Journey to the Center of the Earth · Chapter
XI: A Guide Found to the Centre of the Earth explained
Axel wakes to find his uncle hiring a guide, Hans Bjelke, a phlegmatic eider duck hunter recommended by M.
What happens
Axel wakes to find his uncle hiring a guide, Hans Bjelke, a phlegmatic eider duck hunter recommended by M. Fridrikssen. Hans agrees to lead them to Stapi and continue for the entire expedition. Preparations are made, including instruments, arms, tools, and provisions. They dine with Baron Trampe and other officials, and on June 16th they depart, with M. Fridrikssen quoting Virgil as a farewell.
Themes in this chapter
Human Endurance and Survival
The meticulous preparation of equipment, provisions, and the hiring of a guide underscore the physical and logistical challenges of the journey.
Scientific Curiosity and Ambition
The Professor's determination to reach the centre of the Earth drives the chapter, as he assembles instruments and plans the expedition.
Characters to notice
- Axel Liedenbrock
Narrator; wakes to find his uncle hiring Hans; helps with preparations and feels sympathy for M. Fridrikssen.
- Professor Otto Liedenbrock
Hires Hans Bjelke as guide; arranges the expedition details; talks incessantly at dinner; insists on bringing extensive equipment.
- Hans Bjelke
Icelandic eider duck hunter hired as guide; calm, phlegmatic, and economical in movement; agrees to lead to Stapi and beyond for three rixdalers a week.
- M. Fridrikssen
Recommends Hans; provides a map of Iceland; absent from dinner due to a disagreement with the Governor; quotes Virgil at departure.
- Baron Trampe
Hosts the dinner on the evening of the 14th; mayor of Reykjavík and Dr. Hyaltalin also attend.
Key passages
“His whole appearance bespoke perfect calmness and self-possession, not indolence but tranquillity.”
Hans seemed completely calm and composed, not lazy but serene.
Describes Hans's phlegmatic demeanor.
“Never was bargain more readily concluded.”
The deal was made with unusual speed and ease.
Highlights the straightforward hiring of Hans.
“Et quacumque viam dedent fortuna sequamur.”
Wherever fortune clears a path, there we will follow.
M. Fridrikssen's farewell quote from Virgil, emphasizing the uncertain journey ahead.