# Morten Goosey-Gander — The Wonderful Adventures of Nils character guide > Morten Goosey-Gander in The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlöf. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Morten Goosey, Goosey-gander, Dear Morten Goosey-gander **First appearance:** 0004-the-wild-geese ## Snapshot The proud farmyard gander who joins the wild flock out of longing, carrying tiny Nils on his back and guarding his mate Dunfin with fussy devotion. ## Who they are Morten is a domestic goose who answers a call the wild birds never expected him to hear, trading the barnyard for the long migration and proving himself a competent flier and a stubbornly loyal companion. His courtship of Dunfin — standing watch over her nest in the Lapland brush, too proud to admit he is sleeping on duty — reveals a tender, slightly ridiculous dignity. He matters because he is Nils's vehicle and his first real friend: without the gander's back, there is no journey, and without his example of pluck, Nils has nothing to imitate. ## Relationships ### [Dunfin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/dunfin) _romantic_ Dunfin and Morten Goosey-Gander are a mated pair, deeply devoted to each other and raising their young together. ### [Dunfin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/dunfin) _romantic_ Dunfin and Morten Goosey-Gander are a mated pair, deeply devoted to each other and raising their young together. ### [Dunfin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/dunfin) _romantic_ Dunfin and Morten Goosey-Gander are a mated pair, deeply devoted to each other and raising their young together. ## 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 farmyard goose who joins the wild geese and becomes Nils's loyal companion. ### [The Boy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-boy) A domestic goose who decides to fly with the wild geese, carrying Nils on his back. ### [The Wild Geese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-wild-geese) A young tame gander fired with a passion for adventure by the wild geese. He decides to follow them and takes flight, inadvertently carrying Nils with him. ### [The Big Checked Cloth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-big-checked-cloth) Morten is the gander carrying Nils on the flight over Skåne. ### [Akka from Kebnekaise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/akka-from-kebnekaise) Morten is part of the flock, following Akka's lead alongside Nils. ### [Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/evening) Struggles to keep up with the wild geese, nearly collapses, but is revived by Nils. Catches a perch for Nils and expresses his desire to prove tame geese are worthy. ### [Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/night) Warns Nils to be careful during the chase. ### [Goose-Play](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/goose-play) Morten is the white goose that glistens in the forest, participating in the rescue flight and tempting Smirre. ### [The Wonderful Journey of Nils](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-wonderful-journey-of-nils) A domestic goose who decides to fly with the wild geese and becomes Nils's companion. ### [Vittskövle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/vittsk-vle) Captured by children after refusing to fly away; leaves white down as clues for Nils. ### [In Övid Cloister Park](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-vid-cloister-park) Morten participates in games with the wild geese and is later stolen but rescued by Nils. He remains with the flock and supports Nils's desire to stay. ### [Glimminge Castle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/glimminge-castle) Morten accompanies Nils and the flock to the castle. ### [The Stork](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-stork) The white farm goose who is excited about the crane dance and offers to stay with Nils if he cannot attend. ### [In Rainy Weather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-rainy-weather) Provides warmth for Nils under his wing; Nils is tasked with ensuring his safe return. ### [By Ronneby River](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/by-ronneby-river) Sleeps with Nils tucked under his wing; Nils creeps out from under the wing due to anxiety. ### [Karlskrona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/karlskrona) Morten is with the flock; Nils considers crawling under his wing for warmth. ### [The Trip to Öland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-trip-to-land) Morten carries Nils during the flight, and Nils clutches his neck in fear when the mist causes disorientation. ### [Öland's Southern Point](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/land-s-southern-point) Repeatedly disappears in the mist to visit and care for the wounded gray goose Dunfin, and ultimately turns back for her. ### [Little Karl's Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/little-karl-s-island) Travels with the flock to the island. ### [The Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-storm) Morten is part of the flock enduring the storm, mentioned implicitly as one of the wild geese. ### [The Sheep](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-sheep) Present in the flock that takes shelter in the cave. ### [Hell's Hole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/hell-s-hole) Pretends to be injured to lure the foxes toward Hell's Hole, then flies across the crevice. ### [The Living City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-living-city) Also attempts to comfort Nils about the sunken city. ### [Kidnapped by Crows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/kidnapped-by-crows) Left waiting on the shore after Nils goes into the grove; Nils worries about him while being carried away. ### [The Cabin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-cabin) Rescues Nils by flying him away from the heath, accompanied by Dunfin. ### [The Old Peasant Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-old-peasant-woman) Morten is one of the tired travelers, having chosen Dunfin as his companion to search for Nils. He falls asleep immediately upon entering the cowshed. ### [From Taberg to Huskvarna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/from-taberg-to-huskvarna) Successfully finds Nils and brings him back to the flock, prompting a joyful reunion on Taberg. ### [Ulvåsa-Lady](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/ulv-sa-lady) Travels with the flock and interacts with Nils during the journey. ### [The Homespun Cloth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-homespun-cloth) Carries Nils and turns back when the shoe falls, but is told to fly upward again. ### [The Wind Witch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-wind-witch) Morten struggles to keep up with the flock during the windstorm, showing his loyalty and determination. ### [Market Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/market-eve) Morten is part of the wild geese flock sleeping on the island. ### [The Breaking Up of the Ice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-breaking-up-of-the-ice) Morten Goosey-Gander is the white goose that snatches the wooden shoe left by Osa. ### [The Ironworks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-ironworks) Carries Nils before the wind separates them; Nils expects him to return but he does not appear in the chapter. ### [The Flood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-flood) Struggles to keep up with the flock during the flood, relying on Nils's encouragement. ### [The Swans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-swans) The tame white gander; mocked and attacked by the swans for his appearance. ### [Dunfin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/dunfin) Develops a close bond with Dunfin, showing care and affection toward her. ### [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) The tame white goosey-gander is devoted to Dunfin and would die for her. ### [The Sisters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-sisters) Survives poisoning by Prettywing and Goldeye; fights an eagle (Gorgo) to defend the flock. ### [Stockholm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/stockholm) Morten accompanies Nils and the geese to Stockholm, participating in the journey. ### [In Captivity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-captivity) Mentioned as one of Nils's comrades in Lapland whom he yearns to rejoin. ### [On Over Gästrikland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/on-over-g-strikland) Flies with the flock, carrying Nils. ### [A Day in Hälsingland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/a-day-in-h-lsingland) Flies with the flock, part of the journey through Hälsingland. ### [A Morning in Ångermanland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/a-morning-in-ngermanland) Present with the flock, participating in the morning activities. ### [Westbottom and Lapland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/westbottom-and-lapland) Morten flies alongside Nils, experiencing the vastness of Lapland. ### [The Meeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-meeting) Standing watch beside Dunfin's nest; Nils does not wake him. ### [Homeward Bound!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/homeward-bound) Travels with the flock, loyal to Nils and the geese. ### [The First Travelling Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-first-travelling-day) Carries Nils on his back during the migration; has been preoccupied with his mate Dunfin during the summer. ### [Legends from Härjedalen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/legends-from-h-rjedalen) Mentioned as missing; Nils worries about him. ### [Vermland and Dalsland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/vermland-and-dalsland) Mentioned as the one Nils wants to protect from the elf's stipulations due to his brave and generous nature. ### [A Little Homestead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/a-little-homestead) Mentioned by Nils as he thinks about how to explain his decision to stay. ### [The Treasure on the Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-treasure-on-the-island) Accompanies Nils on the island, showing loyalty. ### [On Their Way to the Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/on-their-way-to-the-sea) Morten is reluctant to continue traveling, preferring to return home to Holger Nilsson's cow shed, but agrees to stay with Nils. ### [The Gift of the Wild Geese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-gift-of-the-wild-geese) Mentioned as the friend Nils refuses to abandon, despite the elf's harsh conditions. ### [Home at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/home-at-last) Captured by Nils's parents and about to be killed; saved by Nils's intervention. ### [The Parting with the Wild Geese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-parting-with-the-wild-geese) Nils tries to rouse him in the pen, but Morten has no desire to leave home. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/endnotes) Explained as a pet name for a tame gander, analogous to 'Dickie-bird' for a pet bird. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/morten_goosey_gander - 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