Olaf Liljekrans by Henrik Ibsen

Author: Henrik Ibsen 

Published: 1856

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Olaf Liljekrans is an 1856 play by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. The play is much more satirical than his previous play, The Feast at Solhoug (1855), which marks a shift away from his purely romantic plays. It explores themes of idealism versus realism that would appear in many of his later plays, such as Love’s Comedy and Peer Gynt. 

1. Synopsis

The titular character, Olaf, is the son of a wealthy family who runs away to escape a marriage of convenience. His lover, Alfhild, leaves her family to join him. Meanwhile, Olaf’s bride-to-be, Ingeborg, elopes with her servant, Hemming. 

2. Characters

• Lady Kirsten Liljekrans
• Olaf Liljekrans – her son
• Arne of Guldvik
• Ingeborg – his daughter
• Hemming – his page
• Alfhild – Olaf’s lover
• Wedding guests
• Relatives of Arne of Guldvik
• Maids and servants of Lady Kirsten