Chapter 13: The Black Hound
Season 1 Episode 13
Themes: Kindness, Empathy
Prominent Characters
Hilda
Hilda is particularly witty in this episode!
Plot Highlights
- Continuing from the prior episode, this episode opens as Hilda, David, and Frida are confronted by the Black Hound, a giant dog-like creature, in the woods and must run away from it. Their Sparrow Scout camping trip is cancelled due to the encounter, and the group heads home.
- In the car ride home, Hilda appears to feel disappointed and guilty that she had to leave Tontu, the Nisse from the prior episode, by himself in the woods with the beast.
- In an attempt to get Hilda her first Sparrow Scout badge, Frida and David take her around to houses to collect fundraiser donations. Busy looking for Tontu, Hilda ends up missing the meeting to get the badge. After meeting several other Nisses who were kicked out of their houses, Hilda finally does find Tontu sitting in a garbage can.
- Hilda’s elf Alfur tells her that the Black Hound is likely a Barghest, a type of giant wild dog, who must be lost in the city. Hilda feels bad for the creature, who she thinks is probably lost, scared, and hungry.
- Hilda still hasn’t told her mother that she hasn’t received any Sparrow Scout badges, and she appears a bit guilty whenever her mom brings up the badge ceremony. At the ceremony, Hilda’s mom finally learns that Hilda didn’t have any badges, and though she’s initially surprised, she later apologizes to Hilda for making her feel pressured, and she assures her daughter that she’ll be proud of her no matter what.
- Pandemonium strikes when the Black Hound drops through the ceiling into the room where the badge ceremony is concluding. Hilda and Tontu run from him, traveling through the Nisse passageways of houses. Eventually they end up in Hilda’s house, where the Nisse in Hilda’s home recognizes the Black Hound as his long lost puppy.
Discussion Questions
This episode explores themes including telling the truth and understanding the perspectives of others. Consider exploring some of the following questions in a discussion with your child.
- Why do you think Hilda didn’t want to tell her mom about not receiving any Sparrow Scout badges? What do you think might have happened if Hilda had told her mom the truth? Have you ever been afraid to tell someone (or maybe your parent) the truth? What happened, and how did you feel?
- How did Hilda feel about the Black Hound when she learned from Alfur that he was probably lost and far from home? Why do you think Hilda wanted to help the Black Hound at the end of the episode even when people in the town wanted him captured? Why do you think it’s important to consider other people’s points of view like Hilda did for the Black Hound?
Leading
A great way to engage your child in conversation is often to let them lead. Though we encourage you to use our questions for inspiration during your discussion, we suggest starting off by asking your child what the show they watched was about, and allow the conversation to flow from there.
Episode List
