The Armourer (Vapensmeden) - Viktor Rydberg

Art. no. 216584057 24 Apr 2025

The Armourer is a historical novel by Viktor Rydberg, published in 1891. Set during the Reformation in Jönköping, it depicts the conflict between Catholicism and Lutheranism through the eyes of Master Gudmund, a Catholic gunsmith, and his son Lars, who embraces Lutheran doctrine. The novel is known for its deep philosophical and religious reflections, as well as for the poems that appear in the work, including the famous Christmas carol 'Bethlehem's Star'.

In The Armourer, Master Gudmund is portrayed as a devout Catholic gunsmith, whose life and work are deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition. His son, Lars, grows up in this environment but is drawn to Lutheran doctrine, creating a profound conflict between father and son. The novel explores themes of religious intolerance, family ties and the personal struggle between faith and reason. Rydberg uses historical events as a backdrop to highlight universal issues of faith, morality and human nature. The work is also known for its poetic elements, with poems such as 'Bethlehem's Star' adding an extra dimension to the story.