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Paper short abstract

This paper investigates narratives used in the societal discourse relating to the electrification of society and harnessing of light for human use. It inspects counter-narratives of the Christian figure Lucifer, who in late modernity was known as light bringer as well as the devil.

Paper long abstract

Lucifer is commonly known as a representative or synonym of the devil in Christian grand narratives. However, during the Enlightenment period, a counter-narrative tradition challenging this perspective emerged within the Christian cultural sphere, where the character was presented as a misunderstood bringer of light instead of the devil. Thus, Lucifer became a symbol of resistance used from the 17th to the 20th century in movements opposing papal authority and patriarchy, as well as in movements promoting religious freedom and workers' rights.

In early 20th-century Finland, Lucifer was well enough known specifically as a bringer of light that matches were successfully marketed under this name. Lucifer is also mentioned in press discussions when electric lighting arrived in Finland. In my presentation, I will introduce the discourse relating to the great societal change brought on by the arrival of electrical networks and demonisation of this new technology. I focus on the use of vernacular narratives of Lucifer as light bringer, and how Christian narratives were reinterpreted in the discourse relating to electrification of society. This dialogue relating to the developing relationship between humans and nature reflects both the fears of people coming to terms with the “unholy” harnessing of light as well as the more tongue-in-cheek references used in marketing.