Ronia and Birk

I think one of the major turning points in the book I believe was on pg 117 when it was stated that "He [Birk] would gladly fling the knife in the river if only he could have Ronia back again; he knew that now." That revelation type of moment also correlates to the time when Birk proclaims to Ronia: "But do you know what I've been thinking? I've been thinking you're worth more than a thousand knives!" (122). What I found so important about these lines was the fact of how much they are willing to sacrifice to be in each other's presence. We learned that Birk treasured that knife because it was the best hunting knife, and we know of it's importance in the story because when it is the reason that Birk and Ronia have the big argument in which Ronia storms out on Birk. We see hear both characters vulnerabilities because the knife could be a symbol of power and security for Birk, maybe he feels defenseless and weak without in the forest. We also see Birk's intense feelings for Ronia because we are given a detailed account of how he felt empty without her in the Bear's Cave, and how he runs into the forest to search for her.

What also makes these statements more cemented into the story and the bond between Birk and Ronia is how they meet back up to tend to the horse, Lia who was wounded trying to save her mare from the bear. We see Ronia's motherly intuitions when she demands Birk find moss to clean up the wound because that was what she had learned from Lovis. I also enjoyed the passage in which they stay with the mare to ensure it's safety: "It was a night of vigil and a night of cold, but it did them no harm. They sat side by side under a thick pine and talked of many things, but never of their quarrel. It was if they had forgotten it"(120). There is something peaceful and serene about their friendship, signifying that no matter what situation they make their way back to each other in the end.

This whole act of sacrificing is also seen when Ronia made that leap across Hell's Gap. Their bond is somewhat mythical in a sense, it also reminded me of Kay and Gerda and how much Gerda sacrificed to save Kay. Such as her "red shoes", her home just like Gerda (whom both had a friendly familial atmosphere--loving Grandmother, for Ronia: Lovis and Matt). They both also sacrificed themselves physically and emotionally. What I loved about both those stories is the depth and love expressed and displayed in these friendships, and it got me wondering whether children are only capable of the types of bonds displayed between Kay and Gerda, and Ronia and Birk?