# In Captivity explained — The Wonderful Adventures of Nils

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom vs. Confinement

The chapter contrasts the eagles' captivity and torpor with Gorgo's eventual escape and Nils's longing for freedom, highlighting the psychological and physical effects of confinement.

### Humanity and Compassion

Nils shows compassion by freeing Gorgo despite his own captivity, and Gorgo reciprocates by attempting to rescue Nils.

### Transformation and Growth

Nils's growth is evident as he keeps his promise even when tempted to break it, showing moral development from his earlier selfishness.

## Character check-ins

### Gorgo

A young golden eagle captured and caged at Skansen; falls into a torpor but is freed by Nils filing the cage wires; later returns to rescue Nils.

### Nils Holgersson

Now living at Skansen, Nils frees Gorgo by filing the cage wires, but remains captive himself due to a promise; longs for his friends and freedom.

### Akka

Mentioned as safe and with the wild geese in Lapland.

### Morten Goosey-Gander

Mentioned as one of Nils's comrades in Lapland whom he yearns to rejoin.

### Clement Larsson

Left Skansen and instructed a Laplander to set out a blue bowl for Nils, but the Laplander used a white bowl, preventing Nils's release.

## Key lines

> With proud wing strokes he soared into the clouds. Little Thumbietot sat and gazed after him with a mournful expression. He wished that someone would come and give him his freedom too.

Gorgo flew away triumphantly, while Nils watched sadly, hoping for his own release.

_Highlights Nils's longing for freedom after helping Gorgo escape._

> I wanted to try my wings to see if they were still good for anything. You didn't suppose that I meant to leave you here in captivity? Get up on my back, and I'll take you to your comrades.

Gorgo returned to offer Nils a ride to freedom, refusing to abandon him.

_Shows Gorgo's gratitude and loyalty to Nils._

> Oh, no, I must keep it. I thank you all the same for your kind intention, but you can't help me.

Nils refused Gorgo's help because he felt bound by his promise to stay.

_Demonstrates Nils's commitment to his word despite his desire for freedom._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-captivity
- 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