Thorfinn Ragnarson

Thorfinn is the central character in the novel. There is one main storyline, which follows Thorfinn's life from childhood into young adulthood. Growing up in Norday, a fictitious Orkney island, Thorfinn is known to the other islanders including his family, as lazy and inept boy. He has problems concentrating at school and is disliked by his schoolteacher, Mr. Simon, who believes Thorfinn will amount to nothing.

Thorfinn if gifted with a vivid imagination, though he keeps this talent hidden until early into his adolescence. As a child, Thorfinn spends many afternoons imagining episodes from the island's history. He casts himself in roles in these dramas, going on adventures with Vikings and medieval knights. He acts as poet/troubadour for a Celtic chieftain who has had stone Brochs constructed to protect the island from invaders.

Thorfinn leaves the island soon after construction crews arrive to prepare a massive...