# Endnotes explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Selma Lagerlöf.

## What happens

This chapter contains endnotes providing translations, cultural explanations, and editorial commentary on the text.

## Key lines

> A Swedish national dance of a very lively character.

A lively traditional Swedish dance.

_Explanation of a dance term._

> In Sweden, just before Easter, bunches of birch twigs with small feathers tied on the ends, are sold everywhere on the streets. The origin of this custom is unknown.

Before Easter in Sweden, birch twigs with feathers are sold on streets; the custom's origin is unknown.

_Description of a Swedish Easter tradition._

> The goddess of death.

The deity associated with death.

_Definition of a mythological figure._

> The peasants in the Dalar district used formerly to address everybody by the pronoun du (thou), even when speaking to the King; this custom is now, however, not so general.

Peasants in Dalarna once used the informal 'du' for everyone, including the king, but this is less common now.

_Historical linguistic custom in Dalarna._

> Pious and gentle Mother, thou who knowest our weak nature, guide us by thy prayers through this life’s vicissitudes. Thou, whom I saw and loved, in whom I believed and whom I adored, pray for us, that we may be worthy of Christ’s promises. Holy Caterina, pray for us!

A prayer to the gentle Mother (likely Saint Catherine) asking for guidance and intercession.

_Translation of a prayer to Santa Caterina._

> This story is an autobiographical account of the writing of The Story of Gösta Berling.

This narrative is an autobiographical account of how The Story of Gösta Berling was written.

_Editorial note on the autobiographical nature of a story._

> Baroness Adlersparre⁠—pen name, Esselde⁠—was a noted Swedish writer, publisher, and philanthropist, and a contemporary of Fredrika Bremer.

Baroness Adlersparre, who wrote under the name Esselde, was a prominent Swedish writer, publisher, and philanthropist, contemporary of Fredrika Bremer.

_Biographical note on Baroness Adlersparre._

## Links

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