Ragnvald's vision of the golden wolf

Ragnvald's vision of the golden wolf is the first type of symbolism that readers encounter in the novel, and it foreshadows future events in this novel and the rest of the series. The golden wolf in the vision is a literal symbol for King Harald and how he will conquer all of Norway by either lifting up men who follow him or burning the men who oppose him. When Ragnvald touches the wolf, he begins to shine brightly as the wolf also shines. This symbolizes how Ragnvald and Harald will eventually lift each other up in status and will make each other shine bright for the future of Norway. Ragnvald's vision also symbolizes his eventual death by following Harald. When the golden wolf touches him in the vision, Ragnvald burns bright but flames consume him. These flames mean that Ragnvald will...