Goldmund’s Repeated Departures

Narcissus and Goldmund

Every temporary refuge offers a possibility of attachment, but a new conflict eventually sends Goldmund back toward the road and its uncertain freedom.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The First Escape The First Escape from "Narcissus and Goldmund". The First Escape Desire Breaks Routine After meeting Lise, Goldmund decides he can no longer remain a cloister student.

The First Escape from "Narcissus and Goldmund". The First Escape Desire Breaks Routine After meeting Lise, Goldmund decides he can no longer remain a cloister student.

The First Escape Desire Breaks Routine After meeting Lise, Goldmund decides he can no longer remain a cloister student. He leaves without permission, choosing an unknown road over the future planned for him. A Point of No Return The departure separates him from the institution that had organized his youth. His freedom begins as an act of emotional necessity rather than a calculated plan.

Driven from the Manor Driven from the Manor from "Narcissus and Goldmund". Driven from the Manor A Brief Settlement Goldmund stays at the knight’s manor, working on Latin and growing close to Lydia.

Driven from the Manor from "Narcissus and Goldmund". Driven from the Manor A Brief Settlement Goldmund stays at the knight’s manor, working on Latin and growing close to Lydia.

Driven from the Manor A Brief Settlement Goldmund stays at the knight’s manor, working on Latin and growing close to Lydia. The household offers him work and shelter without changing his status as an outsider. Expulsion Restarts the Road The knight’s threat makes clear that Goldmund cannot remain. His departure is no longer entirely chosen, though the road eventually becomes his familiar refuge again.

Leaving the Workshop Leaving the Workshop from "Narcissus and Goldmund". Leaving the Workshop Security Rejected Goldmund refuses Niklaus’s partnership and the settled life it would bring.

Leaving the Workshop from "Narcissus and Goldmund". Leaving the Workshop Security Rejected Goldmund refuses Niklaus’s partnership and the settled life it would bring.

Leaving the Workshop Security Rejected Goldmund refuses Niklaus’s partnership and the settled life it would bring. He fears that routine and ambition will narrow the sensory experience his art requires. The Price of Independence He loses access to a master, workshop, and promising career. His insistence on freedom preserves possibility while exposing him again to hardship.

Returning by Choice Returning by Choice from "Narcissus and Goldmund". Returning by Choice A New Kind of Homecoming Narcissus brings Goldmund back to Mariabronn, where he can work without becoming a monk.

Returning by Choice from "Narcissus and Goldmund". Returning by Choice A New Kind of Homecoming Narcissus brings Goldmund back to Mariabronn, where he can work without becoming a monk.

Returning by Choice A New Kind of Homecoming Narcissus brings Goldmund back to Mariabronn, where he can work without becoming a monk. The cloister provides support without repeating the father’s original plan. A Life in Tension Goldmund accepts residence and artistic labor but does not surrender his independent nature. The arrangement is productive because it remains provisional.

Leaving the Cloister Again Leaving the Cloister Again from "Narcissus and Goldmund". Leaving the Cloister Again A Restlessness Renewed Goldmund feels that his experiences and artistic source are running dry after years at work.

Leaving the Cloister Again from "Narcissus and Goldmund". Leaving the Cloister Again A Restlessness Renewed Goldmund feels that his experiences and artistic source are running dry after years at work.

Leaving the Cloister Again A Restlessness Renewed Goldmund feels that his experiences and artistic source are running dry after years at work. He asks Narcissus for money and a horse to travel again. Attachment Does Not End He departs reluctantly and worries about dependence, even as he insists on going. His departure shows that freedom remains compelling but no longer feels uncomplicated.

On the night Goldmund leaves Mariabronn

During the first winter of Goldmund’s wandering

After Goldmund’s first period of artistic success

After Goldmund’s imprisonment and rescue

After Goldmund finishes the Lydia Madonna