Kristin Lavransdatter

Kristin’s sincere efforts to restore Husaby win her the affection of the staff. She continues to pray for the safety of her unborn child. Erland fathered a son with his mistress, Eline, and the boy comes to stay at Husaby. This boy is named Orm, and though he is shy and reserved, he and Kristin grow close. Erlend’s excommunication has been repealed, and a new priest arrives in Husaby. When Kristin attends a mass at the local church during Christmas, she continues to feel guilty about her past, ashamed of having made her wedding oaths while pregnant. At home, she tells Orm stories until Erlend returns.

Erlend is often angry with Orm, who lacks his father’s physicality and charm. This upsets Kristin, who is increasingly fond of Orm. Erlend’s friends, Munan Baardsøn and Sir Baard Petersøn, come to Husaby. They drink heavily and insult Kristin, suggesting that her marriage was sinful because they know that she and Erlend previously slept together. Munan then suggests that Erlend abandoned Orm, insulting Erlend and prompting Ulf to defend Erlend. The men come to blows, but the fight is stopped by Erlend and Munan’s wife. Munan, contrite, offers to become Orm’s foster father. Erlend agrees, allowing Munan to take the boy away from Husaby.

Now alone, Kristin grows tired of her husband’s behavior. She misses her family and yearns for home. She is concerned that her baby will arrive when she is surrounded by strangers. Kristin convinces herself that her mother knows about her pregnancy. Since her mother is a renowned midwife, Kristin is convinced that she must already be travelling to Husaby. She goes out into the road to wait for her mother, but Ragnfrid does not arrive. Feeling faint, with the weather conditions worsening, Kristin is found by a farmer’s wife named Audfinna. With wolves in the forest, Audfinna takes Kristin into her small, dirty home and cares for her until Erlend appears, searching for his missing wife. Kristin is deeply thankful to Audfinna. Erlend and other men escort Kristin home as wolves pursue them through the trees. They return home unscathed but scared.

Erlend’s brother is a priest named Gunnulf. He is scholarly and pleasant, quickly earning Kristin’s affections when he visits Husaby. Kristin’s labor begins and she asks Erlend to fetch Audfinna to help her. As the labor pains increase and the birth becomes more difficult, Kristin is beset by thoughts of Eline. Gunnulf tries to soothe Kristin, who tells him the truth about how Eline died. The birth is long and painful. Erlend fears that his wife and child will die. Eventually, however, Naakkve (also known as Nikulaus) is born. Kristin holds the innocent boy in her arms after Gunnulf baptizes him.

Erlend takes his skis and travels to Jørundgaard to inform Kristin’s family of the birth. The birth is controversial, as the short span of time between the baby’s arrival and the wedding is a clear indication to everyone that Kristin was pregnant during her wedding. Erlend fears the gossip and mockery he will receive. Nevertheless, Lavrans and Ragnfrid are pleased to hear of the birth of their grandson. Lavrans agrees to accompany Erlend to Husaby to meet the baby. During the trip, Lavrans feels more affectionate toward Erlend. He still blames Erlend, however, for betraying his trust and not waiting until his wedding night to have sex with Kristin. At the same time, Kristin is fearful of divine punishment for her own sins. Gunnulf tells her that she should make a pilgrimage to a cathedral, where she can donate her wedding crown and “seek redemption for her soul” through confession (382). Lavrans leaves Husaby as Erlend’s reputation improves among the local people, who are particularly impressed by his wife.

Kristin makes her pilgrimage, travelling barefoot with her child. As they watch her depart, Gunnulf criticizes his brother’s shameful behavior. As she travels, Kristin imagines that Brother Edvin is traveling alongside her. On the journey, she meets Simon. He wishes her well during an awkward conversation, revealing that he and his wife have agreed to foster his nephew. Simon assures Kristin that he wishes her well. Kristin reaches the town and is struck by the beauty of the cathedral. As she speaks to a priest, she confesses her sins and the reason for her journey. She donates the wedding wreath, which is measured and noted in the cathedral’s accounts. She prays before the relics of Saint Olav and then sleeps in a convent. That night, she is visited by a vision of Brother Edvin, who smiles to her and then disappears.