Unearthing My Ancestral Roots: Surprise Discoveries through iGENEA
Family name Franz
My iGENEA journey—unveiling my ancestor Franz's extraordinary life—has significantly remodeled my self-understanding. From Nordic ties to an explorer's spirit, every revelation has drawn me closer to understanding my existing interests and passions.
Following my DNA test at iGENEA, I had the most enlightening experience that redefined my perceptions of my family roots and particularly, my ancestor, Franz. The test gave me unexpected insights, significantly broadened my understanding of my genetic roots and connected me to Franz in ways I had never envisaged. This undertaking was more than a factfinding mission, it took me on a journey into who I am as a person, intimately drawing connections to Franz, and granting me a deeper understanding of my existence.
Before the test, I believed Franz was a mere merchant, trading within the confines of our small Bavarian town. However, what I discovered was that Franz wasn't just a local trader, he was a traveller and explorer who lived in the 17th century, with ties to the Sami people, the indigenous residents of Scandinavia. I was startled; I had never known we had Nordic roots. This put into perspective a part of my identity that was previously obscure. I had always been enamoured with Nordic cultures, their folklore, traditions and the magnificence of the northern lights. Unwittingly, I had a direct, bloodline-linked relationship with this fascination that was deeply rooted within my DNA. Finding this connection had a profound impact on my understanding of myself, my interests and attractions.
The DNA test also revealed that Franz had mapped out a trade route in Northern Europe, which was a remarkable feat for a "small town trader". This explained my undying love for travel and adventure, my inclination to draw out and plan my travel routes meticulously - traits that lay dormant, but were somehow awakened during this exploration. The yearning for adventure, the need to explore, an affinity towards the seeds of my own lineage had always been an integral part of me; I was fervently living the legacy of my ancestors, without even knowing it. Thanks to iGENEA, I discovered these innate ties.
Overall, the revelations of the DNA test have been transformative for my self-understanding. Instead of merely providing raw data about my heritage, iGENEA offered a fascinating heritage story. I learned of my ancestor Franz and saw my own face in his experiences.
D. Franz