# Brede Olsen — Growth of the Soil character guide

> Brede Olsen in Growth of the Soil by Knut Hamsun.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Brede

**First appearance:** 0005-v

## Snapshot

Brede Olsen, a lazy neighbor who neglects his farm to chase rumors of precious metals and telegraph lines, leaving his wife and children to fend for themselves.

## Who they are

Brede drifts up to Sellanraa with tales of prospecting and errands on the hills, but he knows nothing of draining moorland or breaking new soil. While his family lets the farm look after itself, he sits talking heartily with Inger and brings news of the great folk down in the village. His idle visits and restless schemes contrast sharply with Isak's rooted labor, and his failure as a farmer foreshadows the harder choices that come when the mining company arrives.

## Relationships

### [Isak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/isak)

_rivalry_

Brede envies Isak's success and tries to compete for land, but his laziness makes him a weak opponent.

### [Isak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/isak)

_rivalry_

Brede envies Isak's success and tries to compete for land, but his laziness makes him a weak opponent.

### [Isak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/isak)

_rivalry_

Brede envies Isak's success and tries to compete for land, but his laziness makes him a weak opponent.

## In the story

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/v)

Brede Olsen accompanies Geissler as his assistant but is ignored during the survey.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/viii)

Brede has settled nearby at a place called Breidablik, but Isak notes his careless farming practices, such as leaving a cart uncovered in the yard.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xiii)

Works with the telegraph gangs instead of tending his own land, noted by Isak as having questionable priorities.

### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xiv)

Visits Sellanraa frequently, talks with Inger, and annoys Isak with his presence.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xv)

Neglects his farm and telegraph duties, obsessed with ore; schemes to place Barbro as help for Axel Ström; idle and homesick for village life.

### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xix)

Is selling Breidablik and moving back to the village. He tried to live with Axel Ström but was refused. He consoles himself with his telegraph inspector job.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/ii)

Barbro mentions her father Brede, claiming he knows important people and could help her, though his reputation has suffered.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/iii)

Passes by while Axel is trapped, later helps rescue him; argues with Oline over credit and mentions Barbro's departure.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/viii)

Brede is chosen as a deputee to negotiate with Geissler, but fails.

### [Barbro's Return to Maaneland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/x)

Barbro's father, who briefly covers for her when questioned by Fru Heyerdahl.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/chapters/xi)

Runs a lodging-house and coffee-shop with his wife, shows deference to Eleseus due to his debts at Storborg.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters/brede_olsen
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/growth_of_the_soil_se/characters