# Old Hjalte — Short Fiction character guide

> Old Hjalte in Short Fiction by Selma Lagerlöf.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Hjalte, So Hjalte, old Hjalte

**First appearance:** 0031-queens-at-kungah-lla

## Snapshot

A fierce old war-bard whose heart softens into a matchmaker's when he glimpses the Swedish princess and thinks of his beloved King Olaf.

## Who they are

Hjalte has spent a lifetime composing songs of strife and following kings from court to court, never finding one to rival Olaf Haraldsson. At the Court of Upsala, the sight of Princess Ingegerd stirs something unexpected: a hope that the best of women might love the greatest of men. Transformed from stern skald to gentle advocate, he sits among the ladies and speaks soft words, testing whether the princess's heart can be won despite the enmity between their nations.

## Relationships

### [King Olaf Trygveson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters/king_olaf_trygveson)

_professional_

Old Hjalte serves as King Olaf's loyal advisor and retainer, offering counsel and support.

### [Astrid Ingegerd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters/astrid_ingegerd)

_friendship_

Old Hjalte acts as a confidant and protector to Astrid, showing her kindness and loyalty.

### [King Olaf Trygveson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters/king_olaf_trygveson)

_professional_

Old Hjalte serves as King Olaf's loyal advisor and retainer, offering counsel and support.

### [Astrid Ingegerd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters/astrid_ingegerd)

_friendship_

Old Hjalte acts as a confidant and protector to Astrid, showing her kindness and loyalty.

### [Astrid Ingegerd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters/astrid_ingegerd)

_friendship_

Old Hjalte acts as a confidant and protector to Astrid, showing her kindness and loyalty.

### [King Olaf Trygveson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters/king_olaf_trygveson)

_professional_

Old Hjalte serves as King Olaf's loyal advisor and retainer, offering counsel and support.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/i)

A blind old man who lends his violin to Hede in the courtyard.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/i)

The bard who advocates for the marriage between Princess Ingegerd and King Olaf Haraldsson, speaking to the Princess and later rallying the people.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/ii)

The Bard who tells Astrid stories of King Olaf; he refuses to betray her, seeking revenge for Ingegerd's suffering.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/iv)

Mentioned as having spoken to Astrid about King Olaf's character.

### [The Brothers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/chapters/the-brothers)

The clerk who sings at graves in Svartsjö; his voice is failing, threatening his livelihood.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters/old_hjalte
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_50_se/characters