Kristin Lavransdatter II: The Wife - Classic Text | Alexandria
Kristin Lavransdatter II: The Wife (Norwegian: Husfrue), published in 1921, is the second volume in Sigrid Undset's acclaimed medieval trilogy that earned her the 1928 Nobel Prize in Literature. This masterwork of historical fiction continues the saga of its protagonist Kristin through her tumultuous years as wife to Erlend Nikulaussøn, offering an extraordinarily detailed portrayal of 14th-century Norwegian life and the complexities of marriage in medieval Scandinavia.
The novel emerged during a period of growing Norwegian nationalism and feminist consciousness in the early 20th century, reflecting both the author's deep Catholic faith (following her conversion in 1924) and her scholarly understanding of medieval Scandinavian history. Undset's meticulous research drew from primary sources including Norse sagas, medieval chronicles, and church records, lending the work unprecedented historical authenticity while maintaining its powerful narrative drive.
The Wife explores themes of duty, passion, and redemption through Kristin's struggles to reconcile her fierce love for Erlend with her obligations as a noble wife and mother. Undset's portrayal of medieval domestic life, from childbirth practices to agricultural cycles, created a revolutionary approach to historical fiction that influenced countless subsequent authors. The novel's unflinching examination of female sexuality and maternal ambivalence was groundbreaking for its time, while its exploration of medieval Catholic spirituality provides insight into both 14th-century religious life and Undset's own spiritual journey.
The work's enduring influence extends beyond literature into scholarly discussions of women's history, medieval studies, and the historical novel genre. Modern readers continue to find relevance in its exploration of marriage, faith, and personal identity, while academics praise its historical accuracy and psychological complexity. The 2005 Tiina Nunnally translation brought renewed attention to the trilogy, revealing nuances previously lost in earlier translations and introducing the work to a new generation of readers. Kristin Lavransdatter II: The Wife stands as a testament to the power of historical fiction to illuminate both past and present, raising perennial questions about the nature of love, duty, and redemption in women's lives.