Summary

In Chapter 16, Bjartur’s attempts to pursue the reindeer led to him being dragged into an icy river and deposited on the other bank, leaving him a long distance away from home. Bjartur wondered if the reindeer was Kolumkilli. Bjartur recited epic poetry to himself in a snowstorm as he attempted to walk home. He eventually came to a house where the people welcomed him, gave him food and a bed, and he fell asleep.

Five days after Bjartur first left Summerhouses in search of the lost sheep, in Chapter 17, he returned home to find Rosa dead, and the dog cradling Rosa’s newborn baby to keep it alive. Fearing for the baby’s life, Bjartur decided he needed to seek help, despite his strong aversion to needing others.

In Chapter 18, Bjartur walked to Rauthsmyri to ask the Bailiff and his wife for milk...