Kristin Lavransdatter

Naakkve is now two years old, and Kristin has given birth to a second son, Bjørgulf. She is also pregnant again with a third child. Since Orm’s return to Husaby, he and Kristin have grown close. Erlend’s other child from his affair with Eline—a daughter named Margret—is not as friendly with Kristin as Orm was. Her arrogant attitude and refusal to behave causes friction between Erlend and Kristin. Erlend has spent a long time fighting in the north, and he has difficulty readjusting to domestic life. The news of Kristin’s latest pregnancy displeases him. Kristin talks to Gunnulf about her fears and her guilt. Since Orm has expressed an interest in being a priest, Gunnulf wonders whether he should invite his brother’s child into the priesthood to give him a future away from his father. Instead, Erlend insists that he will take Orm with him when he returns north. Erlend wants to teach Orm to be a man rather than a “pampered lamb” (457).

Kristin gives birth to a third son. This son, Gaute, is frail. He clings to his mother. During this time, a terrible fever has swept through the region. Many children have died, including Orm. Erlend visits his son’s grave when he attends mass. Ulf mentions to Kristin that Erlend is dividing his properties poorly, imprudently having too many sons, which divides his legacy further and further. In turn, Kristin talks about Ulf’s prospects for a marriage. Ulf is unmarried, though he is getting older, and he dislikes life in Husaby. Meanwhile, Kristin remembers Haftor’s blatant attempt to seduce his friend’s wife, making her realize that many of the ruling nobles do not practice the same morals that they hear about in church.

Erlend’s exploits in the north earn him a good reputation as a military commander, though people still believe him to be a reckless and arrogant man. As he is sought to help reach a peace agreement with the Russians, he longs for the time he spent at sea, fighting pirates and raiders. Living with Kristin, frail from repeated labor and exhausted from raising children and managing the estate, is a depressing change of pace for Erlend. At the same time, however, he cannot imagine life without her. He blames himself for leading her into sin and stealing her innocence. Erlend believes that he can only be peaceful when he is committing sin, so that he is “fated to unhappiness” (484). Kristin gives birth again, this time to twins named Ivar and Skule, while Erlend returns north.

Erlend’s two-year campaign in the north leads to him being appointed sheriff in his homeland, while Haftor takes up his military duties in the north. As he travels home, he pays a visit to his brother. Gunnulf has since renounced his possessions and joined the Dominican friars. As he sails back to Husaby, Erlend flirts with Sunniva Olavsdatter, Haftor’s married sister. In spite of the flirting, though he has the opportunity, Erlend rejects Sunniva’s advances. He reaches Husaby, where Kristin seems healthy and happy. In turn, he is “glad to come home to his wife with nothing on his conscience” (497). Kristin has worked hard to improve the Husaby estate, and this time Erlend quickly reintegrates into life at home, enjoying his new duties as sheriff. He teaches his boys to hunt and fight. Meanwhile, Kristin receives news that her young sister Ramborg is now betrothed to Kristin’s former fiancée, Simon, who has become a widower after the death of his wife.

Simon married Halfrid, who was a wealthy widow many years older than he. She was unable to bear him children, though Simon fathered a daughter named Arngjerd in an affair with a maid. Simon takes care of Arngjerd. Hearing news that his father is dying, he returns to his family estate, Dyfrin, alongside his daughter. Once there, he argues with his brothers about their inheritance. Simon visits Lavrans, striking up their old friendship. He is also reintroduced to Ramborg, who has grown up since he knew her as a child. Though he is 17 years older than Ramborg, she falls in love with him. Simon, however, is still in love with Kristin. He cannot find a way to refuse Ramborg, and Lavrans agrees to the marriage. Erlend, Kristin, and their sons visit Jørundgaard. Erlend is pleasant and friendly with Simon in spite of their last meeting, when Simon confronted him and Kristin. At the same time, Kristin and Simon struggle to look at one another. Lavrans plays with his grandsons, though disapproves of the poorly behaved children. The wedding of Simon and Ramborg is held.

Lavrans was always a pious man, but he becomes increasingly religious as he grows older. The local priest, Sira Eirik, has long grown old and his replacement, Sira Solmund, is gradually taking over his duties. Kristin notices her father’s aging and becomes concerned. At the same time, her husband is becoming increasingly embroiled in convoluted political schemes that Kristin does not understand. She becomes annoyed at her husband, who seems to be bringing dishonor on both her home and Simon’s. During an argument with her father, she emotionally reveals that she met with Erlend in the loft in Fluga’s alehouse. She assumed that Simon had told her father the truth long ago, but Lavrans is shocked. He praises Erlend for acting dutifully and marrying Kristin long after he had taken her maidenhood.

Lavrans and Kristin part peacefully, but Lavrans has another episode of an increasingly regular health issue resembling a heart attack. He has told no one about these issues. Erlend and Lavrans meet with Sir Erling to talk about Erlend’s plans: He is set to sail to Denmark to meet with the mother of King Magnus, Lady Ingebørg, and her husband, Duke Knut Porse. Rumors are swirling around the country regarding an unspecified but shameful secret involving the King. Erlend mentions the possibility of a coup, in which a cadre of powerful men will seize control of the kingdom in association with Lady Ingebørg. After Erlend leaves, Lavrans has another heart attack.

Kristin prepares to return to Husaby. She reveals to her father than she is expecting another child. After a conversation about death, they part. Kristin realizes that her father does not have long to live. She leaves while Lavrans speaks to his wife. He gives her a ring that once belonged to her mother; this gift signifies to Ragnfrid that Lavrans does not expect to live long. They speak frankly and emotionally about their marriage; they may not have loved each other when they were young, but they each love the life that they have made with the other. Ragnfrid prays that she does not outlive her husband by too much.

Kristin tries to instill discipline in her boys, but they are unruly and unwilling to listen to her. Erlend wins the support of Lady Ingebørg and her Danish husband. When he returns, he finds that Kristin is ill, and they argue often. A dark mood settles over their relationship. Lavrans asks to speak to Erlend, inviting him to Jørundgaard. Erlend and Kristin settle their differences before they make the journey. As Lavrans lies dying, funeral preparations are made. Kristin is jealous that Simon seems to have a better relationship with her father than Erlend does. At the same time, she notices that her mother and father seem more tender and affectionate toward one another. Lavrans bids farewell to his friends and family members as death approaches. Erlend has enough time to ask forgiveness for the way in which he married Kristin, which Lavrans grants.

After Lavrans dies, many people come to mourn for him. Kristin and her mother have a meaningful conversation about their past sins and about Lavrans. Before he died, Lavrans gave permission for Kristin’s latest child to share his name. Since the boy is yet to be baptized, Kristin must watch her father’s funeral procession as it travels to Hamar. Ragnfrid retires to a convent in Oslo to see out her days as a widow.