Giants in the Earth, Pioneers and Risk
The book Giants in the Earth by O. E. Rolvaag is
the first in a trilogy of books about the world of Norwegian immigrants in
pioneer era Dakota Territory . If you liked O, Pioneers! by Willa Cather
you will like Giants in the Earth. Rolvaag, a Norwegian-American immigrant
himself, takes an approach to the tale that is reminiscent of the great Viking
sagas. Gods must be placated. The blood
price paid. Rolvaag’s world wears down
strong men, and breaks women in two.
[This last comment may be a little harsh. Let’s face it ladies, who among us hasn’t
stared into the sunset while thumbing the blade of our best kitchen knife? But, I digress.]
The
book deals with the immigrants’ lives of struggle and privation, but even more
with the emotional isolation of strangers in a strange land. Rolvaag is not so interested in telling a
story as he is in dissecting the psychology of pioneers. He wants to know what creates them, what
sustains them, and what destroys them.
There are lessons here.
I was thinking about the concept of giants in
the earth a few days ago when I was climbing over one. My Viking ancestors thought the granite
boulders lying just below the surface of the soil where the fossilized bones of
giants. Tom and I were exploring the
border regions between New South Wales and Queensland , Australia
My
participation was not reckless. Tom knew
before we got there that I would make the final decision as to which trail we
took when I saw the beast. I have said
no before, when the hike was beyond my skill.
In truth, I could not have gone down the same slope I went up, at least
not without a tremendous loss of skin.
Knowing I had a more user friendly way down is what got me up, but up I
went: plant the pole, take small steps, follow the bright, white circles
pounded into the rock, don’t look back.
And the term, “giants in the earth,” kept rolling through my mind.
To
risk, without being reckless; to test yourself within your limits; to know
bounds but still challenge them; to be strong but heedful, these are what make
pioneers. To win thoughtlessly is
worthless, for you have weighed nothing in the balance. To loss thoughtfully is honorable, because
you knew victory was not certain at the outset.
Our pioneers knew what they were giving up, but also knew what they
might gain. Victory was sweet but not
guaranteed. Defeat was probable, but not
inevitable. An easy path is worthless;
you have not earned the prize at the end.
Perhaps
that is why Rolvaag took his title from the Biblical quotation (Genesis 6:4)
“There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the
sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them,
the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” Whether pagan or Christian, giants of
mythology or men who hold tight to some divine spark, those who chose wisely
shaped our land, and in them are the seeds of greatness.
Conquer
something today, and keep the faith.
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