The Bridal Wreath · Chapter
III explained
Three years of happiness at Jörundgaard follow Ulvhild's birth, but a tragic accident at Whitsuntide leaves Ulvhild severely injured and Lavrans wounded.
What happens
Three years of happiness at Jörundgaard follow Ulvhild's birth, but a tragic accident at Whitsuntide leaves Ulvhild severely injured and Lavrans wounded. Ragnfrid, in despair, sends for Lady Aashild, while Sira Eirik tends to the family.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Duty
The chapter centers on family bonds, parental love, and the duty to protect children, as seen in Lavrans and Ragnfrid's devotion to Ulvhild and Kristin.
Sin and Redemption
Ragnfrid's guilt and belief that God punishes her for her sins drive her despair, while Sira Eirik's prayers and the call for a miracle highlight the theme of seeking redemption.
Religion and Morality
The tension between Christian faith and folk superstition is evident, as Ragnfrid turns to Lady Aashild despite her reputation as a witch, while Sira Eirik represents the Church's authority.
Characters to notice
- Ragnfrid Ivarsdatter
Bears another daughter, Ulvhild, and dotes on her, regaining her bloom and happiness. After the accident, she is consumed by guilt and despair, blaming herself for the family's misfortune.
- Lavrans Björgulfsön
Rejoices in Ulvhild's birth and the improved mood of his wife. He is gored by a bull while trying to save Ulvhild, suffering broken ribs and a lung wound.
- Ulvhild Lavransdatter
The fair and healthy baby girl who brings joy to the family. She is crippled when a beam falls on her back during a tragic accident at Whitsuntide.
- Kristin Lavransdatter
Loves her little sister Ulvhild and enjoys playing with her. During the accident, she is frightened and feels neglected as her parents focus on the injured.
- Trond Ivarsön of Sundbu
Visits Jörundgaard with his family. He accidentally drops Ulvhild when a bull charges, leading to her injury. He is blamed by Ragnfrid.
- Sira Eirik
The priest who tends to Lavrans and Ulvhild after the accident. He administers medicine to ease Ulvhild's pain and assesses her injuries, suggesting a miracle is needed for her recovery.
Key passages
“The spring after Kristin’s long journey, Ragnfrid bore her husband another daughter. Both father and mother had wished indeed that it might be a son, but they soon took comfort, and were filled with the tenderest love for little Ulvhild.”
In the spring following Kristin's trip, Ragnfrid gave birth to a girl named Ulvhild. Though they had hoped for a son, they quickly grew to adore her.
Introduces Ulvhild's birth and the family's initial disappointment turning to love.
“Then a beam turned under his feet and Ulvhild slipped from his grasp and fell to the ground. The beam slipped after, rolled over on the child and lay across her back.”
Trond lost his footing on a beam, causing Ulvhild to fall, and the beam rolled onto her back, crushing her.
Describes the critical moment of Ulvhild's accident.
“Ragnfrid stood a while wringing her hands. Then she said: 'Send to Lady Aashild of Haugen! Naught matters now, if only Ulvhild may be saved—'”
Ragnfrid, desperate, ordered that Lady Aashild be summoned, disregarding her reputation as a witch, hoping she could save Ulvhild.
Highlights Ragnfrid's desperation and the controversial decision to seek Lady Aashild's help.