Guest the One-Eyed: Analysis of Major Characters
"Guest the One-Eyed" presents a complex narrative centered around the themes of sin, repentance, and redemption, primarily through the character of Ketill Ørlygsson. Initially portrayed as duplicitous and ambitious, Ketill seeks to undermine his father, Ørlygur à Borg, to secure family property. However, after his own transgressions are revealed, he undergoes a profound transformation, becoming a compassionate wanderer known as "Guest the one-eyed," having lost an eye while saving a child. This journey of self-discovery ultimately leads to his return to Borg, where he seeks forgiveness from his family.
The story also highlights Ormarr Ørlygsson, Ketill's honorable brother, who puts aside his own desires by marrying Runa, the mother of Ketill's child, illustrating the stark contrast between the brothers' moral compasses. Ørlygur à Borg, the father, suffers greatly from the shame brought upon him by Ketill's actions, which culminate in his tragic death. The characters around Ketill, including Runa and her father Pall, contribute to the intricate web of relationships that drive the narrative forward. This exploration of complex familial dynamics and personal redemption offers a rich study of character motivations and moral consequences.
Guest the One-Eyed: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Gunnar Gunnarsson
First published: Borgslægtens historie, 1912–1914 (4 volumes; abridged in translation as Guest the One-Eyed, 1920)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Iceland
Plot: Domestic
Time: c. 1900
Ketill Ørlygsson, the devious, blasphemous, and dishonest son of Ørlygur à Borg. As a parish priest eager for the family property at Borg, he seeks to destroy his father's good name by accusing him of being the father of Runa's child. After Ketill himself is revealed as the father, he repents of his sins and becomes a homeless and compassionate wanderer. Regarding himself as a guest on earth, and losing an eye while saving the life of a child, he becomes “Guest the one-eyed.” Finally, the old self of Ketill destroyed, he returns to Borg as Guest and is forgiven by his family.
Ormarr Ørlygsson, Ketill Ørlygsson's honest, intelligent, and artistic brother, who sacrifices his own concerns to marry Runa.
Ørlygur à Borg, a well-to-do landowner and the father of Ketill and Ormarr. Falsely and publicly accused by his son Ketill of the crime of lust, he is killed by the knowledge of his son's depravity.
Gudrun (Runa), the daughter of a poor farmer and the mother of Ketill's son, Ørlygur the Younger.
Pall a Seyru, Runa's father.
Ørlygur the Younger, the son of Ketill and Runa.
Snebiorg (Bagga), an illegitimate girl engaged to marry Ørlygur the Younger.