Published: Sigrid Undset's novel, originally titled Olav Audunssøn og hans born (two volumes, 1927), was translated into English under the titles In the Wilderness (1929) and The Son Avenger (1930). It forms part of the complete tetralogy The Master of Hestviken (1934).

Genre: Historical Novel

Plot: Historical Chronicle

Setting: 14th Century Norway

Main Characters

• Olav Audunsson: The master of Hestviken
• Eirik: Olav’s heir
• Cecilia: Olav’s daughter
• Jorund Rypa: Cecilia’s first husband
• Aslak Gunnarsson: Her second husband
• Bothild Asgersdatter: Olav’s foster daughter
• Gunhild Bersesdatter: Eirik's love interest
• Eldrid Bersesdatter: Eirik’s wife

Narrative Overview

Aslak Gunnarsson sought refuge at Hestviken, confessing to Olav Audunsson that he had killed a man. Despite his initial reluctance to harbor an outlaw, Olav's shared history with Aslak in Duke Eirik’s war softened his stance, recalling his own past as a fugitive. Thus, Aslak remained at Hestviken over the winter.

Cecilia and her foster sister Bothild enjoyed Aslak's presence, raising Olav’s suspicions about a possible romantic connection between Aslak and his daughter. Olav felt some relief when Aslak's family settled the blood debt, and Aslak prepared to leave. When Aslak proposed returning to seek Cecilia’s hand, Olav kindly discouraged his aspirations.

Eirik, Olav’s heir, returned later that summer with his friend Jorund Rypa. Olav harbored reservations about Jorund due to an earlier betrayal of Eirik. However, Jorund’s charming demeanor led Olav to reconsider. Jorund's family soon intended to formalize his marital suit for Cecilia.

Conflict and Consequences

Eirik, meanwhile, became infatuated with Bothild, pursuing her rudely despite her discomfort. Their journey to Rundmyr farm ended in tragedy when Bothild collapsed, revealing her illness. Overwhelmed by guilt, Eirik left Hestviken. Bothild's death spurred his decision to seek monastic life to atone.

Olav welcomed Eirik’s choice, hoping his daughter Cecilia's inheritance and rightful status were secure, as Teit’s illegitimate son posed a threat. This decision seemed providential, perhaps allowing Olav to reveal his own culpability in Teit’s murder to Eirik, seeking forgiveness.

Jorund’s courtship accelerated with news of Eirik’s religious pursuits, and Cecilia married into the Rypa family. However, Jorund proved a disappointing husband, and Cecilia yearned to return to Hestviken, dissatisfied among the quarrelsome Rypas. Jorund’s irresponsible behavior, including gambling and misappropriating Olav’s silver, strained their relationship further.

Unraveling Relationships

Eirik invested his efforts into reviving Saltviken, an old farm, earning Olav's admiration. Eirik's marriage was arranged with Gunhild, daughter of Berse, but was jeopardized when Jorund’s link to stolen silver surfaced, souring Berse’s trust.

Disillusioned, Eirik ended up marrying Eldrid, Gunhild’s scandal-ridden sister, when Gunhild was wed to another. Eirik and Eldrid settled at Ness, leaving Hestviken’s troubles behind.

Olav, burdened by past sins and the resulting discord, moved to Saltviken. News of his son Bjorn's marriage brought some joy, as Bjorn, unclaimed by Olav due to his illegitimacy, was untouched by family woes. Yet, Cecilia’s return to Hestviken, fleeing Jorund’s brutality, reignited familial tensions.

Tragic Resolution

Eirik discovered Jorund dead, stabbed in his bed. Olav, haunted by parallels to his own unconfessed crime, assumed Cecilia was responsible, mirroring his own sin. In Oslo, Olav sought counsel from a monk, Arnvid Finnsson's son, for confession.

Before he could confess, Eirik revealed Jorund's killer was Arnketil, avenging his daughter’s ruin. The revelation triggered a stroke in Olav, leaving him partially paralyzed and speechless, never confessing his own crime.

As time passed, Cecilia married Aslak, fulfilling her original desire. Olav spent his final days at the manor, tormented by his silent secrets, and ultimately died without redemption.

Legacy and Reflection

Eirik and Eldrid joined religious orders, he at the Minorite convent in Oslo, she at Gimsoy. Cecilia and Aslak...