The Bridal Wreath · Chapter
VI explained
Kristin meets Arne Gyrdsön secretly on the road to say farewell before he leaves for Hamar.
What happens
Kristin meets Arne Gyrdsön secretly on the road to say farewell before he leaves for Hamar. During their emotional parting, they confess their love and regret over her betrothal to Simon Andressön. After Arne leaves, Kristin encounters the drunken Bentein Priestson, who assaults her. She escapes and goes to Romundgaard, where Bentein's mother Gunhild tends to her injuries. Kristin threatens Bentein, who soon leaves the parish for Hamar.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Kristin and Arne's forbidden love contrasts with her arranged betrothal to Simon Andressön.
Gender Roles and Agency
Kristin's limited agency is shown in her inability to refuse her betrothal and her vulnerability to assault.
Sin and Redemption
Bentein's drunken assault and Kristin's subsequent threat reflect themes of sin and the desire for justice.
Characters to notice
- Kristin Lavransdatter
Meets Arne secretly to say farewell, is assaulted by Bentein, and later threatens him.
- Arne Gyrdsön
Bids farewell to Kristin before leaving for Hamar, confesses his love and grief.
- Bentein Priestson
Drunkenly encounters Kristin on the road and assaults her; later leaves the parish.
- Old Gunhild
Bentein's mother, who tends to Kristin's injuries and later rides to check on her son.
- Sira Eirik
Mentioned as having been at Jörundgaard and as the one who sends Bentein to the Bishop.
- Lavrans Björgulfsön
Mentioned as drawing up deeds with Sira Eirik; Kristin fears telling him about Bentein.
Key passages
“I would so fain we two should be alone the last time we are together”
Arne asks Kristin to meet him alone for a final farewell.
Shows Arne's desire for intimacy before his departure.
“I could never come to love any man so much as to go against my father and mother for his sake.”
Kristin admits she cannot defy her parents for love.
Highlights Kristin's obedience and the constraints of filial duty.
“You might as well smile a little now I am come home—we have been friends too ever since we were children, have we not?”
Bentein drunkenly tries to ingratiate himself with Kristin after Arne's departure.
Foreshadows Bentein's predatory behavior.