Content Warning: This section of the guide describes and discusses the source text’s treatment of attempted sexual assault, misogyny, and child loss.

Kristin Lavransdatter is a young girl growing up in a small village in rural Norway in the 14th century. Her father is Lavrans Bjørgulfsøn, who is descended from a noble family and is well-respected in the community. Kristin’s mother, Ragnfrid, has been deeply troubled by the loss of her first three sons when they were still infants. As such, she dotes on her daughter. Kristin leaves her village for the first time, accompanying her father on horseback up into the mountains. She looks down on her village and the neighboring villages from a great height. After wandering off alone, the young Kristin spots a mysterious woman across a clearing. This “dwarf maiden” (20) beckons to her but Kristin, fearing the folk stories she has been told, runs back to her father.

Some years later, Kristin and her family visit the town of Hamar. Kristin is shown around a large church and is impressed by the art. She meets a Franciscan friar named Edvin who is responsible for the paintings in the “great cathedral” (26). She befriends Edvin and meets other unfortunates who are cared for by the church.