# Bigum — Niels Lyhne character guide

> Bigum in Niels Lyhne by J. P. Jacobsen.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Bigum

**First appearance:** 0003-ii

## Snapshot

A loquacious schoolmaster whose restless talk and odd learning open Niels's eyes to a world beyond the parsonage.

## Who they are

Bigum belongs to the small-town circle of teachers and clergymen who shape Niels's boyhood, and he takes an affectionate, garrulous interest in the dreamy child. His talk runs on in endless, quirky channels, charming and exasperating by turns, and his warmth offers Niels an early taste of companionship outside the family. Through him the boy first senses that ideas and books might be a way of life, not merely lessons to be recited.

## Relationships

### [Niels Lyhne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/niels_lyhne)

_friendship_

An eccentric, philosophical friend who provides comic relief and intellectual companionship.

### [Edele Lyhne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/edele_lyhne)

_social_

A respectful acquaintance, with Bigum often visiting the Lyhne household and interacting with Edele.

### [Edele Lyhne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/edele_lyhne)

_social_

A respectful acquaintance, with Bigum often visiting the Lyhne household and interacting with Edele.

### [Niels Lyhne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/niels_lyhne)

_friendship_

An eccentric, philosophical friend who provides comic relief and intellectual companionship.

## In the story

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

The new tutor, a philosopher and violinist, falls in love with Edele despite his high-minded principles.

### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/niels_lyhne_se/chapters/iv)

Niels's tutor, whose flexible and artistic approach to religion fails to guide Niels back to orthodoxy.

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

Mr. Bigum instructs Niels, Erik, and Frithjof; his atlas is later used by Niels to extend his geographical knowledge.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters/bigum
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/niels_lyhne_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/niels_lyhne_se/characters