Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter

In Matt’s Forest, two rival robber clans dispute their territory among gray dwarfs, rumphobs, murktrolls, and wild harpies. Some of these creatures are more dangerous than others; and geographical features such as Greedy Falls and Hell’s Gap likewise pose threats to a child in this environment.

All the same, Ronia grows up in the forest and learns its ways while practising not being frightened. These skills are needed when a matter of principle forces her to move out of the robbers’ fort and into a cave in the forest to be with her sworn brother, Birk, who is the son of the rival chieftain. While this is a great adventure for children of their age, the characters must deal not only with the elements and the forest’s other inhabitants, but with human concerns such as homesickness and short tempers. 

With the development of characters and relationships conveyed chiefly by their words and actions rather than direct description, the reader becomes well-acquainted with Ronia, her tempestuous father, wise old Noddle-Pete, and her unflappable mother. As Ronia’s bond with Birk is strengthened each time one saves the other’s life, the reader confronts the themes of forbidden love and failure to meet parents’ expectations, and the conflicts arising from these circumstances.

Lindgren, A. (1985). Ronia, the robber’s daughter (P. Crampton, trans.). New York, NY: Puffin.

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