Axel

Axel Lidenbrock is the main character and narrator of the novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth” by Jules Verne. Axel’s exactly age is never given, but it seems that he is somewhere in his late teens or early twenties. An orphan, he lives with his Uncle Otto. He seeks to follow in his uncle’s footsteps in the study of mineralogy.

Axel is in love with Grauben, the ward of Otto. He hopes to marry her as soon as possible. When Otto discovers the Saknussemm manuscript in an old book, Axel is made privy to this information. He is made a part of Otto’s expedition to the center of the earth, too.

Axel does not want to go on the trip. He wants to stay behind with Grauben and marry her. Grauben insists on Axel going, however. She believes that the journey will make...