What did these women represent in Kristin's youth?
Ragnfrid, her mother
Lady Aashild
Ulvhild
Ingebjorg
Who were the important men in her life, and what did they offer?
Lavrans, her father
Arne
Brother Edvin
Simon Darre
Erlend
Kristin Lavransdatter
Book one: The Bridal Wreath
Wreaths to notice:
* The valerian wreath
* The golden-flower wreath of the elf-lady;
* When did Lavrans gave her his cross with the relic
* When did she almost lose this relic? Look for the incident with silly Ingebjorg on a wrong path. That’s when she prayed for help, and who helped her? P. 107
* Brother Edvin would have had her come to God “wearing her garland”
* Of course there was the bridal wreath at the wedding.
Words of Lady Aashild; and of Kristin
Are these words of wisdom, or of blasphemy?
Have you never heard of those who took the gold the dwarves offered and after bound the troll in stone?
Lady Aashild
But I saw not til now what sin brings with it; that we must tread others underfoot.” Kristin to Lady Aashild p. 214
“You cannot be saved now except you save each other.” Lady Aashild
"Are you never afraid of the day you must stand before God’s judgment?" Kristin
"It may be I shall find courage to ask him that hath made me as I am, to have mercy on me in his own good time. [Is this purgatory?] For I have never begged for his mercy when I broke his commands. And never have I begged God or man to forgive me a farthing of the price I have paid here in this mountain hut." Lady Aashild P 214
What went into her image of marriage?
What was her parents' marriage like?
What other marriages were in view?
This page was originally a support page for students who were reading Kristin Lavransdatter.
Sigrid Undset is a very great writer. Perhaps these questions will suggest some considerations. You may have been struck by other words or other relationships. It is such a rich story!.
