The Long Journey: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Long Journey: Analysis of Major Characters" explores a range of characters that represent pivotal moments in human evolution and cultural development, stretching from prehistoric times to the Age of Exploration. Central to the narrative is Fyr, a figure from before the glacial age, who embodies the discovery and significance of fire, ultimately becoming a sacrificial figure reflecting the complexities of human relationships with the divine. Carl, depicted as a typical glacial age man, highlights themes of survival in harsh environments, demonstrating resilience and adaptation through his experiences as an outcast. His mate, Mam, introduces innovation by emphasizing agriculture and the establishment of permanent homes, marking a shift in societal structure.
The journey continues with White Bear, a late Stone Age outcast, whose adventures in boat-building and horse-taming symbolize humanity's quest for exploration and mastery over nature. His mate, May, represents the often-unseen labor of women, maintaining the household while the men venture into the unknown. The character Norna Gest brings technological advancement through metalworking, illustrating the evolution of tools and craftsmanship. Lastly, historical figures like Christopher Columbus and Cortés connect these themes of exploration and conquest, while Charles Darwin signifies the modern era's emphasis on scientific understanding. Together, these characters provide a rich tapestry of human experience, embodying the struggles, innovations, and societal changes across different eras.
The Long Journey: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Johannes V. Jensen
First published: Den lange rejse, 1908–1922, 6 volumes (English translations, 1922–1924, 3 volumes: Fire and Ice, 1922; The Cimbrians, 1923; Christopher Columbus, 1924)
Genre: Novels
Locale: Northern Europe
Plot: Epic
Time: The Age of Man
Fyr, a man living before the glacial age. He brings fire from a volcano and learns to use it for personal warmth, for cooking, and as a god. A band of human beings gathers about him, and he teaches them many primitive arts. Fyr is made a sacrifice to the fire god he created, and he is cooked and eaten by his people.
Carl, a typical man of the glacial age. An outcast for letting his tribe's fire go out, he flees to the north and learns to live with the cold, protecting himself against the elements in the early Stone Age.
Mam, Carl's mate, who brings new ideas, such as using vegetables for food and keeping a permanent home.
White Bear, a late Stone Age man. He becomes an outcast after killing a priest in a dispute over a woman. Becoming a builder of boats, he travels over the seas. He also learns to tame horses and use them with a chariot.
May, White Bear's mate. While her husband and son are at sea, she and her daughters take care of the crops and animals.
Wolf, White Bear's son. He learns how to sit astride a horse and becomes a nomad.
Norna Gest, a strange mortal who lives so long as he keeps a partially burned candle. He brings techniques of smelting and forging metals. He also becomes a wandering skald. He helps create a bronze bull to serve as an idol for the Jutlanders.
Gro, Norna Gest's mother.
Tole, a leader in Jutland who, with Norna Gest's help, casts a bronze idol.
Christopher Columbus, who is portrayed as carrying man's long journey from Europe to the West Indies.
Cortés, the European who defeats the Stone Age people of Mexico and thus extends man's journey from Europe to the American continent.
Charles Darwin, a modern man whose new weapon is science.