- Jules Verne's novel Journey To The Center Of The Earth is an early work of science fiction which starts out in Hamburg, Germany in May of 1863. At this time, eccentric Professor Lidenbrock has purchased an original manuscript by 12th century Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson: Heimskringla, his saga of the ancient Icelandic kings. He is showing the book to his browbeaten assistant/nephew Axel when a note falls out of it. They can't read it because it's written in some sort of runic code and it is signed by Arne Saknussem whom, Lidenbrock excitedly tells his nephew, was an Icelandic scientist/philosopher who lived in the 1500's. The two translate the runes into Latin but find themselves unable to break its code. This frustrates the extremely intense Professor Lidenbrock, who declares that he is going to lock himself, Axel, and even the unfortunate maid Martha in the house without food until the code is solved. Axel cracks the code, but hesitates to tell his uncle, afraid what his nutty uncle will do with the information. After two days with no food, however, Axel gives in and shows Lidenbrock the key to the code.
Lidenbrock excitedly translates the note in which Saknussem claims to have discovered a passage to the center of the earth through a volcano in Iceland. The professor immediately declares his intention to travel to Iceland with Axel and retrace Saknessem's journey. Axel himself is less than enthusiastic about travelling to Iceland with his obsessive uncle to climb into a volcano and voices several reasons why the idea is scientifically improbable and physically unwise. His uncle ignores him and starts packing and making arrangements for their trip. There's another reason why Axel is reluctant to head off for Iceland: he is in love with Lidenbrock's goddaughter Grauben. Of course, he's afraid to tell Lidenbrock this, so the romance is secret. To Axel's surprise and dismay, when he tells Grauben about the expedition she encourages him to go because, if it's successful, he'll win fame and fortune and they'll be able to marry. Reluctantly, Axel is off to Iceland with Professor Lidenbrock.
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