# The Breaking Up of the Ice explained — The Wonderful Adventures of Nils

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

## What happens

Osa and little Mats attempt to cross the frozen Hjälmar Lake to save time on their journey north, but the ice begins to break up under a strong west wind. They are guided to safety by mysterious voices from a flock of wild geese, and after reaching shore, Osa leaves a wooden shoe as an offering, which is taken by a white goose.

## Themes in this chapter

### Adventure and Exploration

Osa and little Mats venture onto the ice, seeking a shortcut, and face the peril of the breaking ice.

### Humanity and Compassion

The wild geese guide the children to safety, showing compassion and help in a moment of danger.

### Interconnectedness of Life

The geese's guidance and the wooden shoe offering highlight the connection between humans and animals.

## Character check-ins

### Osa

Osa, the goose girl, and little Mats attempt to cross the frozen lake and are guided to safety by the wild geese.

### Little Mats

Little Mats accompanies Osa on the dangerous ice crossing and is guided by the geese.

### Akka

Akka is implied as the leader of the wild geese flock that guides the children to safety.

### Morten Goosey-Gander

Morten Goosey-Gander is the white goose that snatches the wooden shoe left by Osa.

## Key lines

> Come, let's try! If we only look before us, so that we don't go down into some hole, we can do it.

Little Mats suggests they attempt the crossing, believing they can avoid danger by being careful.

_Shows the children's initial confidence and underestimation of the ice's danger._

> You must go to the right, the right, the right!

The geese instruct the children to turn right to avoid a gap in the ice.

_Demonstrates the mysterious guidance from the wild geese._

> Stand where you are! Stand where you are!

The geese tell the children to stay still until the ice floes realign.

_Highlights the geese's role in directing the children to safety._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-breaking-up-of-the-ice
- 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