Sivert

Eleseus

Brothers with contrasting fates—Eleseus the restless city-dreamer, Sivert the grounded farmer—yet bonded by blood.

Isak

Father and son who share a deep, unspoken understanding and mutual respect for the land and hard work.

Oline

Oline tries to manipulate Sivert with gossip, but he is too shrewd and grounded to fall for her schemes.

Eleseus

Brothers with contrasting fates—Eleseus the restless city-dreamer, Sivert the grounded farmer—yet bonded by blood.

Isak

Father and son who share a deep, unspoken understanding and mutual respect for the land and hard work.

Eleseus

Brothers with contrasting fates—Eleseus the restless city-dreamer, Sivert the grounded farmer—yet bonded by blood.

Oline

Oline tries to manipulate Sivert with gossip, but he is too shrewd and grounded to fall for her schemes.

Oline

Oline tries to manipulate Sivert with gossip, but he is too shrewd and grounded to fall for her schemes.

Isak

Father and son who share a deep, unspoken understanding and mutual respect for the land and hard work.

Book I

Isak and Inger's second son; meets Geissler at the deserted mine.

I

Mentioned as Inger's uncle, a rich man and district treasurer. He is not present in the chapter but is referenced as part of Inger's family background.

IV

Newborn second son, described as sturdy and healthy; named after Inger's well-to-do uncle.

V

Little Sivert receives a bright coin from Geissler as a gift.

VII

Sivert receives gifts from Fru Geissler along with Eleseus.

IX

Cries openly when the goat is killed, calling out 'Oh, poor old goat!'; grows up as a splendid fellow in Isak's eyes.

Geissler's Visit and Inger's Freedom

Sivert receives a coin from Geissler and wants to ride in the cart; he helps with planting potatoes.

Chapter XI

The other son; he joins Eleseus in watching for the family's arrival and initially does not recognize his mother.

Chapter XII

Helps with the sawmill, has a knack for hammering nails, and goes to school.

XIII

Keeps the old pair of skis, is less concerned than Eleseus about the engineer's arrival.

Chapter XIV

Helps Isak build the boat and works alongside his father and mother in the haymaking.

XV

The sturdy son at home; Geissler asks his name and contrasts him with Eleseus in town.

Chapter XVI

Works with his father quarrying stone, discusses the possibility of buying Breidablik for Eleseus, and stays behind to look after the place during the christening.

Chapter XVII

Works with Isak on building and witnesses the mine sale documents.

XVIII

Jests with Eleseus about the inheritance and helps keep him at Sellanraa.

Chapter XIX

Helps with the new horse and the mowing-machine; he and Eleseus discuss the machine's adjustments.

Book II

The younger son, more practical and connected to the land, stays to help on the farm.

I

Accompanies Eleseus partway, smiles at his father's ruse with the horse, and exchanges banter about Old Sivert's inheritance.

Chapter III

Brings news of the new settler Aron and his plans for Storborg; discusses the implications with Axel.

Chapter VI

Sivert returns from church with news of Axel's legal troubles, feels pride in his family's standing, and navigates his own romantic interest in Jensine.

Chapter VIII

Sivert supports the purchase of Storborg.

Chapter IX

Observes a pair of ducks by the river, lost in a dream; is perturbed by Jensine's decision to leave Sellanraa.

Chapter XI

Mentioned as the one who usually goes on errands instead of Isak, and who helped at Storborg with horses.

Chapter XII

Meets Geissler on the road while carrying goods; listens to Geissler's philosophical reflections and reports that his father has built a new house in case Geissler visits.