The Story of Gösta Berling · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Story of Gösta Berling by Selma Lagerlöf.
Chapter 1
Translator's Preface
The preface introduces Selma Lagerlöf's Gösta Berling, published in 1894, describing its basis in actual occurrences and its depiction of life in early 19th-century Värmland, Sweden—a region of forests, lakes, and mining. It notes Lagerlöf's deep connection to local legends and the encouragement she received from the Crown Prince.
Chapter 2
The Story of Gösta Berling
This chapter introduces the titular character, Gösta Berling, a defrocked priest who becomes a central figure in the community of Ekeby. It explores his fall from grace, his struggles with alcoholism, and his search for redemption among the eccentric residents of the estate.
Chapter 3
The Priest
Gösta Berling, a young and handsome minister, stands in the pulpit awaiting judgment from the bishop for his drunkenness and neglect of duties. He reflects on the harsh conditions of his parish and his reliance on brandy to endure life. During his sermon, he experiences a moment of divine inspiration and delivers a powerful sermon, after which the congregation, moved by his words, refuses to complain against him. However, Captain Christian Bergh later reveals that he terrorized the bishop and deans on their journey home, ensuring they will never return. Gösta, feeling betrayed by God and believing he will be dismissed, flees his home in despair.
Chapter 4
II: The Beggar
On a cold December day, a beggar (Gösta Berling) encounters the daughter of the Broby clergyman, who is dragging a stolen bag of meal. He helps her avoid her father's wrath by taking the sledge himself. Later, he meets the major's wife, Margareta Celsing, who persuades him not to commit suicide by promising to care for the clergyman's daughter. Gösta agrees to live and becomes a guest at Ekeby, though he later attempts to leave twice—first as a laborer and then as a tutor at Borg—but ultimately returns to Ekeby after the death of Ebba Dohna.
Chapter 5
The Landscape
The chapter describes the geography of the region where Gösta Berling and the knights of Ekeby lived: a long lake originating in the north, a rich plain, and blue mountains. The lake evolves from a playful northern stream to a stately southern body, while the plain and mountains engage in a perpetual, friendly struggle over space and protection. The landscape is portrayed as beautiful and formative, and the people are described as strong, brave, and intelligent, though in the 1820s they lived in modest conditions.
Chapter 6
Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, the pensioners at Ekeby gather in the smithy and, in a moment of reckless revelry, Gösta Berling summons a devil figure to complete their number. The devil proposes a bargain: the seven estates of Ekeby in exchange for the soul of the major's wife. After initial resistance, Gösta agrees on modified terms—the estates for one year, during which the pensioners must behave as true gentlemen or forfeit their souls. The contract is signed in blood, and the pensioners celebrate wildly, ignoring the sacredness of the holy night.
Chapter 7
III: Christmas Day
On Christmas Day, the major's wife hosts a grand dinner at Ekeby, but the pensioners are seated at a separate table, feeling humiliated. Captain Christian Bergh, believing the grouse served to them are crows, throws them against the wall in rage. The major's wife orders him out, but he confronts her about her past with Altringer. Major Samzelius, learning of her infidelity, drives her from Ekeby. The pensioners, recalling Sintram's prophecy, believe she is a witch and that their contract with the devil is coming true. Gösta Berling remains silent, burdened by guilt over Ebba Dohna's suicide.
Chapter 8
Gösta Berling, Poet
Gösta Berling, the only cavalier from Ekeby invited to the Christmas ball at Borg, is fitted out in splendor by the old men. He stops at Berga, where the impoverished Uggla family struggles, and then picks up Anna Stjärnhök, who is engaged to old Dahlberg. At the ball, Anna is humiliated by Gösta and the other young men for her engagement. In a game of forfeits, she slaps Gösta, but later meets him in the red drawing-room. They confess their love, and she agrees to flee with him to Ekeby, defying her engagement and societal expectations.
Chapter 9
V: La Cachucha
Lilliecrona plays the cachucha on his violin in the pensioners' wing, stirring painful memories of youth and lost vitality in the gout-ridden Ensign Rutger von Örneclou. Örneclou recalls his past as a handsome cavalier who danced the cachucha with Rosalie von Berger, but his stiffened legs prevent him from reliving the dance. The chapter reflects on the contrast between the pensioners' harsh, snowy reality and the romantic, fiery spirit of the Spanish dance, ultimately affirming that inner passion remains undimmed by age.
Chapter 10
VI: The Ball at Ekeby
Two weeks after the ball at Borg, a grand ball is held at Ekeby, hosted by the pensioners while the major's wife is away. The ball features lavish food, wine, music, theatricals, and tableaux. Marianne Sinclair, the famed beauty, attends. During a tableau, the gentle Löwenborg mistakenly draws the curtain, revealing Gösta Berling and Marianne kissing on the balcony. The audience applauds, thinking it part of the performance. Afterwards, Marianne and Gösta agree to pretend it was acting, but a tense exchange reveals Marianne's shame at loving Gösta. Gösta, wounded, retreats to the card room. Later, Gösta and Marianne ride home together with Beerencreutz; Marianne, now emotionally conflicted, gives Gösta a weak embrace, but Beerencreutz remains focused on the Pleiades.
Chapter 11
VII: The Old Vehicles
The major's wife, having been driven from Ekeby, wanders as a beggar while the pensioners mistreat her. She plots to reclaim her home by driving out the pensioners, gathering the workmen to seize them. Marianne, having alerted the major, intervenes to stop a violent confrontation, freeing the pensioners and horses. The chapter ends with the pensioners, shamed, toasting the major's wife.
Chapter 12
VIII: The Great Bear in Gurlitta Cliff
The pensioners of Ekeby hunt the great bear of Gurlitta Cliff, a cunning and vengeful beast that has survived previous attacks. Gösta Berling, distracted by thoughts of the ill Marianne Sinclair, refuses to shoot the bear, allowing it to escape. The bear becomes a legendary menace, believed to be supernatural and only killable with a silver bullet. Major Anders Fuchs, obsessed with the hunt, attempts to forge such a bullet.
Chapter 13
IX: The Auction at Björne
Marianne Sinclair, recovering from smallpox, reflects on her unrequited love for Gösta Berling and the verses she never sent him. Meanwhile, Melchior Sinclair, in a rage over Marianne's departure, holds a destructive auction at Björne, selling off all household items that remind him of her. Gösta visits the auction and speaks with Madame Gustava, who reveals Melchior's longing for Marianne's return. Gösta informs her that Marianne has been ill, and Madame Gustava tries to stop the auction, but Melchior, though shaken, continues. Sintram taunts Gösta, who hints at further chaos involving the Broby clergyman.
Chapter 14
The Young Countess
After the pensioners abduct the young countess for refusing to dance with Gösta Berling, Count Henrik Dohna publicly humiliates her and commands her to kiss Gösta's hand in apology. Gösta, moved by her purity and innocence, refuses and instead carries her off in a sledge, pursued by the count and others. Meanwhile, Captain Bergh and Cousin Christopher free the major's wife from her prison.
Chapter 15
Ghost-Stories
Anna Stjärnhök confronts Sintram in a tense exchange over Gösta Berling, using a cryptic warning about a figure in a rocking-chair to force him to leave. Later, at Berga, she faints upon finding Sintram and Gösta already there. The chapter recounts Sintram's diabolical reputation, his marriage to Ulrika Dillner, and her lonely, despairing polka-playing at Fors.
Chapter 16
Ebba Dohna's Story
Anna Stjärnhök reveals to Countess Elizabeth the tragic story of Ebba Dohna, who died after discovering that Gösta Berling, the man she loved, was a dismissed priest and unworthy of her. The revelation leads Countess Elizabeth to confront Gösta, accusing him of deceiving her and driving him away. Anna, who had urged Elizabeth to act, then turns on her, vowing to follow and protect Gösta. The chapter also explores Anna's inner turmoil and her struggle to interpret signs from heaven.
Chapter 17
XIII: Mamselle Marie
The chapter recounts the story of Mamselle Marie, an old maid living at Madame Moreus' inn, who falls in love with a young organ-builder one summer. After he leaves, she expresses her love publicly by singing and giving him roses. Later, Countess Märta Dohna arrives at Borg and befriends Mamselle Marie, only to cruelly mimic her at a party, leading to a bitter quarrel. The young Countess Elizabeth later reconciles with Mamselle Marie by buying her curtains.
Chapter 18
I: Cousin Christopher
Cousin Christopher, an old warrior living as a pensioner at Ekeby, is revived by a royal letter granting him freedom. He rides to Borg to propose to Countess Märta Dohna, but her mockery of poverty and his own pride lead him to reject her. He returns to Ekeby in despair, watching the Easter witch burning ritual, and throws the royal letter into the fire, resigning himself to a slow death.
Chapter 19
II: The Paths of Life
Gösta Berling, in despair, plans to marry a half-crazy broom-girl as a self-destructive act. The young Countess Dohna, tormented by guilt for having driven him away, risks her life by crossing melting ice to stop him. She arrives at Ekeby just as the smithy dam is breaking, finds Gösta, and convinces him not to go through with the engagement. They reconcile and walk back together, laughing despite the danger. Anna Stjärnhök later reflects that God can redeem Gösta without her help.
Chapter 20
III: Penitence
The young Countess Elizabeth Dohna is accused by her mother-in-law, Countess Märta Dohna, of infidelity after being seen returning home with Gösta Berling. Despite her confession that she acted out of guilt for having driven Gösta to despair, and her later admission that she loves him, her husband Henrik Dohna places her under Märta's authority. Elizabeth endures a month of humiliation and penance, forced to listen to stories of Gösta, while her strength and spirit wane.
Chapter 21
The Iron from Ekeby
Spring arrives and the iron from Ekeby is expected in Gothenburg, but the pensioners have neglected the forges, leaving no iron to deliver. Gösta Berling investigates the six mines and finds them all idle due to the pensioners' mismanagement. To save the honor of Ekeby, the pensioners load barges with the only fifty tons of iron they have and set off down the Klar River. Along the way, they encounter the young countess fleeing from Borg, who seeks refuge on their barge. The pensioners protect her from Count Henrik and Countess Märta. Later, the barges are wrecked in a storm, but the pensioners claim the iron was lost, preserving Ekeby's honor. The chapter ends with news that Count Dohna's marriage is to be annulled.
Chapter 22
Lilliecrona's Home
Lilliecrona, a musician among the pensioners at Ekeby, leaves without farewell after witnessing Countess Elizabeth's distress. He walks through the night to his farm, Löfdala, arriving at dawn. He marvels at the beauty of his home, garden, and the peaceful life there, contrasting it with Ekeby's turmoil. His wife and children joyfully welcome him, and he spends eight days in domestic happiness before his longing for Ekeby's adventures pulls him back.
Chapter 23
The Witch of Dovre
The chapter introduces the witch of Dovre, a powerful and feared old woman who wanders the land begging. She arrives at Borg and demands a ham from Countess Märta Dohna, who refuses and insults her. Enraged, the witch curses the countess, summoning magpies that besiege Borg and torment Märta, driving her to despair and near madness. The chapter reflects on the soul's hunger for meaning beyond frivolity.
Chapter 24
VII: Midsummer
On a beautiful Midsummer day, the wicked ironmaster Sintram, enraged by the joy and beauty of the season, dresses in his wolfskin coat and drives a sleigh to church, terrifying the congregation. He disrupts the service, and afterward, he clenches his fist and shakes it over the peaceful landscape. Later, a strange note is found in the church keyhole, purportedly a letter to the devil in which Sintram vows to lay waste to the land as far as the Bro church tower is visible, wishing to bring ruin and wilderness to the valley.
Chapter 25
VIII: Madame Musica
The pensioners at Ekeby attempt to cure Gösta Berling's deep depression after helping the young countess escape by invoking the good Madame Musica through music. They prepare the grand drawing-room, fill it with roses, and perform Haydn's Oxford Symphony, but Gösta breaks down in tears. The gentle Löwenborg then tries to play the piano but finds it inadequate, so the pensioners bring his painted wooden keyboard table. As Löwenborg plays Beethoven on the imaginary instrument, Gösta eventually laughs again, cured by the old man's devotion.
Chapter 26
IX: The Broby Clergyman
The chapter explores the life of the Broby clergyman, a miserly and despised man consumed by avarice, who is visited by a noblewoman who loved him in her youth. Her arrival briefly transforms him, rekindling his capacity for love and joy, but after she leaves, he is left weeping and facing the return of his old, contemptible self.
Chapter 27
Patron Julius
Patron Julius prepares to leave Ekeby after receiving a summoning letter from his mother, bidding farewell to the estate and its inhabitants with great emotion. He is lifted onto a hay-wagon pulled by a spotted ox instead of his horse, and after a moment of confusion, he meets young girls who persuade him to join their outing. The day turns into a joyful excursion, and by evening he returns to Ekeby for a dance, marking the seventeenth time he has attempted to leave.
Chapter 28
XI: The Plaster Saints
Count Henrik Dohna, seeking to regain God's grace and public respect after annulling his marriage, whitewashes Svartsjö church and destroys its painted ceiling and plaster saints, sinking them in Lake Löfven. However, during a service meant to honor him, the pensioners of Ekeby, disguised as the resurrected saints, carry him out of the church in disgrace. The congregation sides with the pensioners, and Count Dohna and his mother flee Borg shortly after.
Chapter 29
God's Wayfarer
Captain Lennart returns to his home region after five years of hard labor for a crime he did not commit, framed by Sintram. He initially plans to reunite with his family, but after helping a dying peasant find humility before God, he feels called to become 'God's wayfarer,' aiding the poor. He confronts Sintram, who tricks him with sacks of sand instead of grain, but the peasants interpret this as a miracle, increasing Lennart's influence.
Chapter 30
XIII: The Churchyard
On a beautiful August evening, Colonel Beerencreutz, Major Anders Fuchs, and little Ruster row across Lake Löfven to the neglected Svartsjö churchyard. They visit the grave of Acquilon, a gambler and former pensioner at Ekeby who committed suicide and was buried outside the churchyard wall. The three men sit by his grave, play cards, and pay their respects, showing a strange but heartfelt homage to their forgotten friend.
Chapter 31
XIV: Old Songs
Marianne Sinclair, preparing for a long journey, reflects on her past and her strained relationship with her father, Melchior Sinclair. After a stroke leaves him weakened and dependent on his wife, Marianne finds peace and decides to break her engagement to Baron Adrian, seeking a new purpose in life.
Chapter 32
XV: Death, the Deliverer
Death arrives at the Uggla home in August, heralded by natural omens. Ferdinand Uggla returns from a surveying trip fatally ill and dies peacefully, attended by his mother who welcomes Death as a friend. The funeral is a joyful procession, with Anna Stjärnhök dressed as a bride. At the grave, the captain's wife reveals she prayed for Ferdinand's death to spare him the pain of learning Anna did not truly love him. Anna, in anguish, consecrates herself to him by leaving her veil and wreath on the grave, vowing never to belong to another, which finally brings the mother to tears of grief.
Chapter 33
XVI: The Drought
The chapter describes a severe drought that plagues the land during the year the pensioners are in power, causing widespread suffering and fear among the people. Gösta Berling encounters the Broby clergyman, who has hoarded wealth out of a misguided sense of duty. Through their conversation, Gösta inspires the clergyman to repent and pray for rain as a sign of divine favor. The clergyman does so during a Sunday service, and a violent thunderstorm brings rain, but the clergyman dies of joy at the altar.
Chapter 34
XVII: The Child’s Mother
The chapter follows Elizabeth von Thurn, who has been living in hiding as a peasant woman under the alias Elizabeth Karlsdotter after being abandoned by her husband, Count Henrik Dohna. She gives birth prematurely to a sickly child and becomes consumed with the idea that the child must have a father. She seeks out Gösta Berling and asks him to marry her to legitimize the child, despite not loving him. Gösta agrees out of a sense of sacrifice and duty. The banns are published, and they are married quietly by the dean. Shortly after, the child dies, but Elizabeth finds a quiet triumph in having given her child a father. Meanwhile, Major Samzelius dies from a bear bite, but his wife does not return to Ekeby before the pensioners' year is up.
Chapter 35
XVIII: Amor Vincit Omnia
The chapter opens with a description of a locked chest in the Svartsjö church lumber-room, inscribed 'Labor vincit omnia' but more fittingly 'Amor vincit omnia,' symbolizing the eternal power of love. Uncle Eberhard, a philosopher, completes his atheistic manuscript denying God, immortality, and love, and shows it to the young countess. She is deeply troubled by his nihilistic worldview, which strips life of meaning, but she instinctively rejects it, asserting the primacy of love. Eberhard ultimately hides his work in the chest, sacrificing his own fame so that the countess may keep her faith.
Chapter 36
XIX: The Broom-Girl
The chapter describes the search for a mentally troubled girl who disappeared after being jilted by Gösta Berling. A large crowd gathers, initially seeking revenge against the pensioners at Ekeby, but they are pacified with food and drink. The young Countess Elizabeth, now Gösta's wife, is revealed as the mistress of Ekeby. The chapter ends with a tense confrontation between Gösta and Elizabeth over his past actions and her shame.
Chapter 37
Kevenhüller
Kevenhüller, a master inventor, is haunted by a wood-nymph who grants him the ability to create wondrous but singular marvels. After destroying his automatic carriage rather than give it to the king, he becomes a stonecutter, then builds a flying machine but crashes when attacking the wood-nymph. He later arrives at Ekeby, where he recognizes the wood-nymph disguised as a distressed woman. In despair, he creates a fire-wheel (a sun) but plans to burn down Ekeby to kill her. However, the wood-nymph saves the wheel, and Kevenhüller begs for release from his curse.
Chapter 38
Broby Fair
The chapter depicts the annual Broby Fair, a festive yet desperate autumn market where the local populace, facing poverty, gathers to trade, drink, and seek distraction. Amid the chaos, a violent brawl erupts, led by the drunken giant Big Mons, who terrorizes the crowd with a heavy counter. Meanwhile, Captain Lennart, having been mortally wounded while saving women and children, is brought home to Helgesäter. His wife, who had previously banished him due to a prank by Gösta Berling, learns the truth of his goodness and sacrifice as the community testifies to his deeds. She reconciles with him in his final moments, and he dies surrounded by mourners singing a death-hymn.
Chapter 39
The Forest Cottage
Gösta Berling, consumed by guilt over Captain Lennart's death, makes a suicidal pact with Sintram to kill himself within twelve hours of Lennart's burial. He wanders in the forest, unable to carry out the act, and is eventually captured by forest people at the behest of his wife, the young countess. In the forest cottage, she confronts him with scorn, and he recounts his promise to Sintram and his despair. She rebukes him for his rashness and cowardice, urging him instead to live and help those in need.
Chapter 40
Margareta Celsing
The major's wife returns to Ekeby on Christmas Eve, ill but in good spirits, and finds the district transformed by kindness and cooperation. She forgives the pensioners and dies peacefully, leaving Ekeby to Gösta Berling on the condition that he send away his wife, Countess Elizabeth. Both Gösta and Elizabeth refuse the gift, preferring a life of humble service. The chapter ends with the sound of the sledgehammer as a tribute to Margareta Celsing's life of labor.
Chapter 41
Endnotes
This chapter provides endnotes clarifying specific cultural references in the text, including a Swedish card game, weaving terminology, and the Swedish tradition of biannual washing.
