# Hell's Hole explained — The Wonderful Adventures of Nils

> Chapter companion for The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlöf.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humanity and Compassion

Nils feels sadness for the sheep's suffering and decides to help them despite his small size.

### Adventure and Exploration

Nils explores the island's cliffs, crevices, and shoreline, learning about its dangers and beauty.

## Character check-ins

### Nils Holgersson

Rides on Morten Goosey-Gander and later on the big ram; devises a plan to trap the foxes in Hell's Hole.

### Morten Goosey-Gander

Pretends to be injured to lure the foxes toward Hell's Hole, then flies across the crevice.

### Akka

Mentioned as someone Nils considers consulting for advice on helping the sheep.

### Smirre Fox

Implied as one of the three foxes that chase Morten and fall into Hell's Hole.

## Key lines

> He that is little and spry can put many things to rights.

A small and agile person can accomplish a lot.

_The big ram encourages Nils to use his size to his advantage._

> The foxes must live, too.

Even foxes deserve to survive.

_Nils initially hesitates to harm the foxes, showing his compassion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/hell-s-hole
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters