Gröning, the border country

Gröning is Asa’s estate where Orm and his family live once he marries Ylva. Its geographical region is referred to strictly as “the border country” (476). Gröning is a prosperous and bustling estate. Orm is a generous host and often welcomes travelers into his home to spend the night. Gröning acts as a home base for Orm’s service and represents the legacy which he will pass on to his descendants. Because Orm is away so often, the management of Gröning is split equally between Asa and Ylva.

The Mound, Skania

Skania is part of modern-day Sweden. Orm Tostesson was born in in the region of the Mound to parents Toste and Asa. There, they lived quite comfortably. Toste spent most of the year sailing with his other son, Odd. The opening lines of novel describe The Mound: “Along the...