# In Rainy Weather explained — The Wonderful Adventures of Nils > Chapter companion for The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlöf. ## What happens 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. ## Themes in this chapter ### Transformation and Growth Nils's longing for his human form and his realization of what he has lost drive his emotional growth and determination to fulfill the elf's condition. ### Humanity and Compassion Nils observes human life with admiration and feels a deep connection to human achievements, contrasting his current isolation. ### Adventure and Exploration The rainy journey and Nils's solo exploration of the town highlight the challenges and discoveries of his adventure. ## Character check-ins ### Nils Holgersson Endures the cold and rain, ventures to a human town, and learns the condition for breaking the elf's spell. ### Akka Leads the flock with strict discipline during the rainy flight. ### Morten Goosey-Gander Provides warmth for Nils under his wing; Nils is tasked with ensuring his safe return. ### Mr. Owl The gray owl who returns from abroad and discusses the elf's secret with the brown owl. ## Key lines > Now we'll have rain. Rain gives us spring; spring gives us flowers and green leaves; green leaves and flowers give us worms and insects; worms and insects give us food; and plentiful and good food is the best thing there is. The birds celebrate the rain as the bringer of spring, which in turn provides food for them. _Illustrates the interconnectedness of nature and the joy of the animals at the rain's life-giving properties._ > If I only watch over the goosey-gander, so that he gets back safe and sound, then I shall become a human being again. Hurrah! Hurrah! Then I shall become a human being again! Nils realizes that his return to human form depends on ensuring the goosey-gander's safe homecoming, and he celebrates this discovery. _Key moment where Nils learns the elf's condition, driving the plot forward._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-rainy-weather - 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