Ticket No. 9672 · Chapter
VIII explained
Joel and Hulda Hansen journey from Dal to the Rjukanfos waterfall to meet an expected tourist.
What happens
Joel and Hulda Hansen journey from Dal to the Rjukanfos waterfall to meet an expected tourist. After a scenic but rugged drive, they abandon their karjol and hike to the falls, where they discover a traveler in a perilous position on the cliff edge. With remarkable courage and skill, Hulda descends the Maristien to grasp the stranger's hand while Joel climbs from below, and together they rescue the injured man. The traveler reveals he is the tourist they were expecting, and they escort him to a nearby hut.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and Norwegian Identity
The chapter vividly depicts the wild beauty of the Norwegian landscape—the Rjukanfos waterfall, the Gousta mountain, and the rugged terrain—as both a setting and a source of national pride and challenge.
Sacrifice and Family Loyalty
Joel and Hulda risk their own lives to rescue a stranger, demonstrating selflessness and the strong bonds of family loyalty that drive them to act courageously.
Characters to notice
- Hulda Hansen
Shows bravery and steady nerves during the rescue at Rjukanfos, descending the Maristien to hold the traveler's hand and prevent his fall.
- Joel Hansen
Demonstrates resourcefulness and physical courage, guiding the karjol along dangerous roads and climbing the cliff face to reach the stranded traveler.
- Sylvius Hogg
The elderly traveler rescued at Rjukanfos; he is injured but retains his composure, and is revealed to be the tourist expected from the north.
- Lengling
Foreman Lengling's specially built karjol is hired by Joel for the journey to Rjukanfos.
Key passages
“The road from Dal to the falls is very rough but indescribably charming. It is really rather a footpath than a road.”
The route from Dal to the falls is extremely rugged yet beautifully picturesque, more like a trail than a proper road.
Highlights the contrast between the difficulty of travel and the scenic beauty of the Norwegian countryside.
“Don't move, sir; don't move an inch, but hold fast!”
Stay completely still, sir, and keep your grip tight.
Joel's urgent command to the stranded traveler, emphasizing the danger of the situation.
“If I hadn't a good grip, I should have gone to the bottom of the Rjukan a quarter of an hour ago.”
If I weren't holding on firmly, I would have fallen into the Rjukan gorge fifteen minutes ago.
The traveler's calm acknowledgment of his precarious position.