The Tree of the Folkungs: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Tree of the Folkungs: Analysis of Major Characters" examines the lineage and key figures of the Folkung family, who play a significant role in the historical and mythical context of Sweden. Central to the narrative is Folke Filbyter, a peasant freebooter and founder of the Folkung dynasty, who constructs the hall Folketuna and has three sons with the daughter of a Finnish sorcerer. His sons, Ingemund and Hallsten, become sea-rovers and serve in King Inge's guard, while the third son, Ingevald, remains at home with his father. The story also highlights Folke Ingevaldsson, Ingevald's son and heir, who embraces Christianity and aligns with Blot Sven, the king of Sweden.
The text includes a range of complex characters, such as Earl Birger, who governs Sweden behind the scenes, and the weak King Valdemar, whose reign is characterized by indulgence and chaos. The dynamics of power, intrigue, and familial relationships are further explored through a cast of characters, including Queen Sophia, who exhibits jealousy and cruelty, and Magnus, Valdemar's brother, who ultimately restores order in the kingdom. This analysis provides a rich tapestry of medieval Swedish history, underscoring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the interplay of pagan and Christian influences.
The Tree of the Folkungs: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Verner von Heidenstam
First published: Folkungaträdet, 1905–1907 (English translation, 1925)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Sweden
Plot: Historical
Time: Eleventh and thirteenth centuries
Folke Filbyter, a peasant freebooter, founder of the Folkung family and builder of the hall called Folketuna. He has three sons by the daughter of Dwarf Jorgrimme, a Finnish sorcerer.
Ingemund and Hallsten, Folke's two sons who become sea-rovers and, later, members of King Inge's guard.
Ingevald, Folke's other son, who stays at home with his father.
Holmdis, Ingevald's wife, carried off by force from the house of her father, Ulf Ulfsson.
Folke Ingevaldsson, Ingevald's son and old Folke's heir. He becomes a Christian and an adherent to Blot Sven, the king of Sweden.
Old Jakob, a begging friar who brings Christianity. He becomes the foster father of Folke Ingevaldsson.
Earl Birger, a descendant of Folke Filbyter. He is the real ruler of Sweden, though his son wears the crown.
Valdemar, a weak king of Sweden, the son of Earl Birger. He loves pleasure and women, and he is no warrior. After his father's death, he allows confusion to spread over Sweden. He is finally overthrown by his brother Magnus.
Sophia, Valdemar's queen, a jealous woman who has Yrsa-Lill thrown into a cage filled with snakes. Sophia is a princess of Denmark.
Lady Jutta, Sophia's sister. She has a son by Valdemar.
Yrsa-Lill, a goat-girl in whom Valdemar takes an active interest.
Junker Magnus, Valdemar's knightly brother. He becomes king and restores order to Sweden after defeating his brother.
Gistre Härjanson, a minstrel. He rescues Yrsa-Lill from a cage of snakes.
Sir Svantepolk, a Swedish knight. He becomes a henchman of Junker Magnus.
Archbishop Fulco, the prelate of Uppsala. He becomes foster father to the child of Valdemar and Lady Jutta.
Lady Luitgard, Valdemar's last friend and his mistress.