Joel Hansen

Hulda Hansen

Hulda and Joel are siblings, with a close and supportive bond, often relying on each other.

Sylvius Hogg

Joel and Sylvius are close friends and allies, with Joel supporting Sylvius's pursuit of Hulda.

Ole Kamp

Joel and Ole share a friendly bond, though their connection is strained by Ole's feelings for Hulda.

Dame Hansen

Dame Hansen is Joel's mother, with a protective but sometimes overbearing relationship.

Mother

Joel has a warm and respectful relationship with his mother, who cares deeply for him.

Hulda Hansen

Hulda and Joel are siblings, with a close and supportive bond, often relying on each other.

Hulda Hansen

Hulda and Joel are siblings, with a close and supportive bond, often relying on each other.

Sylvius Hogg

Joel and Sylvius are close friends and allies, with Joel supporting Sylvius's pursuit of Hulda.

Sylvius Hogg

Joel and Sylvius are close friends and allies, with Joel supporting Sylvius's pursuit of Hulda.

Ole Kamp

Joel and Ole share a friendly bond, though their connection is strained by Ole's feelings for Hulda.

Mother

Joel has a warm and respectful relationship with his mother, who cares deeply for him.

Dame Hansen

Dame Hansen is Joel's mother, with a protective but sometimes overbearing relationship.

I

Hulda's brother, who sends the letter via a skydskarl and is expected to return from Moel.

III

A 25-year-old mountain guide and hunter, tall and strong, deeply devoted to his sister Hulda and cousin Ole. He regrets not being able to provide for Hulda's dowry to prevent Ole's departure.

IV

Supports the betrothal; plans to take Ole into partnership.

V

Reassures Hulda, plans a grand wedding for May 25, and reluctantly leaves on a guiding job despite his own growing unease.

VI

Joel is mentioned as being absent during the stranger's visit, which is regretted by Dame Hansen and Hulda.

VII

Returns home, comforts Hulda, proposes to investigate Sandgoist, and invites her to accompany him on a guiding trip.

VIII

Demonstrates resourcefulness and physical courage, guiding the karjol along dangerous roads and climbing the cliff face to reach the stranded traveler.

IX

Assists in rescuing Sylvius Hogg from the Rjukanfos.

Chapter X

Assists Sylvius Hogg, guides tourists up Gousta, and finally reveals the family's secret: Hulda's betrothal to the missing Ole Kamp.

XI

Supports his sister and Sylvius Hogg's efforts, revealing his affection for Siegfrid Helmboe.

XII

Approves Hulda's refusal to sell the ticket; carries Hulda after she faints; leaves the house in distress and wanders by the Maan; defends Hulda against their mother's criticism.

XIII

Hogg is anxious to rejoin him and Hulda; he risked his life to save Hogg.

XIV

Defends his sister's right to keep the ticket, confronts Sandgoist, and physically ejects him from the inn after the ticket is surrendered.

XV

Supports Hogg's plan to go to Christiania; remains unaware of the public controversy over the ticket.

XVI

Walks alongside the karjol, navigates the route, and is familiar with the Telemark region.

XVII

Leads Hulda away from the wharves, overhears gossip, and reads the devastating cablegram about the Viking.

Chapter XVIII

Briefly mentioned as handing Sylvius Hogg his hat and as one who helped rescue the professor at Rjukanfos.

XIX

Follows Sylvius and Hulda into the hall; sits with folded arms, the least moved of the assembly.

Chapter XX

Embraces Ole upon his return; marries Siegfrid Helmboe a few weeks after Ole and Hulda's wedding.