# A Mystery to Be Solved at Any Price explained — Journey to the Center of the Earth

> Chapter companion for Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne.

## What happens

Professor Liedenbrock discovers a Runic manuscript by Snorre Turlleson containing a mysterious parchment with cryptic characters. His obsession with decoding the document leads him to skip dinner, causing concern from his household.

## Themes in this chapter

### Scientific Curiosity and Ambition

Professor Liedenbrock's obsessive pursuit of the meaning behind the Runic parchment exemplifies relentless scientific curiosity.

### The Unknown and the Sublime

The mysterious, ancient document hints at hidden knowledge and the allure of the unknown.

## Character check-ins

### Axel Liedenbrock

The narrator and nephew, who feigns interest in his uncle's discoveries and eats dinner alone when the Professor skips the meal.

### Professor Otto Liedenbrock

Intensely focused on the Runic manuscript and the mysterious parchment, he ignores dinner to decipher the cryptic characters.

### Martha

The housekeeper who announces dinner and is alarmed when the Professor does not appear to eat.

### Arne Saknussemm

Implied as the author of the cryptic document, though not directly named in this chapter.

## Key lines

> Here's a remarkable book! What a wonderful book!

Professor Liedenbrock exclaims in admiration over the old manuscript.

_Shows his intense passion for rare books and knowledge._

> What should I do with a translation? This is the Icelandic original, in the magnificent idiomatic vernacular...

The Professor dismisses the idea of a translation, valuing the original Runic manuscript.

_Highlights his dedication to authenticity and linguistic purity._

> I have never known such a thing. M. Liedenbrock is not at table!

Martha expresses shock that the Professor missed dinner.

_Emphasizes the unusual nature of his obsession._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/journey_to_the_center_of_the_earth_se/chapters/ii-a-mystery-to-be-solved-at-any-price
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/journey_to_the_center_of_the_earth_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/journey_to_the_center_of_the_earth_se/chapters