# Nils Holgersson — The Wonderful Adventures of Nils character guide > Nils Holgersson in The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlöf. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Nils, Thumbietot, Little Thumbietot **First appearance:** 0002-the-boy ## Snapshot A lazy, mischief-loving farm boy shrunk to thumb-size by an elf, forced to ride a farm goose across Sweden and earn his way back to human form. ## Who they are Nils begins as the despair of his hardworking parents — a fourteen-year-old who would rather fire his father's gun than read the Sunday service, and whose chief talents are eating, sleeping, and tormenting the farm animals. His transformation into Thumbietot strips away every advantage he ever took for granted, leaving him small enough to be hunted by wasps and utterly dependent on creatures he once abused. That reversal is the engine of the whole book: his slow, grudging education in courage and kindness begins the moment he saves a goose from a fox instead of wringing its neck. ## Relationships ### [Osa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/osa) _friendship_ Nils and Osa are childhood friends who share a deep mutual care and loyalty, with Osa often helping Nils in his adventures. ### [Akka](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/akka) _friendship_ Akka and Nils develop a strong bond of mutual respect and cooperation, with Akka guiding Nils on his journey. ### [Gorgo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/gorgo) _friendship_ Gorgo, the young eagle, and Nils form a loyal friendship, with Gorgo often helping Nils in exchange for kindness. ### [Father Bear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/father_bear) _rivalry_ Father Bear and Nils are initially hostile, with Nils tricking the bear to save himself, but later develop a grudging respect. ### [Osa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/osa) _friendship_ Nils and Osa are childhood friends who share a deep mutual care and loyalty, with Osa often helping Nils in his adventures. ### [Akka](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/akka) _friendship_ Akka and Nils develop a strong bond of mutual respect and cooperation, with Akka guiding Nils on his journey. ### [Gorgo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/gorgo) _friendship_ Gorgo, the young eagle, and Nils form a loyal friendship, with Gorgo often helping Nils in exchange for kindness. ### [Osa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/osa) _friendship_ Nils and Osa are childhood friends who share a deep mutual care and loyalty, with Osa often helping Nils in his adventures. ### [Gorgo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/gorgo) _friendship_ Gorgo, the young eagle, and Nils form a loyal friendship, with Gorgo often helping Nils in exchange for kindness. ### [Father Bear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/father_bear) _rivalry_ Father Bear and Nils are initially hostile, with Nils tricking the bear to save himself, but later develop a grudging respect. ### [Akka](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/akka) _friendship_ Akka and Nils develop a strong bond of mutual respect and cooperation, with Akka guiding Nils on his journey. ### [Father Bear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/father_bear) _rivalry_ Father Bear and Nils are initially hostile, with Nils tricking the bear to save himself, but later develop a grudging respect. ## 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 protagonist, transformed into an elf, begins his journey with the wild geese. ### [The Boy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-boy) The protagonist, a boy who is transformed into an elf after mistreating a tomte. ### [The Elf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-elf) The boy who is transformed into an elf after capturing and then betraying the elf. ### [The Wild Geese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-wild-geese) Transformed into an elf, Nils is initially despairing and tries to find the elf to reverse the spell. He is mocked by the farm animals and eventually leaps onto the gander to prevent its escape, only to be carried into the air. ### [The Big Checked Cloth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-big-checked-cloth) Nils is riding on the gander's back, observing the landscape and experiencing a range of emotions from laughter to sorrow, but ultimately feeling exhilarated by the flight. ### [Akka from Kebnekaise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/akka-from-kebnekaise) Nils continues his journey with the geese, observing and learning from Akka's leadership. ### [Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/evening) Feels ashamed for eating raw fish, realizing he is now an elf. Helps Morten into the water and agrees to join the journey to Lapland. ### [Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/night) Chases Smirre Fox to rescue a goose, climbs a tree to escape, and endures a cold night until sunrise. ### [Goose-Play](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/goose-play) Nils is the prisoner of Smirre Fox, tied to a beech tree, but escapes during the geese's diversionary flight. ### [The Wonderful Journey of Nils](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-wonderful-journey-of-nils) The protagonist who is transformed into an elf and joins the wild geese. ### [On the Farm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/on-the-farm) The elf who rescues the baby squirrels and brings them to their mother. ### [Vittskövle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/vittsk-vle) Hides under a thistle leaf, follows the trail of white down, and smuggles himself into a botanist's box to find Morten Goosey-Gander. ### [In Övid Cloister Park](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-vid-cloister-park) Nils enjoys the carefree life with the wild geese, playing and exploring the park, but is anxious about being sent home. He ultimately refuses the elf's offer to become human again, choosing to stay with the geese. ### [Glimminge Castle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/glimminge-castle) Nils explores Glimminge Castle and interacts with the animal inhabitants. ### [Black Rats and Gray Rats](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/black-rats-and-gray-rats) Nils is present with the wild geese and observes the situation at Glimminge Castle. ### [The Stork](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-stork) Feels left out and frustrated that he cannot see the crane dance; initially defiant but ultimately agrees to help Akka rescue Glimminge Castle from the gray rats. ### [The Rat Charmer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-rat-charmer) The tiny creature who plays the pipe to charm the gray rats away from Glimminge Castle. ### [The Great Crane Dance on Kullaberg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-great-crane-dance-on-kullaberg) Thumbietot is rescued by Akka after luring the gray rats away from Glimminge Castle, and joins the flock at Kullaberg. ### [In Rainy Weather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-rainy-weather) Endures the cold and rain, ventures to a human town, and learns the condition for breaking the elf's spell. ### [The Stairway with the Three Steps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-stairway-with-the-three-steps) Rides over Blekinge and recalls his school geography lesson about the region. ### [By Ronneby River](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/by-ronneby-river) Awake and anxious during the night, he defends the geese by throwing stones at the marten and otter, saving the flock. He is deeply moved by Akka's declaration that the geese would give their lives for him. ### [Karlskrona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/karlskrona) Nils explores Karlskrona at night, mistakes the city for a troll island, and is chased by the bronze statue of King Charles XI. ### [The Trip to Öland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-trip-to-land) Nils experiences dizziness and a sense of unreality during the flight, briefly believing they are traveling to heaven, before being jolted back to reality by hunters' gunfire. ### [Öland's Southern Point](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/land-s-southern-point) Braids a knapsack from sedge, searches anxiously for the missing goosey-gander, and secretly heals Dunfin's wing. ### [The Big Butterfly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-big-butterfly) Nils feels happy and light of heart during the trip, contrasting with his previous gloom. ### [Little Karl's Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/little-karl-s-island) Observes the island's wildlife and reflects on nature's harshness. ### [The Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-storm) Nils is present with the flock during the storm, though the excerpt focuses on the geese's struggle. ### [The Sheep](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-sheep) Volunteers to keep watch for the foxes and helps the ram fight them off. ### [Hell's Hole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/hell-s-hole) Rides on Morten Goosey-Gander and later on the big ram; devises a plan to trap the foxes in Hell's Hole. ### [Two Cities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/two-cities) Observes the two cities from above, reflecting on their differences. ### [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) Nils is awed by the vision of Vineta and deeply sorrowful when he fails to save the city by paying with a coin. ### [The Living City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-living-city) Grieves over the sunken city he saw on Easter night; is comforted by seeing Visby and comes to accept the loss. ### [The Legend of Småland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-legend-of-sm-land) Nils is traveling with the wild geese and feels disappointed that he will not see Småland. He recalls his encounters with Osa and little Mats and the legend they told him. ### [The Crows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-crows) Nils uses his intelligence to outwit the crows and avoid capture, showing his growth in problem-solving. ### [The Earthen Crock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-earthen-crock) Referred to as Thumbietot; the fox proposes using him to open the crock. ### [Kidnapped by Crows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/kidnapped-by-crows) Kidnapped by crows, he uses his wits to survive, killing the crow leader Wind-Rush and distracting the flock with silver coins. ### [The Cabin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-cabin) Wakes in the cabin, explores, gathers bread and matches, sets fire to curtains to escape Smirre, greets Osa and Little Mats, then flees in shame. ### [The Old Peasant Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-old-peasant-woman) Nils is the leader of the group seeking shelter. He reflects guiltily on the fire he caused at Osa and Mats's home and mourns Fumle-Drumle's death. ### [From Taberg to Huskvarna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/from-taberg-to-huskvarna) Awakens from a dream about his aged parents, feeds the cow and geese, and reunites with Akka's flock. He speaks for the wild geese, answering the calls of people below. ### [The Big Bird Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-big-bird-lake) Observes the bird life at the lake and learns about the ecosystem. ### [The Decoy-Duck](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-decoy-duck) The tiny boy who frees Jarro from the halter. ### [The Lowering of the Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-lowering-of-the-lake) The tiny boy who rides on Jarro's back to rescue Per Ola from the sinking scow and introduces him to the wild geese. ### [Ulvåsa-Lady](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/ulv-sa-lady) Present as an observer and participant in the tale of the Ulvåsa-Lady. ### [The Prophecy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-prophecy) Nils is sleeping on an island in Takern when he is awakened by the fishermen's torch and overhears the prophecy. ### [The Homespun Cloth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-homespun-cloth) Rides atop the goose, observes the plain, drops his wooden shoe, and is identified by Osa and little Mats. ### [Retribution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/retribution) Nils kills a water-snake in self-defense and later converses with Bataki, revealing his identity as Thumbietot. ### [The Wind Witch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-wind-witch) Nils faces the fury of the Wind Witch, demonstrating growth in courage and understanding of nature's power. ### [In Närke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-n-rke) Mentioned as traveling through Närke during the year when Ysätter-Kaisa's antics were observed. ### [Market Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/market-eve) Nils is awakened by rain on the island and meets an old horse who leads him to help suffering animals at an inn. ### [Thumbietot and the Bears](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/thumbietot-and-the-bears) Interacts with the bear family, using his wits to survive and help. ### [The Ironworks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-ironworks) Separated from the wild geese by a gust of wind, falls into a bear's den, and is captured by a bear family. He bravely refuses to destroy the ironworks despite the threat to his life. ### [The Flood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-flood) Shows bravery and compassion during the flood, helping other animals despite his small size. ### [The Swans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-swans) Travels with the wild geese; called Thumbietot; present during the swan encounter. ### [The New Watchdog](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-new-watchdog) Hungry and resourceful, Nils warns a swan, flees from Smirre Fox, and cleverly enlists a watchdog to capture the fox. ### [Dunfin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/dunfin) Observes and interacts with the new goose Dunfin as she joins the flock. ### [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 boy observes the floating city and later asks Dunfin about it. ### [The Sisters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-sisters) Rides Dunfin to rescue Morten Goosey-Gander; later abducted by Prettywing and dropped into the sea. ### [Stockholm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/stockholm) Nils explores Stockholm, observing the city's landmarks and interacting with its inhabitants, including a living statue. ### [Skansen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/skansen) The tiny elf captured by the fisherman and brought to Skansen; he is freed by Clement and agrees to stay in the park. ### [Gorgo, the Eagle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/gorgo-the-eagle) Observes Gorgo's struggle and helps mediate between the eagle and the geese. ### [In the Mountain Glen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-the-mountain-glen) Mentioned as having traveled with the wild geese two years prior, but not directly present in this chapter's events. ### [In Captivity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-captivity) Now living at Skansen, Nils frees Gorgo by filing the cage wires, but remains captive himself due to a promise; longs for his friends and freedom. ### [On Over Gästrikland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/on-over-g-strikland) Observes the province from above, reflecting on the lives below. ### [The Precious Girdle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-precious-girdle) Forcibly taken by Gorgo, initially angry but later agrees to help find Clement Larsson; observes the landscape and a procession. ### [A Day in Hälsingland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/a-day-in-h-lsingland) Observes the region of Hälsingland from above, reflecting on the land and its people. ### [A Large Green Leaf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/a-large-green-leaf) Observes the landscape of Hälsingland from above and searches for Clement Larsson with Gorgo. ### [The Animals’ New Year’s Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-animals-new-year-s-eve) Nils is implied as the tiny midget Clement ransomed, and a pine cone strikes Clement after he mentions not knowing the midget's fate. ### [In Medelpad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/in-medelpad) Observes the forest harvest and contrasts it with farming in Skåne; marvels at the activity and wealth generated by the timber industry. ### [A Morning in Ångermanland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/a-morning-in-ngermanland) Observes the morning scenery and interacts with the geese. ### [The Bread](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-bread) Rides on Gorgo's back, is hungry, receives bread from a peasant woman, and reflects on her kindness. ### [The Forest Fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-forest-fire) Nils observes the forest fire from a pine tree, slides down to escape, and is rescued by Gorgo. ### [Westbottom and Lapland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/westbottom-and-lapland) Nils observes the landscapes and wildlife of Lapland, reflecting on the region's unique character. ### [The Five Scouts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-five-scouts) Nils is the listener, recalling the story he overheard at Skansen. ### [The Moving Landscape](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-moving-landscape) Travels on Gorgo's back, dreams of the Sun's procession, and awakens in the wild geese's summer glen. ### [The Meeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-meeting) Walks through the glen observing the geese, then shares with Akka his experiences at Skansen and his decisions regarding Smirre Fox and Gorgo the eagle. ### [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) Nils, with Akka, discovers Little Mats unconscious at the mine in Lapland and runs to alert the miners. ### [Homeward Bound!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/homeward-bound) Reflects on his journey and personal growth as they head home. ### [The First Travelling Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-first-travelling-day) Rides on Morten Goosey-Gander's back, waves his cap in excitement, and reflects on his summer adventures and his desire to return home. ### [Legends from Härjedalen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/legends-from-h-rjedalen) Separated from the geese, rides with Bataki, learns the elf's harsh condition. ### [Vermland and Dalsland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/vermland-and-dalsland) Nils confronts Akka about Bataki's revelation, secures her secrecy, and sinks into melancholy, losing interest in the landscape. ### [A Little Homestead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/a-little-homestead) Explores the garden, eats berries and an apple, considers leaving the geese, and tells his story to the woman. ### [The Treasure on the Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-treasure-on-the-island) Uses his wits to navigate the treasure island challenge. ### [On Their Way to the Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/on-their-way-to-the-sea) Nils feels encouraged after talking with a human and tries to convince Morten to continue traveling. He experiences a sense of peace and wonder while gazing at 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) Discovers the gold coins in the sand cleft and learns of his family's hardships, but resolves not to betray his friend Morten. ### [The Journey to Vemminghög](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-journey-to-vemmingh-g) Feels homesick and sad as the landscape reminds him of Skåne; he is unhappy with the delay in Westergötland and longs to be far away. ### [Home at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/home-at-last) Returns home, now a human boy again; rescues Morten Goosey-Gander; reconciles with his parents. ### [The Parting with the Wild Geese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-parting-with-the-wild-geese) Now human again, Nils goes to the coast to say goodbye to the wild geese, but cannot speak or understand their language. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/characters/nils_holgersson - 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