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Matt and Noddle-Pete’s Companionship

Ronja, the Robber's Daughter

This flow traces the lifelong companionship between Matt and Noddle-Pete, from teasing counsel to grief at the old robber’s death.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
An Old Hand at Matt’s SideAn Old Hand at Matt’s Side from "Ronja, the Robber's Daughter". Long Companionship Shared Work Noddle-Pete has served under Matt’s father and then Matt, becoming a constant presence in the robber chief’s life.
Long Companionship Shared Work Noddle-Pete has served under Matt’s father and then Matt, becoming a constant presence in the robber chief’s life. His age and experience give him a different perspective. Familiarity Their exchanges are full of insults, jokes, and trust. Matt can threaten him without diminishing the affection beneath it.
Counsel Matt ResistsCounsel Matt Resists from "Ronja, the Robber's Daughter". Cunning Against Force Advice Noddle-Pete tells Matt that force will not remove Borka’s band and presses him to think more carefully.
Cunning Against Force Advice Noddle-Pete tells Matt that force will not remove Borka’s band and presses him to think more carefully. Matt resents the advice but continues to listen. Loyalty Noddle-Pete’s criticism is not disloyalty. He wants Matt to survive the feud and make decisions that protect the band.
A Warm Bed SharedA Warm Bed Shared from "Ronja, the Robber's Daughter". Care Reversed Decline Noddle-Pete becomes cold and weak after the beast contest. Lovis arranges for him to share Matt’s bed so he can stay warm.
Care Reversed Decline Noddle-Pete becomes cold and weak after the beast contest. Lovis arranges for him to share Matt’s bed so he can stay warm. Dependence The old companion moves close to Matt like a child seeking comfort. Their familiar teasing gives way to visible tenderness.
The Last FarewellThe Last Farewell from "Ronja, the Robber's Daughter". A Death Named Clearly Final Words Noddle-Pete insists that he is not dead until he has said goodbye.
A Death Named Clearly Final Words Noddle-Pete insists that he is not dead until he has said goodbye. He then announces his departure and dies among those who have watched over him. Grief Matt cries that Noddle-Pete has always been there and now is not. His loud grief reveals how central the old man has been to his life.
The Secret That RemainsThe Secret That Remains from "Ronja, the Robber's Daughter". A Friend’s Continuing Influence Memory Ronia remembers the silver-mine secret Noddle-Pete entrusted to her.
A Friend’s Continuing Influence Memory Ronia remembers the silver-mine secret Noddle-Pete entrusted to her. His confidence gives her and Birk a possible future beyond robbery. Legacy The old man’s care continues after death through practical knowledge. His final gift is an alternative, not a command.
Before Ronia’s birth
During the conflict over Borka’s occupation
After Noddle-Pete falls ill
A night during the first snowfall
The spring after Noddle-Pete’s burial