The Curse of the Viking Grave facts for kids
First US edition
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| Author | Farley Mowat |
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| Illustrator | Chloe |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's |
| Publisher | McClelland & Stewart (Canada) Little, Brown & Co (US) |
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Publication date
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June 1966 |
| Pages | 243 |
| ISBN | 978-0-316-58633-7 |
| Preceded by | Lost in the Barrens |
The Curse of the Viking Grave is an exciting adventure novel for young readers by Farley Mowat. It was first published in 1966. This book is a follow-up to his popular story, Lost in the Barrens. The story takes place in the wild northern parts of Canada. It's all about adventure and how people survive in tough conditions, while also teaching a lot about the land and the people who live there.
Contents
About the Book
The Curse of the Viking Grave continues the adventures of Jamie Macnair and his friends. It explores themes of friendship, survival, and respecting ancient cultures. The book is known for its detailed descriptions of the Canadian wilderness. It also shares interesting facts about the Indigenous peoples of the North.
Meet the Characters
Here are the main characters you'll meet in this adventure:
- Jamie Macnair: A 15-year-old orphan from Scotland who lives in Canada.
- Peetyuk Anderson: The son of an English fur trapper and an Ihalmiut woman.
- Awasin Meewasin: The son of the chief of the Cree people from Thanout Lake.
- Angeline Meewasin: Awasin's sister and also the daughter of the Cree chief.
What's the Story?
The story is set in the northern forests of Manitoba and the wide-open Barrens lands further north. Jamie, Awasin, and Peetyuk spend their time studying with Jamie's uncle, Angus Macnair. They also trap animals in the woods.
A Time of Trouble
One day, a nearby Chipeweyan camp gets very sick with a bad flu. The boys quickly help by bringing supplies and taking care of those who are ill. Meanwhile, Angus travels south to find medical help. But on his journey, Angus gets a serious lung infection and has to go to the hospital. Jamie becomes very worried. He needs money for Angus's medical care and wants to avoid being sent to a children's home.
The Viking Tomb
Jamie remembers a Viking tomb he found earlier in Lost in the Barrens. He believes it might hold old, valuable treasures. He decides to go back to the tomb to find these items. He hopes they can be sold to help Angus.
A Dangerous Journey
Jamie, Awasin, and Angeline set off on a long journey to the still-frozen North. They travel by dog sled and cariole. They eventually meet up with Peetyuk's people, the Ihalmiut, and stay with them until the ice melts. They soon realize that the Ihalmiut people are struggling to survive. Because of this, the friends decide that most of the money from any treasures found should go to help them.
The Curse and the Discovery
The Ihalmiut medicine man tells them a story about a brave Viking named Koonar. He warns them that a curse will fall upon anyone who disturbs Koonar's resting place. Even with this warning, Jamie bravely uncovers a sword, a soapstone box, and other ancient pieces from the tomb.
Heading to Churchill
With the artifacts in hand, the group plans to take them to Churchill. They set out again, this time by canoe. They must brave the dangerous Big River, which leads all the way to Hudson Bay. Their journey is full of challenges and exciting moments as they try to help their friends and protect the ancient treasures.
Film Adaptation
A movie based on the novel was made for television in 1991. It was called Lost in the Barrens II: The Curse of the Viking Grave. Michael Scott directed the film. People said it felt like an old adventure movie from the 1930s.
