Characters
Lavrans Björgulfsson
Lavrans Björgulfsson is the noble landholder of a medieval manor named Jörundgaard in Norway. As a man who endeavors to live by strict Christian values, he is characterized by his gentle and kind nature. Lavrans particularly cherishes Kristin, his eldest daughter, and grants her considerable freedom in speech and action, indicative of the deep affection and trust he places in her.
Ragnfrid Ivarsdatter
Ragnfrid Ivarsdatter, Lavrans’ wife, inherited Jörundgaard from her father. She strives to be a devoted wife and mother, though she is haunted by guilt over her love for another man before marrying Lavrans. Despite these inner conflicts, she remains a good woman who does her best to maintain her familial duties.
Kristin Lavransdatter
The beautiful yet willful Kristin Lavransdatter, daughter of Lavrans and Ragnfrid, is accustomed to having her own way. Her love affair with Erlend Nikulaussön leads her to break her engagement with Simon Andressön, causing considerable embarrassment to her father. Her passionate relationship with Erlend results in a premarital pregnancy, and they begin their marriage under challenging circumstances. Despite these initial difficulties, Kristin proves to be a competent wife, managing her husband's lands and bearing him many sons. However, their marriage is tumultuous, driven by the intense and proud personalities of both partners. The shadow of Kristin's premarital actions, which dishonored her father, lingers throughout her life. Determined to secure her sons' future, she works tirelessly, especially after Erlend loses his lands due to treason. Eventually, Kristin retires to a convent, where she dies during the Black Plague in 1349.
Erlend Nikulaussön
Erlend Nikulaussön is a young nobleman whose impetuous and rebellious nature often leads him into trouble. He becomes enamored with Kristin and successfully wins her love, leading her away from her betrothed. Erlend's most significant blunder is his attempt to separate Norway from Sweden during King Magnus VII's reign. Convicted of treason, he is stripped of his lands and nearly loses his life. Forced into retirement at Kristin's manor, he finds his new life unbearable and eventually separates from her to live on a small farm previously owned by his relative, Lady Aashild. Tragically, Erlend is killed while attempting to clear Kristin of adultery accusations.
Nikulaus Erlendssön (Naakve)
Nikulaus Erlendssön, also known as Naakve, is the eldest son of Kristin and Erlend. His quiet demeanor contrasts with the discord between his parents, which deeply impacts him. As he matures, he chooses a monastic life, entering a monastery.
Bjorgulf Erlendssön
Bjorgulf, the second son of Kristin and Erlend, faces the challenge of early-onset blindness. Entrusted to the care of his brother Nikulaus, he enters a monastery alongside him. Both brothers ultimately fall victim to the Black Plague.
Gaute Erlendssön
Gaute Erlendssön, the third son of Kristin and Erlend, possesses a passion for land and agriculture. Upon reaching adulthood, he assumes responsibility for the management of Jorundgaard, the family manor.
Skule Erlendssön
Skule Erlendssön and his twin brother, Ivar, display adventurous spirits, seeking their fortunes beyond their homeland by serving under distant relatives.
Ivar Erlendssön
Ivar Erlendssön eventually finds stability by marrying Signe Gamalsdatter, a wealthy widow, settling down after his youthful wanderings.
Lavrans Erlendssön
Lavrans Erlendssön, the sixth son of Kristin and Erlend, ventures to Iceland, entering the service of a bishop there. His journey illustrates the family's diverse paths.
Munan Erlendssön
Munan, the seventh son of Kristin and Erlend, tragically dies in his youth during an epidemic.
Erlend Erlendssön
The eighth child, Erlend Erlendssön, is conceived during a clandestine visit between Kristin and Erlend after his departure from Jörundgaard. His short life lasts only three months, yet his birth results in...
(This entire section contains 1027 words.)
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unjust accusations of adultery against Kristin.
Simon Andressön of Dyfrin
Simon Andressön of Dyfrin is the nobleman initially engaged to Kristin. Despite being jilted, Simon's affection for her persists. He proves his loyalty by intervening to save Erlend from execution for treason. Eventually, Simon marries Kristin's younger sister, Ramborg.
Sigrid
Sigrid is the sister of Simon Andressön, contributing to the narrative through her familial connections.
Arngjerd
Arngjerd, Simon Andressön’s illegitimate daughter, adds complexity to his character and relationships.
Simon Simonsson
Simon Simonsson is the son of Ramborg and Simon Andressön. His birth follows Simon's death, which occurs after he sustains a fatal wound in a brawl.
Ramborg
Ramborg, Kristin’s sister, harbors feelings for Simon Andressön, whom she eventually marries. Her relationship with Kristin is fraught with jealousy and hostility.
Ulvhild
Ulvhild, another of Kristin’s sisters, suffers a tragic accident at three, resulting in her crippling. She dies young, her life marked by this early trauma.
Lady Aashild
Lady Aashild, Erlend Nikulaussön’s aunt, is rumored to be a witch-wife. Her close relationship with Erlend and Kristin is marked by her support during their marriage.
Sir Björn
Sir Björn, Lady Aashild’s husband, remains an enigmatic and reserved figure throughout the story.
Arne Gyrdssön
Arne Gyrdssön, a childhood playmate of Kristin, develops romantic feelings for her as they grow older. They face false accusations of impropriety during their teenage years.
Bentein
Bentein is a young man of questionable morals who attempts to assault Kristin. When his intentions are thwarted, he retaliates by spreading false rumors about her and Arne Gyrdssön.
Sira Eirik
Sira Eirik, the grandfather of Bentein, serves as a priest. His familial ties add depth to the narrative dynamics.
Eline Ormsdatter
Eline Ormsdatter is involved with Erlend before he meets Kristin. Jealousy drives her to attempt poisoning Kristin, and when this fails, she takes her own life in despair.
Ulf Haldorssön
Ulf Haldorssön, a steadfast servant of Erlend for thirty-five years, is also a distant relative. He fiercely defends Kristin's honor, even to the point of committing violence.
Jardtrud
Jardtrud, the wife of Ulf Haldorssön, is consumed by jealousy, mistakenly accusing her husband of being Kristin's lover.
Ingebjörg Filippusdatter
Ingebjörg Filippusdatter, a close friend of Kristin, shares a living space with her during Kristin's stay in an Oslo convent, providing companionship during this period.
