The Wonderful Adventures of Nils · Chapter
The Stork explained
The wild geese receive an invitation to the great crane dance at Kullaberg.
What happens
The wild geese receive an invitation to the great crane dance at Kullaberg. Nils is disappointed that he cannot attend. While feeding near Glimminge Castle, they encounter a massive migration of gray rats. The stork, Herr Ermenrich, visits and explains that the gray rats plan to storm the castle that night while the black rats are away at Kullaberg. Akka decides to help and takes Nils with her to the stork's nest atop the castle, where they find the remaining defenders.
Themes in this chapter
Folklore and Swedish Heritage
The chapter centers on the legendary animal gathering at Kullaberg and the stork's tale of the rat siege at Glimminge Castle, drawing on Swedish folk traditions.
Humanity and Compassion
Akka's decision to help the black rats despite her own limitations shows compassion and a sense of duty toward other creatures.
Adventure and Exploration
Nils's journey to the stork's nest and involvement in the castle's defense marks a new adventure, blending danger and discovery.
Characters to notice
- Nils Holgersson
Feels left out and frustrated that he cannot see the crane dance; initially defiant but ultimately agrees to help Akka rescue Glimminge Castle from the gray rats.
- Akka
The wise leader goose who receives the invitation to Kullaberg, decides to help the black rats despite her limitations, and takes Nils along for his night vision and alertness.
- Morten Goosey-Gander
The white farm goose who is excited about the crane dance and offers to stay with Nils if he cannot attend.
- Herr Ermenrich
The stork who visits the geese, complains about the gray rats and the state of his nest, and playfully tosses Nils in the air before returning to Glimminge Castle.
- Iksi
A wild goose from Vassijaure who comments on the gray rats and is ordered by Akka to lead the flock to Vonib Lake.
Key passages
“Trirop, Trirop! it sounded, 'Trianut, the crane, sends greetings to Akka, the wild goose, and her flock. Tomorrow will be the day of the great crane dance on Kullaberg.'”
The cranes announce that the great animal gathering and dance will take place at Kullaberg the next day.
This sets up the central event of the chapter and the reason for the black rats' absence.
“No human being has ever been permitted to attend the Animal’s Congress, at Kullaberg, said Akka, and I shouldn’t dare to take Thumbietot along.”
Akka explains that no human has ever been allowed at the animal congress, so Nils cannot come.
Highlights the boundary between humans and animals and Nils's frustration.
“I know an old wild goose, I do, who will gladly prevent outrages of this kind.”
Akka offers to help stop the gray rats from taking over the castle.
Shows Akka's courage and willingness to intervene despite her limitations.
“Quick as a flash, he lowered the bill, grabbed the boy, and tossed him a couple of metres in the air. This feat he performed seven times, while the boy shrieked and the geese shouted.”
The stork playfully tosses Nils into the air several times, startling him and the geese.
Demonstrates the stork's mocking yet harmless nature and Nils's small size.