Darling Bjartur… I’m so afraid that something will happen to me if I don’t give her a stone. It’s an old belief.”
-- Rosa (chapter 4)

Importance: Rosa complains to Bjartur after he refuses to allow her to offer a symbolic stone to the spirit of Gunnvor in order to protect them from her curse. This moment is foreboding on two different levels: firstly, on a literal level, it implies that the family will suffer as a result of the curse if Rosa is prevented from carrying out the tradition of offering a stone. On a deeper level, the incident is also foreboding on the topic of Rosa and Bjartur’s marriage. Bjartur’s refusal to allow Rosa to do something harmless which she cares about deeply demonstrates how uncompromising he will be throughout their brief marriage.

Sooner a coffin than a cow.
-- Bjartur (chapter 7)

Importance: Bjartur reveals his deep distaste for purchasing a cow...