Changing Identity Through DNA: Discovering My Norwegian Ancestry With iGENEA
Family name Myles
Embarking on a personal journey into my ancestry through iGENEA's DNA test turned my perception of my cultural identity on its head. I expected Irish roots through my ancestor Myles but found Norwegian ancestry, linked to the indigenous Sami people, altering my self-understanding.
The journey began with cotton swab dabbed in my mouth and ended in a cascade of surprising revelations. I've always been keenly interested in my lineage, going so far as to meticulously trace my ancestors, primarily on my father's side, back to a man named Myles. iGENEA's DNA test however, opened the doors to a whole new world in a thrilling paradigm shift in the story of my roots. The report linked my lineage not just to Myles, but to an intricate tapestry of rich cultural wisdom and fascinating ancient stories.
As tradition passed down by generations stated, Myles was an immigrant from Ireland, who, in the late 18th century, embarked on a transatlantic journey to America, seeking a better life. I always identified with this immigrant spirit, feeling a bit of an outsider yet an adventurer myself.
The iGENEA DNA report shattered this preconceived narrative. It revealed that Myles was not from Ireland, but from Norway. Norse, not Gaelic, ran deeply through my veins. Stunned, I had to reassess my cultural identity. My roots were firmly anchored in the rugged fjords of Norway, contrasting the emerald fields of Ireland I'd always pictured.
Another fascinating revelation was the connection to the indigenous Sami people, the natives of Norway. This brought a captivating native angle to my ancestry that I never considered. It spurred a newfound respect and increased interest in native and tribal societies. I now hold a sense of deep appreciation for the harmony that the Sami maintained with nature, something increasingly relevant in today's climate crisis.
The test also confirmed that Myles indeed crossed the vast sea to the American continent. The journey was not from Ireland to America, but Norway to America, a voyage even more intense and challenging for Myles.
The lineage's tales are far from a standalone history lesson. They sit closely intertwined with my personal self-understanding. I always felt a magnetic pull towards the outdoors, the sheer expansiveness of it, the basic purity. The feeling now found a strange resonance in my Norwegian and Sami roots.
Through one DNA test, my identity, shaped by years of stories, changed. It was not just about a country of origin change, but a shift in the cultural context of my past, and consequently, my understanding of myself. While the revelation has raised questions, it has also ignited a journey of discovery and self-understanding that transcends my original pursuit of family heritage.
X. Myles