Chapter Seventy-Three: Varg – Revenge and Loss in the Burning Hall
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Inside Ulfrir’s great hall, fire and smoke consume everything. Lik-Rifa has fled, but Svik warns she is only routed, not defeated. The Bloodsworn, cut off from Glornir, must destroy her war-host. Chaos reigns: frost-spiders, skraeling, and trolls press Ulfrir and a wounded stone wolf. Svik leads Varg, Røkia, and others to aid the stone wolf, killing several trolls. Then they hear Refna and the children being dragged by Brák Trolls-Bane. Einar confronts Brák, who holds a seax to Refna’s throat. She scratches Brák and escapes; battle erupts. Leif Kolskeggson and Sterkur appear with warriors bearing golden-eye shields, blocking Varg. Leif announces he has hunted Varg across the world. Meanwhile, Brák stabs Einar through the throat, killing him. Varg roars and charges at Sterkur.
Key Events
- Lik-Rifa flees the hall; Svik declares the war-host must still be destroyed.
- The Bloodsworn fight trolls to save a crippled stone wolf, killing several.
- Brák Trolls-Bane is discovered dragging Refna and the children.
- Einar confronts Brák; Refna escapes after scratching Brák.
- Leif Kolskeggson and Sterkur arrive with a warband, blocking the Bloodsworn.
- Brák kills Einar with a sword thrust through the throat.
- Varg, enraged, charges at Sterkur.
Character Development
- Varg: His personal vendetta against Brák (who murdered his sister) intensifies. He shows growing ferocity and leadership in battle.
- Einar: His protective fury ends in tragic death, highlighting the cost of loyalty and the brutality of war.
- Brák Trolls-Bane: Ruthless and taunting, he embodies the merciless enemy Varg has sought.
- Refna: Demonstrates courage and quick thinking, using her Tainted claws to escape.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Revenge and justice: Varg’s hunt for Brák drives his actions; the chapter forces a confrontation.
- Chaos of battle: Fire, smoke, and fragmented combat emphasize the uncontrollable nature of war.
- Sacrifice: Einar’s death underscores that victory comes at a high price.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter delivers a major character death (Einar) and introduces a key antagonist (Leif) who has been hunting Varg. It raises the stakes for the Bloodsworn and sets up a personal showdown between Varg and Brák. The loss of Einar also demoralizes the group, even as Varg’s rage pushes him forward.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Brák Trolls-Bane hold a personal grudge against Varg?
Brák killed Varg’s sister, as revealed when Varg says “My sister” in response to Brák’s taunt.
2. What is Leif Kolskeggson’s significance in this chapter?
Leif has been hunting Varg across the world, leading a warband with Sterkur. He blocks Varg’s path, positioning himself as a major antagonist.
3. What does Einar’s death mean for the Bloodsworn?
Einar was a powerful, loyal fighter; his loss weakens the band emotionally and tactically, and it fuels Varg’s fury against Brák.