The Wonderful Adventures of Nils · Chapter
Endnotes explained
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',
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Folklore and Swedish Heritage
The endnotes explain Swedish cultural terms and folklore figures such as Goa-Nisse (elf-king) and the holiday Morten Gooseday.
Characters to notice
- Morten Goosey-Gander
Explained as a pet name for a tame gander, analogous to 'Dickie-bird' for a pet bird.
- Smirre Fox
Described as a cunning fox.
- Goa-Nisse
Identified as an elf-king, corresponding to Puck or Robin Goodfellow.
- Sirle Squirrel
Means graceful or nimble squirrel.
Key passages
“Mårten Gåskarl (Morten Goosie-gander) is a pet name for a tame gander, just as we use Dickie-bird for a pet bird.”
Morten Goosey-Gander is a nickname for a domesticated male goose, similar to calling a pet bird 'Dickie-bird'.
Clarifies the affectionate naming convention.
“A Goa-Nisse is an elf-king, and corresponds to the English Puck or Robin Goodfellow.”
A Goa-Nisse is a king of the elves, comparable to the English characters Puck or Robin Goodfellow.
Explains the mythological figure.
“In Sweden the 10th of November is called Morten Gooseday and corresponds to the American Thanksgiving Day.”
November 10th in Sweden is known as Morten Gooseday, similar to the American Thanksgiving.
Provides cultural context for the holiday.