Nordenholt’s Million · Chapter
Asgard explained
After Nordenholt's death, the narrator takes control, reorganizes the Area, and oversees the transition to atomic energy, ensuring food production and rebuilding civilization.
What happens
After Nordenholt's death, the narrator takes control, reorganizes the Area, and oversees the transition to atomic energy, ensuring food production and rebuilding civilization. Aerial surveys reveal global devastation, with most cities destroyed and vast deserts replacing forests. The narrator then describes the construction of new cities, culminating in Asgard, a city of beauty and leisure that stands as his masterpiece and offers consolation for lost dreams.
Themes in this chapter
Science and Technology
Atomic engines replace coal, synthetic nitrogenous manure secures food supply, and new building materials enable the construction of cities like Asgard.
Utopian Dreams vs. Reality
The narrator reflects on the gap between his early modest hopes and the realized splendor of Asgard, yet finds the achievement surpasses his dreams.
Survival and Catastrophe
The chapter details the aftermath of global famine and fire, the survival of a few colonies, and the struggle to rebuild society.
Characters to notice
- Nordenholt
Deceased; his death marks the beginning of the narrator's leadership and the reorganization of the Area.
- Fata Morgana
The idealized vision that inspired the cities; Asgard is a concrete embodiment, though the original dream remains unbuilt.
Key passages
“Almost our last reserves of coal were used up in the foundries where we built the new atomic engines; but we succeeded in manufacturing a number of machines sufficient for our purposes; and once these were complete, we had no further need of the old-fashioned fuel.”
We exhausted nearly all remaining coal to build atomic engines, but after that, we no longer relied on traditional fuel.
Transition to atomic energy marks a turning point in the reconstruction.
“The game was won. It was after this that we began to send aeroplanes over the world in search of any other remnants of the human race which had survived.”
With the harvest secured, we started aerial expeditions to find other survivors.
Confirms the success of the food production efforts and the beginning of global exploration.
“For once, at least, in this world, hope has been far outrun by achievement.”
Reality has exceeded my expectations.
Reflects the narrator's sense of wonder at the realized city of Asgard.