Valdemar Atterdag by Selma Lagerlof
The novel revolves around the life of Valdemar, a young man who becomes embroiled in the intrigue surrounding King Magnus Eriksson of Sweden during the 14th century. The story explores themes of power, loyalty, and identity as Valdemar navigates his relationships with various characters, including the king's daughter, Ingeborg. The narrative delves into the complexities of medieval politics, highlighting the tensions between the nobility and the common people. Through Valdemar's experiences, the novel sheds light on the social and economic conditions of the time period. Throughout the story, Lagerlof employs a lyrical prose style to convey the emotional depth and psychological nuances of her characters. The novel ultimately presents a nuanced portrayal of human nature, revealing the flaws and strengths that define individuals in times of turmoil.
By Selma Lagerlof · First published 1914 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Literary Fiction · 2,064 words
First lines
The spring that Hellqvist's great picture Valdemar Atterdag Levies a Contribution on Visby was exhibited at the Art League, I went in there one quiet morning not knowing that that work of art was there. The big, richly colored canvas with its many figures made at the first glance an extraordinary impression. I could not look at any other picture, but went straight to that one, took a chair and sank into silent contemplation. For half an hour I lived in the Middle Ages.
What this Textopian page supports
Valdemar Atterdag is listed on Textopian as a short story by Selma Lagerlof, dated 1914 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Selma Lagerlof
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Fantasy
- Length: 2,064 words
- Structure: 1 section, 26 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Valdemar Atterdag by Selma Lagerlof
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Valdemar Atterdag?
- How does this short story by Selma Lagerlof fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Prince Of Bohemia by Honore De Balzac
- Queens At Kungahalla by Selma Lagerlof
- The Patrician by John Galsworthy
- The Voice Of The People by Ellen Glasgow
- The Widow And Her Son by Washington Irving
- Sir William Phips by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, exploring themes of power, violence, and societal dynamics during a specific period.
- Tragedy — The story conveys deep emotional suffering and moral dilemmas, focusing on the tragic consequences of love and betrayal.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes character development and thematic depth, exploring complex human emotions and societal issues.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal values, particularly regarding greed, power, and the human condition.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Swedish Literature · Medieval Setting · Royal Politics · Power Struggle · Family Drama · National Identity · Cultural Heritage · Social Hierarchy · Class Conflict · Religious Tensions · Moral Ambiguity