaks down crying.

Ex: Denmark gets distressed when he’s forcefully separated from
Norway by a British Naval Blockade. He’s more worried about Norway.

Ex: He doesn’t want to let Norway down and look “uncool.”
Because of this, he heads into a battle with Sweden that he knows he’s going to lose.

Notice how he still tries to set an example for Norway.

Misconception: Norway is indifferent toward Denmark.

Reality: While Norway may enjoy teasing Denmark and often gets
irritated with him, he too reciprocates this deep-set affection. The two share
a strong bond.

Ex: Norway’s hobby is gently poking Denmark. Denmark doesn’t
even notice Norway’s comments.

Ex: Norway expresses concern before Denmark charges into a
doomed battle against Sweden. Denmark refers to him as a “worry wart.”

Ex: Despite how poor he is under Denmark’s rule, Norway
recognizes that Denmark’s trying his best.

Again, Denmark may annoy Norway, but the two care strongly
for each other.

The running gag between the two of them is Denmark being
overly affectionate and Norway’s cheeky reactions to this affection.

Misconception: He has a hot temper.

Reality:

He had a hot temper.

Due to recent statistics, Denmark is the happiest of the Nordics – his people are rated to be among the happiest in the world. [x]

Misconception: He and Sweden hate each other.

Reality: They hated each other.

Aside from friendly teasing here and there, the two get along really well.

Or, my personal favourite: Denmark and Finland mocking
Sweden.

Bonus facts:

He has a good relationship with Germany, mostly stemming
from their economic ties.

He once watched Hans Christian Andersen water grass with his
own tears.

He’s one of the few nations who can get the Netherlands to
sell him goods at a cheaper price.

Misconception:
Greece and Turkey genuinely hate each other.

Reality: They say
they hate each other, but their actions tell another story. It’s more like
they’ll break out into arguments whenever they see each other, despite being
too prideful to admit that they actually care for one another.

The whole Greece wishing death upon Turkey gimmick is used for
exaggerated comedic purposes.

To be as transparent as possible, they do get on each
other’s nerves. A lot.

Ex: They’re often compared to cats and dogs.

Regardless…

This doesn’t stop Turkey from checking in on Greece. He did
play a part in raising him, after all.

Ex: They’re noted to be making advances in their
relationship, but still break out into arguments easily.

Ex: Greece offers to be stripped naked during the Christmas
2007 event to prevent Turkey from having his mask ripped off by France [don’t
ask].

That’s not the face of hatred – it’s far from it.

When Turkey enters, with his mask taken off nonetheless,
only then does Greece get hostile.

How I see it was that he had no problem
looking out for Turkey as long as Turkey wasn’t there to witness this and later
have something to gloat about.

Ex: Turkey’s form
of “bullying” is taking Greece to a bathhouse to bathe him and remedy his stiff
bones.

Misconception:
His slow and languid form of speech must mean that he’s unintelligent.

Reality: Greece
is incredibly intelligent. His culture’s philosophies and sciences had and
still have profound influence in how humankind organizes itself today. His
laziness, aside from the Greek stereotype, also stems in part from that fact
that he’s a night person.

“The whole problem started as he joined the Euro zone.Thanks to Greece, Germany had to mobilize all his resources, and he is now fully dependent on him.

Despite this situation, he’s mostly eating good food, sleeping, thinking about philosophy, and is generally happy like usually.”

Misconception: Because he’s so absorbed in his mind, he’s a
recluse.

Reality: He’s one of the most sexually active aph characters
out there.

Ex: He’s very natural and forthcoming about the topic of
sex.

Ex: It’s hinted that he once slept with Japan, although
Japan dismisses this as a dream.

Bonus Facts:

Still on the topic of Japan, Greece shares a very close and
wholesome friendship with him.

The two have undergone many cultural
exchanges.

His hobby is excavating his mom’s ruins [Ancient Greece].

In an EU meeting, he once proposed to get rid of the concept
of debt.

Misconception: He’s
weak

Reality: Far from
it. The man’s been through a lot, emotionally especially.

Ex: During a heated
argument with America, he’s able to close the door on him. It’s hinted that
Canada may have super strength, but he dismisses this.

Ex: He’s more
than capable of standing up from himself if necessary. Even a pushover has their limits.

Admittedly, he does excuse a lot of Cuba’s hostile behaviour
towards him. It’s only because Cuba mistakes him as America, though.

Ex: Canada’s
emotional insecurity can easily be seen as a strength. It takes a lot out of a
person to remain so generous and friendly, despite being historically ignored and
neglected by those close to you.

Misconception: He
and America hate each other.

Reality: While
they may have had some extremely rough times together, they’ve done more than
enough to make up for this.

Covering the progress of their relationship in more detail
will require a whole series of posts, but these are the basics.

Despite growing up together, they argued a lot following
America’s independence. Britain acted as the most prominent wedge between them. For some time before, they also couldn’t see eye-to-eye due to profound age differences.

Canada held resentment towards America for being selfish,
reckless, and too imposing.

Ex: America
actually pushed for Canada to gain his independence. This didn’t occur until quite a while later, obviously.

Ex: When Canada
does get his independence, they reconcile for the better…after having another argument of course. Siblings will be siblings.

Although, as you’ll
see soon, they still argue over the same things. Canada’s main tooth to pick
with America is his egotism and boisterousness.

Ex: America knows
little about Canada’s pop culture, meanwhile Canada knows everything about his.

Nonetheless, the two are still extremely close…

Ex: America helps
Canada figure out his identity. Canada’s multiculturalism [in the strips only,
of course] is inspired by America’s own diversity of cultures and ethnicities.

As such, Canada suddenly finds South Korea and China staying
at his place. The East Coast of Canada, especially Vancouver, is where many
East Asians immigrate to.

Ex: America is
jealous of Canada’s natural ability to get along with everyone.

Ex: The two co-host an online cooking show together. Yes, it’s called “America’s Cooking Channel, but Canada is on there enough times to deserve the title of a co-host.

Misconception:
France is his father.

Reality: France temporarily
acted as a big brother figure to Canada before England took hold of his
jurisdiction. As such, this would explain why Canada inherited France’s hair. It’s
mere influence. They’re not blood-related.

We’ve already see with Hong Kong how one nation’s influence can impact the
physical/ personality traits of another.

Ex: England’s
influence on Hong Kong’s personality. England also cursed Hong Kong to have
thick eyebrows like him.

Ex: Seychelles was originally supposed to have one
thick eyebrow and one thin one to represent French and English influences on
her nation’s culture.

Misconception: Canada’s invisible for no reason.

Reality: There’s
a real historical reason for this. Being a dominion, Canada was often
overshadowed by Britain.

For instance, in WW1, other than the occasional Canadian Red
Ensign flag – which also had a Union Jack on it – Canadian troops fought under
the Union Jack. In return, Britain absorbed much of the credit for the feats
accomplished by Canadian soldiers.

Ex: America thinks that Canada hides in Britain’s shadow. He holds back from saying this out loud.

Later, Canada’s shown to recognize this on his own.

Ex: Canada wanted
to sign a treaty with America, however he was too scared to talk to America
directly. He was worried that America wouldn’t be able to see him.

Bonus Facts:

He cried when Seychelles remembered him as being part of the
G8.

He served in the French army at Waterloo.

Maple syrup is his fuel.

He smoked marijuana.

He once yelled at America for three hours straight, pointing
out his faults. America cried afterwards. Predictably, this was quickly fixed with
a burger.

He aged at a much slower rate than America.

Misconception: Finland has a sweet, child-like appearance, so he must be weak.

Reality:
Finland’s a warrior, and is noted to possess immense strength and resilience.

Ex: He’s so
cold-resistant that General Winter has no effect on him. They even get along.

Ex: He’s
visibly disappointed when Sweden calls off a battle during one of the Polish-Swedish
wars. Not to mention that he was excited about engaging in the fight.

Ex: His
patience isn’t endless. It’s said that if you poke him ten times, he’ll forgive
you, but once you pester him enough, he’ll get you back ten times harder.

[There’s a slight difference in the translation, but it’s basically the same thing.]

Misconception: Like Iceland, Finland’s one of the tamer Nordics.

Reality:
Finland’s actually quite strange.

Ex: He loves
nature and enjoys being covered in grass.

Misconception: He’s Sweden’s wife = Sufin is canon.

Reality: He
is not Sweden’s wife. Sufin is not canon.

Sweden calls Finland his
wife, but Finland does not accept the label.

The two do share a close
relationship though, enough for Finland to refer to Sweden as “Swe.”

Although, Finland is often
just as perplexed by Sweden as the other nations are.

Misconception: He’s a jittery, nervous, and shy person as a result of being overshadowed
by the other Nordics.

Reality: He’s
soft-spoken, and quiet-voiced, but is far from quiet. In fact, he can be a very
talkative and bubbly character at times. Nonetheless, he is said to be
overshadowed by the other Nordics.

Ex: Finland
jokes with Germany about his boss, despite the fact that the humour goes right over Germany’s head.