Holger Character Analysis in The Magic Mountain

Holger is the spirit through which Elly Brand supposedly convenes with the spiritual realm—he’s described as her “guardian angel.” After Elly’s supernatural abilities come to light, she leads some other residents in a séance, during which Holger speaks to the group via a Ouija board, spelling out that he has “beautiful brown, brown locks” when the group’s ladies inquire about his appearance.

Holger Character Timeline in The Magic Mountain

The timeline below shows where the character Holger appears in The Magic Mountain. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...“voice” who whispered things to Elly that night in the lounge was a boy named Holger, who is something of a guardian angel to Elly. They also learn that Elly has... (full context)

...is in the room, and eventually the glass spells out H-O-L-G-E-R, confirming the presence of Holger, Elly’s supposed guardian angel. The group uses the wineglass to ask him questions, but he... (full context)

After the poetry recitation ends, Hans presses his hand to the glass and asks if Holger can tell him how much longer his stay here will last: after all, he initially... (full context)

Abstract Ideals vs. Lived Experience Theme Icon

Krokowski even manages to coach Elly to materialize Holger, who it turns out “really did have ‘beautiful brown, brown locks.’” Elly also claims that... (full context)

...time), that Elly will put herself in a trance state. After that, her attendant spirit, Holger, will speak through her. Now, Krokowski instructs everyone to link arms, and then he orders... (full context)

Elly squeezes Hans’s hands, which means that Holger is present. Krokowski asks Holger if he’s still willing to make a deceased person appear,... (full context)