The Long Journey

by Johannes V. Jensen

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Fyr

Fyr is a prehistoric figure who predates the glacial age. He is renowned for bringing fire from a volcano, a revolutionary act that transforms his life and those around him. Fyr uses fire for warmth and cooking, and eventually deifies it. With this newfound power, a community forms around him as he imparts essential survival skills and primitive arts. Tragically, he becomes a sacrificial victim to the very fire god he established, ultimately consumed by his followers.

Carl

Carl is emblematic of the glacial age, representing the quintessential man of that time. He experiences exile after allowing his tribe’s fire to extinguish, forcing him to seek refuge in the north. In this harsh environment, Carl adapts by mastering survival techniques necessary for the Stone Age, notably learning to insulate himself against the severe cold.

Mam

Mam is Carl's resourceful partner, whose innovative ideas significantly impact their way of living. She introduces the use of vegetables in their diet and advocates for the concept of a fixed domicile, promoting stability and self-sufficiency.

White Bear

White Bear is a man from the late Stone Age who becomes an outcast due to a violent confrontation over a woman that results in the death of a priest. His banishment leads him to become a skilled boat builder and seafarer. White Bear's ingenuity extends to domesticating horses and pioneering the use of chariots, marking significant advancements in transportation.

May

May is the steadfast wife of White Bear. During her husband and son's maritime excursions, she adeptly manages the cultivation of crops and the care of their animals, ensuring the sustenance and stability of their household.

Wolf

Wolf, the son of White Bear, exhibits a spirit of adventure and adaptability. He learns to ride horses, paving his way to becoming a nomadic traveler, expanding his horizons beyond his father's seafaring pursuits.

Norna Gest

Norna Gest is an enigmatic figure, blessed with longevity as long as his partially burned candle remains unextinguished. He is instrumental in advancing metallurgy, bringing the knowledge of smelting and forging metals. Norna Gest also adopts the life of a wandering skald, contributing to cultural and technological progress. His collaboration in casting a bronze bull idol for the Jutlanders marks a significant cultural development.

Gro

Gro is the mother of Norna Gest. Her presence in his life is noted, although specific details of her influence remain minimal in records.

Tole

Tole is a prominent leader in Jutland during the time of Norna Gest. Together, they achieve the creation of a bronze idol, symbolizing the fusion of leadership and technological innovation.

Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus is portrayed as a pivotal figure in human history, encapsulating the monumental journey of mankind from Europe to the West Indies. His exploration signifies a new era of discovery and the expansion of human horizons.

Cortés

Cortés stands as the conqueror of the Stone Age civilizations in Mexico, marking the extension of European influence to the American continent. His actions represent a significant chapter in the historical narrative of conquest and cultural exchange.

Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin is depicted as a beacon of the modern era, wielding the transformative power of science. His contributions to the understanding of evolution redefine mankind's perception of the natural world, ushering in a new age of scientific inquiry and enlightenment.

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