Short Fiction · Chapter
The Peace of God explained
On Christmas Eve at the Ingmar farm, old Ingmar Ingmarson goes missing after a snowstorm, and the family searches for him.
What happens
On Christmas Eve at the Ingmar farm, old Ingmar Ingmarson goes missing after a snowstorm, and the family searches for him. He is found to have sought shelter in a bear's lair. The next day, while hunting the bear, it attacks and kills Ingmar Ingmarson. His wife and son then drive to the Dean's house to announce his death.
Themes in this chapter
Death and Mortality
Ingmar Ingmarson's death by bear attack underscores the suddenness of mortality, even during a time of peace.
Family and Legacy
The Ingmar family's unity and sense of loss highlight the deep bonds and legacy of the family.
Suffering and Redemption
The family's search and grief, and the bear's unexpected mercy on Christmas Eve, touch on suffering and the possibility of redemption.
Characters to notice
- Ingmar Ingmarson
The old master of the farm, who goes missing on Christmas Eve and is later killed by a bear while hunting.
- Mother Ingeborg
The old housewife and Ingmar's wife, who reads the Bible and learns of her husband's death.
- Ingrid
The girl making birch whisks, who is afraid of Ingmar Ingmarson but is reassured by his gentle response.
Key passages
“Peace on earth, goodwill towards men.”
A message of universal peace and kindness, which the old housewife repeats as she fears for her husband's fate.
This biblical phrase contrasts with the violence of the bear attack and the family's grief.
“Who was neighbour unto him that fell amongst thieves?”
The question from the parable of the Good Samaritan, which the housewife reads while waiting for news of her husband.
The family wonders if a 'good Samaritan' has helped Ingmar, but the answer is never read as he returns.