Character Analysis
Hans Olsa
The giant that is Per Hansa's best friend is also a true pioneer, but lacking the imagination and incentive of his comrade. He has also been a Lofoten Islands fisherman, and physically he is every bit a match for Per Hansa, and yet, we gather that he lacks the drive of the latter. Materially, he is the best off of the settlers, and this is possibly one reason why he does not try as hard. Also, towards the end of the book, he loses his pragmatic outlook and longs for spiritual comfort, to a point where he is willing to sacrifice his best friend in order to try and find it. There is nothing weak about Hans Olsa, and he is a true pioneer, but he is not in a class with Per Hansa.