The Wonderful Adventures of Nils · Chapter
The Bread explained
Gorgo the eagle carries Nils into Ångermanland.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Humanity and Compassion
The peasant woman's act of sharing her bread with a wild eagle and a strange boy, despite their appearance, highlights unexpected kindness and compassion.
Freedom vs. Confinement
Nils is free in the wilderness but dependent on Gorgo for food and transport, contrasting his earlier confinement as a farm boy.
Characters to notice
- Nils Holgersson
Rides on Gorgo's back, is hungry, receives bread from a peasant woman, and reflects on her kindness.
- Gorgo
The golden eagle who carries Nils, attempts to get food, is harassed by small birds, and finally accepts a bun offered by a peasant woman.
- Akka
Referenced indirectly when Nils compares his treatment by Gorgo to his travels with the wild geese.
Key passages
“If I ever become human again, thought the boy, I shall look up the pretty woman who lives near the great river, and thank her for her kindness to us.”
Nils resolves to find and thank the kind woman who gave them bread, should he ever return to his human form.
Shows Nils's gratitude and moral growth.
“The peasant woman noticed the eagle. She raised her head and followed him with her glance. 'How peculiarly he acts!' she remarked. 'I believe he wants one of my buns.'”
The woman observes the eagle's unusual behavior and correctly guesses that he is after her baked goods.
Demonstrates her perceptiveness and generosity.