A Mysterious Vale
The narrative recounts the legendary discovery of a hidden valley by Grettir, an outlaw in early 11th-century Iceland, as described in an ancient saga. After being outlawed for a tragic accident, Grettir seeks refuge in a secluded valley surrounded by towering glaciers. This valley, rich in resources, features warm springs and abundant sheep, which Grettir finds to be of superior quality. He builds a hut and lives there, but is troubled by the bleating of a ewe mourning her lost lamb, which he had killed for sustenance. The valley, named Thorir's dale after a supposed troll who once inhabited it, becomes a place of solitude for Grettir. He spends the winter there, but eventually grows restless and ventures out to explore further. The narrative shifts to the historical attempts to rediscover this valley, notably by two expeditions in the 18th and 17th centuries. The first, led by Olafsen and Povelsen, aims to study the glacier system surrounding the valley but is thwarted by inclement weather and difficult terrain. The second expedition, undertaken by clergymen Bjorn and Helgi in 1654, is more successful. They set out with the intention of finding the valley and possibly encountering its mythical inhabitants. Their journey involves navigating treacherous glacier landscapes and ultimately leads them to a cave they believe to be the dwelling of Thorir and his daughters. They document their findings, including the cave's structure and their own inscriptions on the rocks, before returning. The text emphasizes the geographical features of the region, detailing the glacier systems and the unique characteristics of the valley. It suggests that the valley's existence is plausible due to geological formations and the presence of hot springs, aligning with the saga's descriptions. The narrative concludes with reflections on the challenges of accessing the valley and the potential for future exploration, hinting at the allure of the unknown and the intersection of myth and reality in Iceland's rugged landscape.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1900 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Fantasy · 5,693 words
First lines
In the _Gretla_, an Icelandic Saga of the thirteenth century, is an account of the discovery of a remarkable valley buried among glacier-laden mountains, by the hero, a certain Grettir, son of Asmund, who lived in the beginning of the eleventh century. Grettir was outlawed for having set fire, accidentally, to a house in Norway, in which were at the time the sons of an Icelandic chief, too drunk to escape from the flames. He spent nineteen years in outlawry, hunted from place to place, with a price on his head. The Saga relating his life is one of the most interesting and touching of all the ancient Icelandic histories.
What this Textopian page supports
A Mysterious Vale is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1900 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Nature Writing
- Length: 5,693 words
- Structure: 1 section, 39 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Mysterious Vale by Sabine Baring-Gould
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Mysterious Vale?
- How does this short story by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Gold Wulfric by Grant Allen
- The Great Stone Of Sardis by Frank R. Stockton
- The Mystery Of Sasassa Valley A South African Story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- The Gilded Idol And The King Conch Shell The Master Of The House by Frank R. Stockton
- The Water Devil A Marine Tale by Frank R. Stockton
- The Mummy Miner by Charles Fletcher Lummis
Genres
- Adventure — The narrative follows Grettir's exploration and discovery of a hidden valley, emphasizing themes of exploration and survival.
- Historical Fiction — The story is rooted in the historical context of Icelandic sagas, blending real historical elements with fictionalized accounts.
- Fantasy — The presence of mythical elements, such as trolls and supernatural beings, aligns with the fantasy genre.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is reflective and descriptive, focusing on character development and thematic depth.
Tags
mystery · adventure · fantasy · supernatural · folklore · legend · nature · exploration · secrets · discovery · suspense · mythology