The Wonderful Adventures of Nils · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlöf.
Chapter 1
The Wonderful Adventures of Nils
Nils Holgersson, a mischievous boy, is transformed into a tiny elf and joins a flock of wild geese led by Akka. Together with Morten Goosey-Gander, he embarks on a journey across Sweden, encountering various animals and adventures that teach him compassion, courage, and the interconnectedness of life.
Chapter 2
The Boy
Nils Holgersson, a mischievous and lazy boy, is transformed into a tiny elf after capturing a tomte. He then joins a flock of wild geese led by Akka, beginning his journey of adventure and self-discovery.
Chapter 3
The Elf
On a Sunday morning in March, a lazy and mischievous fourteen-year-old boy is left home alone by his parents, who instruct him to read the church service. Instead of reading, he captures a tiny elf with a butterfly net. The elf begs for freedom and offers a reward, but the boy reneges on his promise. The elf retaliates by striking him, and when the boy wakes, he discovers he has been shrunk to the size of the elf, realizing he has been bewitched.
Chapter 4
The Wild Geese
Nils Holgersson, transformed into an elf, grapples with his new diminutive size and ability to understand animal speech. After being mocked by the farm animals and failing to find the elf to reverse the spell, he sits despondently on a hedge. A flock of wild geese passes overhead, calling to the tame geese to join them. The young gander, Morten Goosey-Gander, is tempted to follow. Nils, fearing the loss of the gander, leaps onto its neck to stop it, but is carried into the air as the gander takes flight, beginning his journey with the wild geese.
Chapter 5
The Big Checked Cloth
Nils, riding on Morten Goosey-Gander, gradually regains his senses after the dizzying start of their flight. He observes the landscape of southern Sweden from above, which appears as a vast checked cloth of fields, meadows, forests, and farms. The wild geese tease tame geese and roosters call out the names of the farms below. Nils experiences a mix of laughter and sorrow, but ultimately feels a sense of freedom and exhilaration from flying high above the earth.
Chapter 6
Akka from Kebnekaise
Nils and the wild geese continue their journey, with Akka emerging as a wise and authoritative leader. The chapter highlights her deep knowledge of the land and her role in guiding the flock through various challenges.
Chapter 7
Evening
Nils and Morten Goosey-Gander struggle to keep up with the wild geese led by Akka. Morten nearly collapses from exhaustion but is encouraged by Nils. After landing at Vomb Lake, Nils helps Morten into the water, reviving him. Morten catches a perch for Nils, who eats it raw, realizing he is no longer human but an elf. Morten expresses his desire to prove himself to the wild geese, and Nils agrees to accompany him on the journey to Lapland.
Chapter 8
Night
During the night, a loosened ice-cake on Vomb Lake allows Smirre Fox to sneak up on the wild geese. He grabs a goose by the wing, but Nils chases after him, mistaking Smirre for a dog. Nils grabs Smirre's tail and, after a struggle, manages to free the goose, which flies back to the lake. Smirre then pursues Nils, who climbs a young beech tree to escape. Nils spends a cold, fearful night in the tree until dawn, when the sun rises and brings warmth and courage, reassuring him that all will be well.
Chapter 9
Goose-Play
The wild geese, led by Akka, execute a relentless game of deception to rescue Nils from Smirre Fox. They fly low and slow over the fox, tempting him to jump and exhaust himself, while Nils escapes. Smirre, driven to exhaustion and delirium, is finally taught a lesson about the consequences of threatening the flock.
Chapter 10
The Wonderful Journey of Nils
Nils Holgersson, a mischievous boy, is transformed into a tiny elf after capturing a goblin. He then joins a flock of wild geese led by Akka, embarking on an adventurous journey across Sweden. Along the way, he learns about nature, animal wisdom, and the importance of compassion and cooperation.
Chapter 11
On the Farm
A lady squirrel is captured and caged on a farm, but the elf (Nils) helps reunite her with her babies, leading the farmer to release the family back into the wild.
Chapter 12
Vittskövle
Nils and the wild geese land near Vittskövle manor. Morten Goosey-Gander is captured by children and taken to the castle. Nils follows a trail of white down left by the gander, eventually hiding in a botanist's box carried by a student from a folk-high-school tour. He endures a long, tedious lecture about the history and architecture of Vittskövle while trapped in the box.
Chapter 13
In Övid Cloister Park
Nils spends a week with the wild geese at Övid Cloister Park, enjoying the freedom and adventure of the outdoor life. He plays, feeds, and bonds with the geese, all while dreading the thought of being sent home. Akka eventually reveals that she has negotiated with the elf to restore Nils to human form if he returns home, but Nils, now attached to the wild geese, refuses and insists on continuing the journey to Lapland.
Chapter 14
Glimminge Castle
Nils and the wild geese arrive at Glimminge Castle, where they encounter a community of animals living in the castle's ruins. The chapter focuses on the castle's history and the animals' struggle for survival, highlighting themes of cooperation and resilience.
Chapter 15
Black Rats and Gray Rats
This chapter describes the history and ongoing conflict between the black rats and gray rats, focusing on the black rats' last stronghold at Glimminge Castle. It explains how the gray rats, originally poor immigrants, gradually conquered the black rats across the country, but the black rats have held out in the old castle due to its secure walls and their determined defense.
Chapter 16
The Stork
The wild geese receive an invitation to the great crane dance at Kullaberg. Nils is disappointed that he cannot attend. While feeding near Glimminge Castle, they encounter a massive migration of gray rats. The stork, Herr Ermenrich, visits and explains that the gray rats plan to storm the castle that night while the black rats are away at Kullaberg. Akka decides to help and takes Nils with her to the stork's nest atop the castle, where they find the remaining defenders.
Chapter 17
The Rat Charmer
The gray rats infiltrate Glimminge Castle, expecting a fight with the black rats, but find it empty. As they begin to feast on the grain, a mysterious pipe lures them away. Nils, playing the pipe, charms the rats out of the castle and leads them far away, saving the grain.
Chapter 18
The Great Crane Dance on Kullaberg
The chapter describes the annual animal gathering at Kullaberg, a mountain on the coast of Skåne, where various animals and birds meet for a peaceful play-day. The wild geese, led by Akka, arrive late after rescuing Thumbietot (Nils) from the gray rats. The cranes perform a dance, followed by hares and forest birds. Smirre Fox breaks the peace by attacking a goose, leading to his exile from the gathering.
Chapter 19
In Rainy Weather
During the first rainy day of their journey, Nils experiences the harshness of the weather while riding on the goose's back. The wild geese and birds initially celebrate the rain as a bringer of spring, but as it continues, the flight becomes difficult and Nils grows cold and frightened. At night, unable to sleep, he ventures to a nearby town, where he observes human life and feels a deep longing to return to his human form. Overhearing two owls discuss the elf's condition for breaking the spell—that he must ensure the goosey-gander returns home safe and sound—Nils rejoices and hurries back to the flock.
Chapter 20
The Stairway with the Three Steps
The wild geese plan to travel north through Småland but find the land frozen and snow-covered. Akka decides to go east through Blekinge instead. As Nils rides over Blekinge, he recalls a geography lesson where his teacher described Blekinge as a three-step stairway leading up to Småland, each step with distinct soil, vegetation, and human settlement. The teacher also tells a folk tale about a giant who threw stones into the sea, creating islands and causing salmon to swim up the Blekinge streams.
Chapter 21
By Ronneby River
The wild geese and Smirre Fox cross paths again in Blekinge. Smirre, driven from Skåne by the geese, pursues them relentlessly. The geese find a safe sleeping spot on a steep riverbank, but Smirre enlists a marten and later an otter to attack them. Nils, awake and alert, defends the flock by throwing stones, causing both predators to fall into the river. The geese flee to a bathhouse park, but Smirre follows and demands Nils be handed over. Akka refuses, declaring the flock would give their lives for Nils, which deeply moves him.
Chapter 22
Karlskrona
Nils and the wild geese arrive in Karlskrona on a moonlit evening. Nils initially mistakes the city's buildings, street lamps, and ships for trolls and monsters, but soon recognizes the city from his grandfather's stories. He sneaks away from the geese to explore, encounters a bronze statue of King Charles XI, and is pursued by it. He seeks refuge with a wooden statue named Rosenbom, who hides him under his hat and misdirects the bronze king.
Chapter 23
The Trip to Öland
The wild geese, following the advice of a wise gray goose, decide to travel to Öland to evade Smirre Fox. During the journey, they encounter a mist that disorients them, and other birds play tricks to lead them astray. Nils experiences dizziness and a sense of unreality, mistaking the sea for the sky, until gunshots from hunters remind him of the dangers of the real world. Akka eventually finds her way by following the sound of a cannon used to clear the mist.
Chapter 24
Öland's Southern Point
Nils and the wild geese arrive at Öland's southern point, where thick mist covers the island. Nils braids a knapsack from sedge to collect mussels, but becomes anxious when Morten Goosey-Gander repeatedly disappears. Searching the shore, Ottenby estate, and the sheep meadow, Nils discovers that the goosey-gander has been visiting a wounded young gray goose named Dunfin, whom he has been caring for. Nils secretly sets Dunfin's wing, and when the flock departs, Morten initially follows but then turns back for Dunfin, only to find her healed and ready to join them. The chapter also describes Ottenby's history as a royal demesne and a haven for migratory birds.
Chapter 25
The Big Butterfly
Nils travels along the coast of Öland, feeling happy and lighthearted. He overhears a conversation between two shepherds, one of whom tells a myth that the island of Öland was once a giant butterfly that fell into the sea and turned to limestone. The old shepherd reflects on how the island's shape resembles a butterfly and wonders if anyone understands its true nature or feels the longing it inspires.
Chapter 26
Little Karl's Island
Nils and the wild geese arrive at Little Karl's Island, a rugged and isolated place in the Baltic Sea. The chapter describes the island's unique geography, its bird colonies, and the challenges of survival there. Nils observes the interactions among the animals and reflects on the harshness and beauty of nature.
Chapter 27
The Storm
The wild geese, led by Akka, are caught in a violent storm over the Baltic Sea. They struggle to find rest, facing exhaustion, ice floes, and predatory seals. Akka's constant vigilance keeps the flock from falling asleep and being separated or killed. The storm drives them far from land, and they barely survive the night.
Chapter 28
The Sheep
After a storm, the wild geese find shelter in a cave on Little Karl's Island, where they meet a flock of sheep plagued by three foxes that have been attacking them at night. Nils volunteers to keep watch and, with the help of the big ram, drives the foxes away.
Chapter 29
Hell's Hole
Nils and Morten Goosey-Gander help the sheep on Little Karl's Island by luring the three foxes into Hell's Hole, a deep crevice. The big ram shows Nils the island's beauty and the devastation caused by the foxes, prompting Nils to take action.
Chapter 30
Two Cities
Nils and the wild geese fly over two contrasting cities, observing their unique characteristics and the lives of their inhabitants. The chapter explores the differences between the cities, highlighting themes of human industry, nature, and the passage of time.
Chapter 31
The City at the Bottom of the Sea
On a clear Easter-eve night, Nils is visited by Herr Ermenrich the stork, who takes him on a moonlit flight to a desolate shore. There, Nils discovers the legendary sunken city of Vineta, which rises from the sea once every hundred years for one hour. He explores its magnificent streets and regal inhabitants, but when he tries to pay a merchant with a rusty coin he had earlier kicked aside, the city vanishes back into the sea. Herr Ermenrich explains that if a living creature had bought something, the city would have been saved. Nils is left heartbroken.
Chapter 32
The Living City
On Easter Monday, the wild geese fly over Gottland to cheer up Nils, who is grieving over a magnificent sunken city he saw earlier. Old Kaksi leads them to Visby, a ruined medieval city. Nils compares the ruined city to the glorious one he imagined and eventually accepts that it is better for the sunken city to remain preserved in its beauty than to decay like Visby.
Chapter 33
The Legend of Småland
The wild geese travel over the sea and land in Tjust Township in northern Småland. Nils observes the beautiful landscape where land and sea meet. Akka decides they must continue northward without delay, disappointing Nils who had longed to see Småland. He recalls the legend of Småland's creation told by little Mats and Osa, two Småland children he met while tending geese. The legend explains how Saint Peter attempted to create Småland but produced a rocky, barren land, while God created Skåne as a fertile plain. The story highlights the contrast between the two provinces and the resourcefulness of the Småland people.
Chapter 34
The Crows
Nils, still in his elf form, encounters a flock of crows led by the cunning Fumle-Drumle. The crows, under the influence of the fox Smirre, attempt to capture Nils for his ability to open locks. Nils uses his wits to outsmart the crows and escape, demonstrating his growing cleverness and resourcefulness.
Chapter 35
The Earthen Crock
In the Sonnerbo township of Småland, a heath with a ridge hosts a crow colony. The crows, led by the cruel Wind-Rush, discover a locked earthen crock containing silver money. Unable to open it, they are approached by Smirre Fox, who offers to tell them of someone who can open it—Nils Holgersson—in exchange for delivering Nils to him once the silver is retrieved. Meanwhile, Fumle-Drumle, a clumsy crow of the old chieftain stock, secretly lives in an abandoned cabin on the ridge.
Chapter 36
Kidnapped by Crows
Nils is kidnapped by a band of crows while seeking food on a wooded point. He is carried across Småland and brought to a sandpit where the crow leader, Wind-Rush, demands he open an earthen crock. Nils resists, kills Wind-Rush in self-defense, then opens the crock and throws out silver coins to distract the crows. Fumle-Drumle, a crow with a white feather, helps him escape and promises to return him to the wild geese.
Chapter 37
The Cabin
Nils wakes in a deserted cabin after being carried there by Fumle-Drumle. He explores the small, oddly furnished cabin and takes some bread and matches. Fumle-Drumle, now renamed Garm Whitefeather and elected chieftain of the crows, warns Nils that Smirre Fox is outside. Smirre breaks in, kills Garm, and corners Nils. Nils sets the curtains on fire to drive Smirre away, but the cabin catches fire. As the flames grow, two children—Osa and Little Mats—arrive and unlock the door. Nils joyfully greets them, but they are terrified by his tiny form. Ashamed of his bewitched state, Nils flees and is rescued by Morten Goosey-Gander and Dunfin.
Chapter 38
The Old Peasant Woman
Nils, Morten Goosey-Gander, and Dunfin seek shelter for the night in a desolate farm in northern Småland. They find refuge in a cowshed inhabited by a single cow and a few chickens. The cow tells them about the old peasant woman who owns the farm, whose children and grandchildren all left for a foreign land, leaving her alone and heartbroken. Nils reflects on his recent adventures, including the fire he accidentally caused at Osa and Mats's old home and the death of Fumle-Drumle. The chapter ends with the cow revealing that two strangers offered to buy and drain the swamp, giving the old woman hope that her children might return.
Chapter 39
From Taberg to Huskvarna
Nils and the geese resume their journey after a night in a cabin where an old woman died. They reunite with Akka and the flock at Taberg, then fly north over Jönköping and Huskvarna. Along the way, Nils answers the calls of miners, factory workers, patients, and schoolchildren, expressing their shared longing for freedom from toil, sickness, and confinement.
Chapter 40
The Big Bird Lake
Nils and the wild geese arrive at a large lake teeming with birds. They observe the various species and their behaviors, highlighting the interconnectedness of life in this natural habitat.
Chapter 41
Jarro, the Wild Duck
Jarro, a young wild duck, returns to Lake Takern in spring and is wounded by a hunter. He is rescued by a farmhand and cared for by a kind mistress and her family. While recovering, he befriends the dog Caesar but is tormented by the cat Clawina, who warns him that humans plan to drain Lake Takern to turn it into farmland, threatening the habitat of thousands of waterbirds. Jarro struggles with fear and trust, ultimately clinging to his faith in human kindness.
Chapter 42
The Decoy-Duck
Jarro, a duck rescued by humans, is used as a decoy to lure other birds for hunting. After causing the deaths of three ducks, he warns others away, but becomes deeply unhappy. Nils, in a grebe-nest, frees Jarro, and Caesar the dog lets him go, acknowledging he is too good to be a decoy.
Chapter 43
The Lowering of the Lake
Per Ola, a three-year-old boy, goes missing after taking a leaky scow onto Lake Takern to find his beloved duck Jarro. As his parents search frantically, Per Ola is rescued by Nils (Thumbietot) and brought to a reed island, where he meets the wild geese. Meanwhile, Per Ola's mother, anguished and desperate, hears the cries of the birds and realizes their suffering mirrors her own, leading her to persuade her husband to abandon the plan to drain the lake. Caesar the dog, initially distracted by the threat to the birds, eventually leads the mother to Per Ola.
Chapter 44
Ulvåsa-Lady
Nils and the wild geese encounter the story of the Ulvåsa-Lady, a noblewoman who learns compassion and humility through her interactions with animals and the natural world, reflecting themes of transformation and interconnectedness.
Chapter 45
The Prophecy
Nils, sleeping on an island in Takern, is awakened by a torch-lit scow carrying two fishermen. One, a prosperous farmer, tells the other an old prophecy about Östergötland's future, relayed by the wise Ulvåsa-lady. The prophecy lists the province's future glories—cloisters, cathedrals, castles, ironworks, manors, health springs, a canal, and factories—but a skeptical peasant insists that only the enduring, honor-loving peasants themselves can truly preserve the land's ancient glory.
Chapter 46
The Homespun Cloth
Nils and the wild geese fly over the Östergötland plain, observing the spring work and teasing tame animals. Nils recalls a legend about a homespun cloth decorated with jewels, which he compares to the plain adorned with cities and farms. When his wooden shoe falls, it is found by Osa and little Mats, who recognize the name 'Nils Holgersson' and connect it to the elf they had heard about.
Chapter 47
The Story of Karr and Grayskin
This chapter recounts the tale of Karr, an old elk, and his son Grayskin. It details their life in the forest, the challenges they face from hunters and nature, and the deep bond between father and son. The story highlights themes of survival, sacrifice, and the wisdom of the natural world.
Chapter 48
Karr
This chapter recounts the backstory of Karr, a dog who was about to be shot for his hunting misdeeds. While being led to his execution, Karr recalls a tragic incident where he accidentally caused the death of a mother elk. Overcome with guilt, he escapes and leads the gamekeeper to the still-living calf, which is rescued. The gamekeeper, moved by Karr's apparent remorse, spares his life and takes him home.
Chapter 49
Grayskin's Flight
Karr the dog, now living with a gamekeeper, abandons his forbidden forest chases out of love for his master. He befriends Grayskin, a captive elk calf, and nurtures him for five years. When Grayskin is sold to a zoo, Karr tricks him into escaping his pen to explore the forest, showing him the pines, marsh, leaf-trees, and a lake. Grayskin encounters a wild elk bull, fights and defeats him, then chooses to remain in the forest rather than return to captivity.
Chapter 50
Helpless, the Water-Snake
In Liberty Forest, the rare nun moths lead a precarious existence, kept in check by birds. Grayskin, fleeing the gamekeeper's paddock, accidentally kills an old water-snake, Harmless. Her mate, Helpless, vows revenge and seeks help from the adder Crawlie. After initial refusal, Crawlie agrees to protect the nun moth caterpillars from predators, setting in motion a plan to use the moths as a weapon against the elk.
Chapter 51
The Nun Moths
Karr is awakened by Grayskin the elk, who leads him through the forest to witness a devastating infestation of nun moth caterpillars that are stripping the pines bare. Grayskin and four elder elk consult Karr about whether humans know of the destruction, ultimately deciding they must seek human help. A water-snake offers a vengeful solution—to end the plague if Grayskin leaves the forest forever—but Karr refuses the bargain.
Chapter 52
The Big War of the Moths
The chapter describes a devastating caterpillar plague that ravages the forests of Kolmården, prompting humans and animals alike to fight against the destruction. Karr the dog is torn between his loyalty to his friend Grayskin the elk and the mysterious promise of the water-snake Helpless, who claims that Grayskin's exile can save the forest. Grayskin, burdened by guilt for accidentally killing Helpless's mate, chooses to go into exile, and soon after, a disease naturally begins to wipe out the caterpillars, fulfilling the snake's word.
Chapter 53
Retribution
Nils Holgersson encounters a water-snake in the forest and kills it by rolling a stone onto it. The raven Bataki discovers the dead snake, which he identifies as Helpless, and plans to inform Karr. Akka then tells the story of Grayskin the elk, who sacrificed himself to protect his cows from poachers, enduring a painful chase through deep snow. The old dog Karr listens and, understanding Grayskin's noble end, prepares to face his own final hunt with his master.
Chapter 54
The Wind Witch
Nils and the wild geese encounter the Wind Witch, a powerful and capricious force of nature that tests their resolve and unity. Through the chaos of the storm, Nils learns about the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of perseverance.
Chapter 55
In Närke
This chapter recounts the legend of Ysätter-Kaisa, a mischievous but not truly evil wind witch from Närke. She delighted in causing storms, blizzards, and playful havoc, yet she protected honest folk and children. The narrative suggests she may still be active, as evidenced by events during Nils Holgersson's journey through the region.
Chapter 56
Market Eve
On the eve of the great cattle fair at Örebro, a torrential downpour causes chaos for travelers and their animals. Nils encounters a broken-down old horse who leads him to an inn where many animals are suffering in the rain. The horse, once owned by a wealthy farmer across the road, asks Nils to help them find shelter. Nils manages to open an unlocked hay shed, allowing the animals to take refuge. Meanwhile, the farmer, haunted by memories of the horse he once loved and sold at his father's insistence, struggles with his inherited stinginess and the moral weight of his past.
Chapter 57
The Breaking Up of the Ice
Osa and little Mats attempt to cross the frozen Hjälmar Lake to save time on their journey north, but the ice begins to break up under a strong west wind. They are guided to safety by mysterious voices from a flock of wild geese, and after reaching shore, Osa leaves a wooden shoe as an offering, which is taken by a white goose.
Chapter 58
Thumbietot and the Bears
Nils, still in his elf form, encounters a family of bears in the forest. Through his cleverness and compassion, he helps the bear cubs and earns the gratitude of the bear parents, furthering his journey of growth and understanding of nature.
Chapter 59
The Ironworks
During their journey over the mining districts, a strong wind separates Nils from the wild geese, and he falls into an abandoned mine pit where he is captured by a mother bear and her cubs. Father Bear threatens to kill Nils unless he agrees to destroy the ironworks that have disturbed the bears' habitat. Nils refuses, valuing the iron's importance to human civilization, but is saved at the last moment when a hunter arrives and the bear flees, carrying Nils with him.
Chapter 60
The Flood
The wild geese and Nils encounter a devastating flood that forces them to seek higher ground. The floodwaters rise rapidly, threatening the animals and testing Nils's courage and resourcefulness. Through the ordeal, Nils demonstrates his growing compassion and quick thinking, helping other creatures in distress.
Chapter 61
The Swans
A spring storm causes Lake Mälar to overflow, threatening the swans' nests at Hjälsta Bay. Smirre Fox tricks Agar the carrier-pigeon into delivering a false message to Akka, claiming the swan-king Daylight needs Nils's help. Akka leads the flock to the bay, but upon arrival, the swans mock Morten Goosey-Gander for his white feathers. A fight breaks out, and the geese are rescued by a flock of small birds summoned by a red-tail.
Chapter 62
The New Watchdog
Nils Holgersson, hungry and unable to sleep after the geese escape the swans, uses a floating stump to reach shore. He warns a sleeping swan of a sneaking fox, then flees from the fox across meadows. He runs toward cabins and encounters two men who kick the fox away. Nils then approaches a watchdog, introduces himself as Thumbietot, and devises a plan to capture the fox. With the boy's help, the dog is unchained, catches Smirre Fox, and chains him up as a new watchdog.
Chapter 63
Dunfin
Nils and the wild geese encounter a young goose named Dunfin, who becomes separated from her flock. They take her in, and she eventually bonds with Morten Goosey-Gander, adding a new dynamic to the group.
Chapter 64
The City That Floats on the Water
Dunfin persuades the wild geese to visit her home island in the archipelago, where an old fisherman protects the birds. During the flight east over Lake Mälar, the flock passes a mysterious city that appears to float on the water, later revealed to be Stockholm. The geese continue eastward to the sea and land on a cliff island.
Chapter 65
The Sisters
Dunfin returns to her home island with the wild geese, where her jealous sisters Prettywing and Goldeye pretend to welcome her but secretly plot against her. They attempt to poison Morten Goosey-Gander and later trick him into fighting an eagle, but the eagle turns out to be Gorgo, who recognizes Akka. Prettywing later abducts Thumbietot and drops him into the sea.
Chapter 66
Stockholm
Nils and the wild geese arrive at Stockholm, where Nils explores the city and encounters various characters, including a statue that comes to life and a helpful old man. The chapter highlights the contrast between the natural world and urban life, as well as Nils's growing understanding of human society.
Chapter 67
Skansen
Clement Larsson, a homesick fiddler living at Skansen, encounters a fisherman who has captured a tiny elf. Clement buys the elf for twenty kroner and sets him free on the condition that he remain in the park until Clement signals his release with a blue bowl. Later, a noble-looking gentleman (the King) speaks kindly to Clement, curing his homesickness and inspiring him to return home to share the story.
Chapter 68
Gorgo, the Eagle
Nils and the wild geese encounter Gorgo, a young eagle raised by Akka. Gorgo struggles between his eagle nature and the upbringing among geese. He eventually proves his loyalty and helps the flock, leading to a deeper understanding of freedom and identity.
Chapter 69
In the Mountain Glen
This chapter recounts the backstory of Gorgo the eagle, who was raised by Akka and the wild geese in a secluded glen in Lapland. After his parents disappeared, Akka reluctantly fed and cared for the eaglet, who grew up believing he was a goose. As he matured, he discovered his true eagle nature, leading to a conflict with Akka when he attacked a hen. Despite his promise never to harm the geese, Akka banished him from the flock, and Gorgo roamed alone, respected by animals for his courage but longing for his former life.
Chapter 70
In Captivity
Gorgo, a young eagle captured and caged at Skansen, falls into a torpor until Nils (Thumbietot) recognizes him and begins filing the steel wires of the cage to set him free. After several nights, Gorgo escapes but Nils remains captive, bound by a promise to stay until released. Clement Larsson had left instructions for a blue bowl to be set out for Nils, but the Laplander used a white bowl instead, so the spell remains unbroken. As summer arrives, Nils longs for freedom and his friends. Gorgo returns, offers to carry him away, and when Nils refuses due to his promise, Gorgo seizes him and flies north.
Chapter 71
On Over Gästrikland
The wild geese fly over the province of Gästrikland, and Nils observes the landscape, the people, and the animals below. He reflects on the region's history and the lives of its inhabitants, gaining a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things.
Chapter 72
The Precious Girdle
Gorgo the eagle, having escaped captivity, forcibly takes Nils from Skansen and flies north. After a tense start, Gorgo explains he was raised by Akka and wants Nils to help reconcile them. Nils explains his promise to Clement Larsson, so Gorgo agrees to find the fiddler. They fly over Uppland and Gästrikland, with Nils observing the landscape. Gorgo leaves Nils on a mountain to hunt, and Nils witnesses a festive procession with a blue and yellow banner.
Chapter 73
Forest Day
The chapter describes a community effort to reforest a mountain that had been devastated by a fire ten years earlier. The parish children, led by teachers and foresters, plant pine shrubs and spruce seeds on the barren landscape. Their parents initially come to watch but soon join in the work, and eventually the entire parish participates, transforming the desolate area into a hopeful project for future generations.
Chapter 74
A Day in Hälsingland
Nils and the wild geese travel through Hälsingland, observing the landscape and the people. Nils reflects on the region's history and the hard work of its inhabitants, while the geese continue their journey northward.
Chapter 75
A Large Green Leaf
Nils travels over Hälsingland with Gorgo the eagle, observing the landscape which resembles a green leaf with branching valleys. They search for the fiddler Clement Larsson among the peasants moving their cattle to summer pastures in the forest. After a long search, Gorgo spots Clement chopping wood at a remote stock farm, and Nils prepares to speak with him.
Chapter 76
The Animals’ New Year’s Eve
On New Year's Eve, forest workers gather and share stories. Bernhard tells a tale of a dean who encounters a Wood-nymph on Black's Ridge, where wild beasts judge domestic animals. Clement Larsson then tells of his encounter with a tiny midget at Skansen, winning a muffler as a prize. A pine cone mysteriously strikes Clement after he admits he doesn't know the midget's fate.
Chapter 77
In Medelpad
Nils and Gorgo fly over Medelpad, where the eagle explains the region's forest-based economy—from logging and log-driving to sawmills and the wealthy city of Sundsvall. The boy reflects on the hard labor and patience required to harvest timber compared to grain farming in Skåne.
Chapter 78
A Morning in Ångermanland
The chapter describes a peaceful morning in the province of Ångermanland, focusing on the beauty of the landscape and the interactions between the wild geese and the local wildlife. Nils reflects on his journey and the natural world around him.
Chapter 79
The Bread
Gorgo the eagle carries Nils into Ångermanland. After failed attempts to steal seed from a farmer due to attacks by small birds, a peasant woman offers a bun to the eagle, which he snatches. Nils is deeply moved by her kindness and vows to thank her if he ever becomes human again. The next day, Gorgo leaves Nils in a pine tree while he hunts, and Nils enjoys the bread he received, reflecting on the generosity of the woman.
Chapter 80
The Forest Fire
While eating breakfast, Nils notices smoke rising from a distant forest ridge. The smoke quickly intensifies, revealing a massive forest fire that spreads rapidly, forcing animals and birds to flee. Nils watches as the fire leaps across a brook and threatens his own location. He slides down a pine tree and joins the chaotic exodus of wildlife, including a lynx, adder, and grouse. The fire is eventually subdued by a small group of men fighting with wet branches and water. As the danger subsides, Nils is rescued by Gorgo the golden eagle, who carries him to safety.
Chapter 81
Westbottom and Lapland
The chapter describes the vast, wild landscapes of Westbottom and Lapland, focusing on the region's natural beauty, sparse human settlement, and the resilience of its animal inhabitants. It highlights the contrast between the harsh climate and the vibrant life that thrives there, including reindeer, birds, and other wildlife, as well as the Sami people who live in harmony with the land.
Chapter 82
The Five Scouts
Nils recalls overhearing Clement Larsson and an old Laplander discuss Norrland, leading the Laplander to tell a story about five bird scouts sent to explore the northern lands. Each scout—a grouse, lark, gull, loon, and snow sparrow—reports a vastly different landscape, but the wise elders reconcile their accounts, revealing the rich diversity of the region.
Chapter 83
The Moving Landscape
Nils travels on Gorgo's back over northern Sweden, experiencing a dreamlike journey where the land appears to move beneath them. He dreams of the Sun leading plants and animals northward to fight the Ice Witch, but many turn back out of fear. Nils awakens in a glen and recognizes it as the summer home of the wild geese and the eagles' cliff.
Chapter 84
The Meeting
Nils wanders through the glen at dawn, observing the sleeping geese and their mates, including Dunfin and Morten Goosey-Gander. He speaks privately with Akka, telling her about his captivity at Skansen and how he helped Smirre Fox gain freedom by ensuring he was chosen for relocation to an island. He also recounts seeing Gorgo the eagle imprisoned and his hesitation about freeing him. Akka affirms Nils's actions regarding Smirre and insists they should free Gorgo, revealing her enduring care for the eagle she once raised.
Chapter 85
Osa, the Goose Girl, and Little Mats
This chapter recounts the tragic story of Osa and Little Mats, two children from Småland whose family was devastated by tuberculosis after taking in a sick vagabond woman. Their father, believing a gipsy curse caused the deaths, fled in despair. After their mother also dies, the children support themselves by tending geese and trading. After attending a lecture on tuberculosis, they realize the deaths were due to infection, not a curse. Determined to find their father and correct his mistaken belief, they set out on foot for Lapland. Along the way, they teach people about hygiene to combat the disease. The chapter ends with Little Mats injured at a mine in Malmberget, where Nils and Akka discover him.
Chapter 86
With the Laplanders
In July, during a heavy rain near Lake Luossajaure, Osa and a workman named Söderberg visit a Laplander camp. Osa, who has just buried her little brother Mats, seeks her father Jon Esserson, whom she believes is living with the Lapps. The Laplanders are curious about her, and Söderberg speaks with them in their language. They say her father has gone fishing and may not return that night, but Osa senses they are hiding something about him.
Chapter 87
The Next Morning
Ola Serka, a distinguished Lapp, hesitates to tell Jon Esserson that his daughter Osa has arrived, fearing Jon's aversion to children. Meanwhile, Aslak tells Osa a story about a Lapp boy and a Swedish girl who survived the Black Plague and chose to live with the Sami, illustrating the appeal of their lifestyle. Ola Serka then approaches Jon, who is fishing, and uses a story about adopting a girl to gently reveal that Osa is his daughter. Jon, initially resistant, eventually accepts her, and they reunite, transformed by their meeting.
Chapter 88
Homeward Bound!
Nils and the wild geese begin their journey back to Skåne, reflecting on the adventures and transformations they have experienced. The geese prepare to return to their home grounds, and Nils contemplates his own future and the changes he has undergone.
Chapter 89
The First Travelling Day
The wild geese, led by Akka, begin their autumn migration southward from Lapland. Nils rides on Morten Goosey-Gander's back as the flock of twenty-two goslings learns to fly long distances, eat air and drink wind, and memorize mountain names. Nils reflects on his summer in Lapland, his bonds with Akka and Gorgo, and his longing to return home and become human again, especially after meeting Osa. The journey is marked by encounters with other migrating animals and a sense of joyful departure.
Chapter 90
Legends from Härjedalen
Nils, separated from the wild geese due to fog, rides with Bataki the raven and hears legends of Härjedalen. Bataki reveals the elf's condition for Nils to return to human form: Morten Goosey-Gander must be brought home to be killed. Nils is distressed but determined to find a way out.
Chapter 91
Vermland and Dalsland
During a rest hour, Nils asks Akka to confirm Bataki's story about the elf's condition for breaking the spell. Akka admits it is true, and Nils makes her promise not to tell Morten Goosey-Gander, fearing the gander's bravery might lead to rash action. Nils becomes glum and indifferent to the sights of Vermland and Dalsland, resigned to traveling with the wild geese forever.
Chapter 92
A Little Homestead
Nils, traveling with the wild geese, lands near a small homestead and explores its abundant garden, where he contemplates staying forever. He encounters a brown owl and later a woman who rescues him. The woman, a writer, listens to Nils's story and feels a deep longing for her childhood home, which she expresses to a flock of doves.
Chapter 93
The Treasure on the Island
Nils and the wild geese encounter a mysterious island where a hidden treasure is guarded by a bear. Through cleverness and courage, Nils helps resolve the situation, learning about the value of honesty and the dangers of greed.
Chapter 94
On Their Way to the Sea
The wild geese continue their autumn journey south, veering toward Bohuslän. Nils, recovering his good humor after speaking with a human who gave him hope, tries to persuade Morten Goosey-Gander to continue traveling abroad rather than return home. Morten reluctantly agrees to stay with Nils. As they fly over the beautiful landscapes of Vermland and Bohuslän, Nils feels a renewed sense of adventure and peace, culminating in a serene view of the sea at sunset.
Chapter 95
The Gift of the Wild Geese
Akka leads Nils and the geese to a remote island in the Väder archipelago to retrieve a buried treasure of gold coins, which she intends to give Nils as a reward for his service. Gorgo the eagle meets them there and reports his failed attempt to negotiate with the elf for easier terms for Nils's transformation. The elf reveals that Nils's family is in dire financial straits, but Nils refuses to abandon his friend Morten Goosey-Gander despite the temptation to return home and help his parents.
Chapter 96
The Journey to Vemminghög
In early November, the wild geese fly over Halland Ridge into Skåne after resting in Westergötland. Nils Holgersson, feeling homesick, observes the changing landscape from the plains to the coast. Akka shows the goslings what foreign lands look like by flying over Söder Ridge, the Skåne plain, and the Öresund coast, but Nils's heart aches with homesickness upon seeing familiar willow groves.
Chapter 97
Home at Last
Nils Holgersson returns to his family farm in Skåne, now restored to human form. He overhears his parents' sorrow and love for him, and after a visit from Osa and her father Jon Esserson, who praise Nils's help, his parents regain hope. Nils rescues Morten Goosey-Gander and Dunfin from being killed, revealing himself to his overjoyed parents. The chapter also includes Nils's farewell to Akka, who asks him to remember the wild animals' need for refuge.
Chapter 98
The Parting with the Wild Geese
On the morning of November ninth, Nils, now restored to human form, goes to the coast to bid farewell to the wild geese. He struggles to communicate with them, as he can no longer understand or speak their language. Akka and the flock eventually recognize him, and they share a tender goodbye. Nils feels a deep longing for his former life as Thumbietot, but accepts the parting.
Chapter 99
Endnotes
This chapter provides explanatory notes on various names and terms used in the book, including the pet name 'Mårten Gåskarl' for a tame gander, the cunning fox 'Smirre Fox', the elf-king 'Goa-Nisse', the graceful squirrel 'Sirle Squirrel', the cat pet name 'Mons', the otter 'Gripe Otter', the Swedish title 'Fru', and the Swedish holiday 'Morten Gooseday' on November 10th.
