1000 Books Project - Kristin Lavransdatter Discussion Three (Final Discussion)

Spoilers ahead...do not read if you haven't read the book and/or if spoilers bother you.

I finished the book on Sunday and found myself having to step away for several days before I could come to terms with my feelings. This third book of the trilogy, The Cross, pretty much wrecked me.

Having two sons myself, and struggling through empty-nest-syndrome for the past several years, once again I found myself relating to Kristin and what she was experiencing with her sons. Even with the hundreds of years separating modern times from medieval times, I think it is a relatable experience with mothers, particularly mothers of sons. Sons do not cling so steadfastly to their mothers as daughters do. It's a sad trait of our society...that being a "momma's boy" is a bad thing and makes you less of a man. Unfortunately, no matter how hard you work raising them to know it's okay to feel and express emotions, that they don't have to act a certain way just because they were born boys, somehow the societal pressures seep in. 

I flagged some passages that really resonated with me and the connection I felt to Kristin and her motherly strife...

And was she now to see her strife end thus? -- Had she but reared a brood of restless eyases (young falcons), who lay in her nest impatiently waiting the hour when their wings would bear them out over the farthest blue fells -- ? And their father clapped his hands together and laughed -- fly, fly, my young birds --

Bloody fibres from her heart's roots would they drag with them when they took flight, and they would know naught of it. And she would be left behind to sit alone, and all the heart-strings which once bound her to this old home of hers she herself had torn asunder long ago --Surely 'twould be such a life as is neither life nor death. (pp. 790 - 791) 

 ......

Her eyes had been opened now to see that, after the young mother's pains and travail are over, there comes for the ageing mother fears and woe of a new kind. -- His careless talk of having no fear for the fortunes of their sons had goaded her till she was like a wild mother-bear -- or like a bitch with whelps; she cared not if Erlend likened her to a bitch in all that touched her children. For them would she be watchful and unsleeping as a mother-bitch, so long as life abode in her. (p. 800)

Speaking of Erlend, was there no end to the strife he caused throughout the book? To up and leave as he did, putting the reputation of Kristin and her sons even more at jeopardy. And then not coming to Kristin when their last son is born, or even acknowledging the child...what else were people to think than that she conceived the child with Ulf (of course, his wife didn't help matters). Erlend's actions led to false accusations, violence, and eventually led to his death. Yes, I believe he loved Kristin, but pride was a factor with him and he didn't get involved until his pride was being attacked, and by then it was too late. Still though, his death was very sad and I felt such anguish for Nikolaus when Kristin would not allow him by his father's deathbed. By this time, it was obvious that Kristin no longer loved him in the way she had before, but she still cared about him and his immortal soul. 

When Kristin is displaced by the marriage of Gaute and Jofrid, it was obvious she felt she no longer had a purpose which led to her decision to make the pilgrimage to Nidaros. Her apprehension over meeting her two older sons was easy to understand since she had strongly felt that Nikolaus was not meant to take the robe. Yet she is determined to once and for all let her sons live their lives as their destinies planned, though it was hard for her.

And if now she obeyed the call without too ill a grace, she knew 'twas because she saw that Gaute would thrive better when she was gone from the Manor. She had bent fate to her will, she had had the lot of her own choice -- but her sons she could not fashion after her will; they were as God had fashioned them, and their natures drove them on; striving with them she must be worsted. (p. 997)

The depiction of the Black Death was frightening, as it always is when I read books set in medieval times. The attempted sacrifice of the young boy and the courage of Kristin and the nuns to rescue him was astounding. When I had first read about this trilogy of novels, I guess I assumed that Kristin would live to an older age. I was not prepared for her quick death from the plague. I cried and felt such regret that she only was able to see Nikolaus, Bjorgulf, and Skule again before she died. Being a devout Christian, I realize she knew she would see the ones who passed before again, including her sons who had died young. It was still hard to read nonetheless. Kristin was such a brave and steadfast character. This depiction of a medieval woman's hopes, sorrows, and struggles will stay with me, and remind me once again how strong women must be to be mothers to their children. 

Once she saw Munan's face -- her little son peeped in at her through a half-open door. Then he drew back his head, and the mother lay gazing at the door -- if perchance the boy might peep out again. But instead came Lady Ragnhild and wiped her face with a wet cloth; and that too was good -- Then all things were lost in a dark red mist, and a roar, that first grew fearsomely; but then it died away little by little, and the red mist grew thinner and lighter, and at last 'twas like a fair morning mist ere the sun breaks through, and all sound ceased, and she knew now she was dying -- (p. 1046)

What are your thoughts on book three, The Cross? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

I hope you enjoyed this year's 1000 Books selection. Thank you for reading along and discussing. 

I have plans for the next few years of our "projects" and I will be sharing our 2026 selection(s) earlier this year...probably in early October. Stay tuned!