Short Fiction · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter provides explanatory notes on Norwegian terms, cultural references, and folklore elements referenced throughout the book, including definitions of boats, fishing tools, supernatural beings like the Draug, and customs such as ma
What happens
This chapter provides explanatory notes on Norwegian terms, cultural references, and folklore elements referenced throughout the book, including definitions of boats, fishing tools, supernatural beings like the Draug, and customs such as magic knots and the Finns' joikun.
Themes in this chapter
Supernatural and Folklore
Notes define the Draug, a demon of the north Norwegian coast, and explain magic knots used by Finns to raise gales, as well as hulder (elfin) beings.
Key passages
“The Skydo-Bauern along the principal roads supply travellers with beds and food.”
Farmers along main roads provided lodging and meals for travelers.
Clarifies the role of Skydo-Bauern in Norwegian travel.
“A demon peculiar to the north Norwegian coast. It rides the seas in a half-boat. Compare Icelandic draugr.”
The Draug is a sea demon from northern Norway that travels in a half-boat, similar to the Icelandic draugr.
Defines the Draug as a supernatural entity.
“Tvinde Knuder. When the Finn tied one magic knot, he raised a gale, so two knots would give a tempest.”
Tying one magic knot summoned a gale; two knots produced a storm.
Explains the Finn's magical knot-tying practice.