The Wonderful Adventures of Nils · Chapter
The City That Floats on the Water explained
Dunfin persuades the wild geese to visit her home island in the archipelago, where an old fisherman protects the birds.
What happens
Dunfin persuades the wild geese to visit her home island in the archipelago, where an old fisherman protects the birds. During the flight east over Lake Mälar, the flock passes a mysterious city that appears to float on the water, later revealed to be Stockholm. The geese continue eastward to the sea and land on a cliff island.
Themes in this chapter
Humanity and Compassion
The old fisherman's kindness to the birds, feeding them and protecting their nests, exemplifies compassion between humans and animals.
Adventure and Exploration
The flock's detour to Dunfin's home island and the flight over the mysterious floating city highlight the spirit of exploration.
Interconnectedness of Life
Dunfin's family, the old fisherman, and the wild geese are all connected through the shared environment of the archipelago.
Characters to notice
- Dunfin
Dunfin convinces the flock to visit her home island, describing the kind old fisherman who cares for the birds.
- Akka
Akka initially hesitates but agrees to Dunfin's request to visit the archipelago.
- Morten Goosey-Gander
The tame white goosey-gander is devoted to Dunfin and would die for her.
- Nils Holgersson
The boy observes the floating city and later asks Dunfin about it.
Key passages
“No one could be more gentle and kind than the little gray goose Dunfin. All the wild geese loved her, and the tame white goosey-gander would have died for her.”
Dunfin was exceptionally gentle and beloved by all the geese, especially the tame white gander who was utterly devoted to her.
Describes Dunfin's character and the affection she inspires.
“He never fired a shot at them, nor would he permit others to do so. He walked around amongst the birds’ nests, and when the mother birds were sitting he brought them food.”
The old fisherman protected the birds, never hunting them and even feeding the nesting mothers.
Highlights the fisherman's protective and nurturing behavior toward the birds.
“The boy no doubt knew that they were built upon hills and mountains, but these he did not see—only the houses that seemed to float among the white, drifting clouds.”
Though the boy understood the city was built on land, the clouds obscured the ground, making the houses appear to float.
Captures the magical illusion of the floating city.