The Bridal Wreath · Chapter
The Elf-Maid's Lure explained
Kristin, at age seven, accompanies her father Lavrans and his men on a journey to the mountain sæter.
What happens
Kristin, at age seven, accompanies her father Lavrans and his men on a journey to the mountain sæter. During the trip, she becomes separated from the group and encounters a mysterious woman—an elf-maid—who beckons her with a golden wreath. Lavrans rescues her and warns the men to keep the incident secret from Ragnfrid. Later, at the sæter, Kristin experiences fear and confusion among the sleeping men but finds comfort in the horse Guldsveinen.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and the Supernatural
The elf-maid encounter and the men's talk of trolls and dwarfs underscore the blurred boundary between the natural world and supernatural beliefs.
Family and Duty
Lavrans's protective care for Kristin and his decision to keep the incident secret from Ragnfrid reflect familial duty and concern.
Religion and Morality
Lavrans crosses himself and prays over Kristin after the elf-maid encounter, and the relic-cross is used as a protective charm, illustrating the intertwining of Christian faith and folk superstition.
Characters to notice
- Kristin Lavransdatter
Seven-year-old Kristin goes on her first mountain journey with her father, encounters the elf-maid, and is rescued by Lavrans.
- Lavrans Björgulfsön
Lavrans takes Kristin to the sæter, rescues her from the elf-maid, and later comforts her at the hut.
- Ragnfrid Ivarsdatter
Ragnfrid prepares Kristin for the journey and waves goodbye from the manor.
- Arne Gyrdsön
Arne, a half-grown boy and Kristin's best friend, rides beside her and tells her about the sights.
- Guldsveinen
The horse Guldsveinen accompanies Kristin; she feels safe with him after the elf-maid encounter.
- Tordis
Tordis is at the sæter with an unchurched infant; she becomes frightened and decides to go down to the parish.
Key passages
“It was a fine morning, a little way on in the summer, Kristin was in the loft-room, where they were sleeping now summer had come; she saw the sun shining outside and heard her father and his men talking in the courtyard below—and she was so joyful that she could not stand still while her mother put on her clothes, but hopped and jumped about as each piece of clothing was put on her.”
On a bright summer morning, Kristin was so excited about her first trip to the mountain sæter that she couldn't keep still while her mother dressed her.
Shows Kristin's childlike joy and anticipation.
“I think 'twas the dwarf-maiden, father—”
Kristin tells her father she believes the woman who beckoned her was the elf-maid.
Highlights the supernatural theme and Kristin's belief in folklore.
“But see to it, all of you, that you watch well your mouths, so Ragnfrid may never know the child has been in such peril.”
Lavrans orders the men to keep the elf-maid incident secret from Ragnfrid to avoid alarming her.
Reflects Lavrans's protective nature and the family dynamics.