# Akka — The Wonderful Adventures of Nils character guide > Akka in The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlöf. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mother Akka, old Akka, old Mother Akka **First appearance:** 0004-the-wild-geese ## Snapshot The ancient lead goose from Kebnekaise, stern guardian of her flock, who tolerates a shrunken human boy only after he proves his worth. ## Who they are Akka commands the wild geese with a discipline that borders on severity — she shakes Thumbietot like a rag when he first joins the flock, then strokes him with her bill once he has earned it. Her authority rests on experience and an unyielding sense of responsibility for every goose in her care, which makes her wary of humans and slow to trust. She becomes the moral center of Nils's journey: her approval is the standard he measures himself against, and her watchful presence over the sleeping flock shows how much she carries. ## Relationships ### [Father Bear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/father_bear) _rivalry_ Akka, the wise leader of the wild geese, and the Father Bear are cautious adversaries, often clashing over territory and safety. ### [Gorgo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/gorgo) _friendship_ Akka mentors and guides Gorgo, a young eagle, fostering a bond of trust and respect despite their different species. ### [Smirre Fox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/smirre_fox) _rivalry_ Akka and Smirre Fox are bitter enemies, with Smirre relentlessly hunting the geese and Akka outwitting him at every turn. ### [Nils Holgersson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/nils_holgersson) _friendship_ Akka and Nils develop a strong bond of mutual respect and cooperation, with Akka guiding Nils on his journey. ### [Dunfin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/dunfin) _friendship_ Akka acts as a wise elder and protector to Dunfin, a young goose, guiding her through dangers. ### [Father Bear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/father_bear) _rivalry_ Akka, the wise leader of the wild geese, and the Father Bear are cautious adversaries, often clashing over territory and safety. ### [Gorgo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/gorgo) _friendship_ Akka mentors and guides Gorgo, a young eagle, fostering a bond of trust and respect despite their different species. ### [Nils Holgersson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/nils_holgersson) _friendship_ Akka and Nils develop a strong bond of mutual respect and cooperation, with Akka guiding Nils on his journey. ### [Smirre Fox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/smirre_fox) _rivalry_ Akka and Smirre Fox are bitter enemies, with Smirre relentlessly hunting the geese and Akka outwitting him at every turn. ### [Father Bear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/father_bear) _rivalry_ Akka, the wise leader of the wild geese, and the Father Bear are cautious adversaries, often clashing over territory and safety. ### [Smirre Fox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/smirre_fox) _rivalry_ Akka and Smirre Fox are bitter enemies, with Smirre relentlessly hunting the geese and Akka outwitting him at every turn. ### [Gorgo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/gorgo) _friendship_ Akka mentors and guides Gorgo, a young eagle, fostering a bond of trust and respect despite their different species. ## In the story ### [The Wonderful Adventures of Nils](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-wonderful-adventures-of-nils) The wise leader of the wild geese who guides Nils on his adventure. ### [The Boy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-boy) The leader of the wild geese, who allows Nils to join the flock. ### [The Wild Geese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-wild-geese) Referenced as the old mother-goose who warns the tame geese not to follow the wild geese, saying they will suffer hunger and cold. ### [The Big Checked Cloth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-big-checked-cloth) Akka leads the flock of wild geese that fly around Nils, calling out descriptions of the land below. ### [Akka from Kebnekaise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/akka-from-kebnekaise) Akka is introduced as the wise and experienced leader of the wild geese, guiding the flock with authority and deep knowledge of the landscape. ### [Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/evening) Leads the wild geese with a stern attitude, giving curt advice to Morten when he falls behind. Shows contempt for tame geese. ### [Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/night) Implied as the leader of the wild geese; the geese fly away at dawn without seeing Nils. ### [Goose-Play](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/goose-play) Akka leads the wild geese in the strategic game to rescue Nils, orchestrating the repeated flights that exhaust Smirre. ### [The Wonderful Journey of Nils](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-wonderful-journey-of-nils) The wise leader of the wild geese flock who accepts Nils into the group. ### [In Övid Cloister Park](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-vid-cloister-park) Akka watches over Nils, warns him about dangers, and negotiates with the elf for his return to human form. She offers him the chance to go home but respects his decision to continue the journey. ### [Glimminge Castle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/glimminge-castle) Akka leads the wild geese to Glimminge Castle and provides guidance. ### [The Stork](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-stork) The wise leader goose who receives the invitation to Kullaberg, decides to help the black rats despite her limitations, and takes Nils along for his night vision and alertness. ### [The Rat Charmer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-rat-charmer) Awakened by the lady owl in the stork-nest; she had arranged for the pipe to be sent via Flammea. ### [The Great Crane Dance on Kullaberg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-great-crane-dance-on-kullaberg) Akka leads the wild geese to the gathering, arriving late after searching for Nils and rescuing him from the gray rats. ### [In Rainy Weather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-rainy-weather) Leads the flock with strict discipline during the rainy flight. ### [The Stairway with the Three Steps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-stairway-with-the-three-steps) Decides to change the geese's route eastward through Blekinge due to frozen conditions in Småland. ### [By Ronneby River](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/by-ronneby-river) The leader-goose who finds safe sleeping spots and refuses Smirre's demand to hand over Nils, stating the flock would willingly die for him. ### [Karlskrona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/karlskrona) Akka leads the flock to Karlskrona and lands on a church tower for safety from Smirre Fox. ### [The Trip to Öland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-trip-to-land) Akka leads the flock to Öland following the gray goose's advice, and later navigates through the mist by using the sound of a cannon to orient herself. ### [Öland's Southern Point](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/land-s-southern-point) Informs Nils that the goosey-gander is missing and leads the flock. ### [Little Karl's Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/little-karl-s-island) Leads the flock to Little Karl's Island. ### [The Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-storm) Akka leads the flock through the storm, constantly warning them to stay awake and alerting them to the seals. Her vigilance is crucial for their survival. ### [The Sheep](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-sheep) Leads the flock to the cave and asks Nils to watch for the foxes. ### [Hell's Hole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/hell-s-hole) Mentioned as someone Nils considers consulting for advice on helping the sheep. ### [Two Cities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/two-cities) Leads the flock over the cities, providing guidance and perspective. ### [The City at the Bottom of the Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-city-at-the-bottom-of-the-sea) Mentioned as the leader of the wild geese; Herr Ermenrich asks if Nils wants to speak with her. ### [The Living City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-living-city) Tries to convince Nils that the sunken city was a dream or hallucination. ### [The Legend of Småland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-legend-of-sm-land) Akka decides the flock must travel northward to Östergötland without delay, noting that spring has advanced rapidly. ### [Kidnapped by Crows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/kidnapped-by-crows) Leads the wild geese in searching for Nils, calling out overhead, but is unable to locate him. ### [The Old Peasant Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-old-peasant-woman) Akka is referenced as the leader who commanded the wild geese to search for Nils in pairs and arranged a meeting at Taberg. ### [From Taberg to Huskvarna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/from-taberg-to-huskvarna) Waits on Taberg's summit with the flock, leading the rejoicing when Morten Goosey-Gander and Dunfin return with Nils. ### [The Big Bird Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-big-bird-lake) Leads the flock and provides guidance about the lake and its inhabitants. ### [The Lowering of the Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-lowering-of-the-lake) Mentioned as part of the flock of big gray birds that land on the island where Per Ola is taken. ### [Ulvåsa-Lady](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/ulv-sa-lady) Leader of the wild geese, guiding the flock and sharing wisdom. ### [Retribution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/retribution) Akka narrates the story of Grayskin the elk to Karr, detailing the elk's brave sacrifice. ### [The Wind Witch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-wind-witch) Akka leads the flock with wisdom and calm, guiding them through the storm's challenges. ### [Market Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/market-eve) Akka and the wild geese are sleeping on the island when Nils leaves with the horse. ### [The Breaking Up of the Ice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-breaking-up-of-the-ice) Akka is implied as the leader of the wild geese flock that guides the children to safety. ### [The Ironworks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-ironworks) Leads the wild geese but is separated from Nils after the wind gust; not directly present in the chapter but referenced as part of the flock. ### [The Flood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-flood) Leads the flock to safety, guiding them through the dangerous floodwaters. ### [The Swans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-swans) Leader of the wild geese; brings the flock to Hjälsta Bay after receiving the false message; tries to maintain order. ### [Dunfin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/dunfin) As leader of the wild geese, Akka decides to allow Dunfin to travel with them. ### [The City That Floats on the Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-city-that-floats-on-the-water) Akka initially hesitates but agrees to Dunfin's request to visit the archipelago. ### [The Sisters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-sisters) Leads the wild geese; warns Dunfin about her sisters; recognized by the eagle Gorgo. ### [Stockholm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/stockholm) Akka leads the flock to Stockholm and provides guidance to Nils during their visit. ### [Gorgo, the Eagle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/gorgo-the-eagle) The wise leader of the wild geese who raised Gorgo and guides him. ### [In the Mountain Glen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-the-mountain-glen) The old leader-goose who reluctantly raises the orphaned eaglet Gorgo, teaching him as a gosling but ultimately rejecting him when he embraces his eagle nature. ### [In Captivity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-captivity) Mentioned as safe and with the wild geese in Lapland. ### [On Over Gästrikland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/on-over-g-strikland) Leads the flock over Gästrikland. ### [The Precious Girdle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-precious-girdle) Referenced as Gorgo's foster-mother; Gorgo hopes Nils can mediate their quarrel. ### [A Day in Hälsingland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/a-day-in-h-lsingland) Leads the flock through Hälsingland, guiding the journey. ### [A Morning in Ångermanland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/a-morning-in-ngermanland) Leads the flock and provides guidance during the morning. ### [The Bread](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-bread) Referenced indirectly when Nils compares his treatment by Gorgo to his travels with the wild geese. ### [Westbottom and Lapland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/westbottom-and-lapland) Akka leads the flock through the northern territories, guiding Nils and the geese. ### [The Meeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-meeting) Found keeping watch over the glen; she listens to Nils's story, approves his help for Smirre, and insists they must free Gorgo from captivity. ### [Osa, the Goose Girl, and Little Mats](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/osa-the-goose-girl-and-little-mats) Akka takes Nils to Malmberget, where they find Little Mats injured. She is present as Nils goes for help. ### [Homeward Bound!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/homeward-bound) Leads the flock back to Skåne, showing wisdom and care for Nils. ### [The First Travelling Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-first-travelling-day) Leads the flock southward, teaches the goslings to fly and learn mountain names, and has spent the summer with Nils and Gorgo. ### [Legends from Härjedalen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/legends-from-h-rjedalen) Saw a hunter and led the geese away; knows the elf's condition but hasn't told Nils. ### [Vermland and Dalsland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/vermland-and-dalsland) Akka confirms the truth of Bataki's story and agrees to keep the secret from Morten Goosey-Gander. ### [A Little Homestead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/a-little-homestead) Implied as leader of the wild geese that Nils is traveling with. ### [The Treasure on the Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-treasure-on-the-island) Guides the flock and advises Nils during the island adventure. ### [On Their Way to the Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/on-their-way-to-the-sea) Akka leads the flock as they fly over Bohuslän toward the sea. ### [The Gift of the Wild Geese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-gift-of-the-wild-geese) Leads the geese to the Väder Islands to show Nils the buried treasure, intending to reward him for his service. ### [The Journey to Vemminghög](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-journey-to-vemmingh-g) Leads the flock and shows the goslings the appearance of foreign lands by flying over various Skåne landscapes. ### [Home at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/home-at-last) Brings Nils home; bids him farewell and asks him to advocate for wild animals' sanctuaries. ### [The Parting with the Wild Geese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-parting-with-the-wild-geese) Old Mother Akka turns back and recognizes Nils; she and the flock bid him a fond farewell. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/akka - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters