Rolf, son of Hiarandi, is a character who exemplifies the effect of Christ's teachings upon the Icelandic people during their heroic age. Christianity has come to Iceland though the old customs still linger. Hiarandi lights a signal fire on the dangerous point on his land challenging the accepted custom which places lucrative salvage at higher value than the saving of life. However, the life that is saved that night, in the end, causes his own death and the unjust outlawing of his son Rolf. Rolf's response to this injustice creates a suspenseful, thought provoking tale difficult to put down.