# The Prophecy explained — The Wonderful Adventures of Nils

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

## What happens

Nils, sleeping on an island in Takern, is awakened by a torch-lit scow carrying two fishermen. One, a prosperous farmer, tells the other an old prophecy about Östergötland's future, relayed by the wise Ulvåsa-lady. The prophecy lists the province's future glories—cloisters, cathedrals, castles, ironworks, manors, health springs, a canal, and factories—but a skeptical peasant insists that only the enduring, honor-loving peasants themselves can truly preserve the land's ancient glory.

## Themes in this chapter

### Folklore and Swedish Heritage

The entire chapter is built around an old family prophecy about Östergötland, blending local legend with a deep sense of provincial pride and historical continuity.

### Interconnectedness of Life

The prophecy shows how the land's glory arises from a succession of human endeavors—religious, industrial, agricultural—each connected to the next, and ultimately rooted in the steadfast character of the peasantry.

## Character check-ins

### Nils Holgersson

Nils is sleeping on an island in Takern when he is awakened by the fishermen's torch and overhears the prophecy.

## Key lines

> I see how health-springs bubble on Medevi meadows, by Vätter's shores. I believe that the wells at Medevi will bring the land as much praise as you can desire.

The wise woman foresees that the medicinal springs at Medevi will become a source of fame for Östergötland.

_This part of the prophecy highlights the future importance of health tourism in the region._

> I see how people dig and labour, from Motala to Mem. They dig a canal right through the country, and then Östergötland's praise is again on everyone's lips.

The prophecy predicts the construction of the Göta Canal, which will bring renewed renown to the province.

_This refers to the historic Göta Canal, a major engineering project completed in the 19th century._

> For it is only those who go bent under the eternal labour with the soil, who can hold this land in good repute and honour—from one time to another.

The peasant concludes that only the enduring, hardworking farmers can truly maintain the province's honor across generations.

_This final insight reframes the prophecy, emphasizing the foundational role of the peasantry over transient monuments._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-prophecy
- 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