Brand is a name commonly found in Scandinavia as well as in Germany. In Norwegian, it means torch, fire. Ibsen chose it not only to symbolize the warm faith of his hero but also to show his purpose: to ignite souls, as he says, in many places.

Brand is a young priest who selflessly fights to implement the Christian ideal in a gloomy, dark environment despite the adversities. The person who holds up their head and seeks their independence – that is what Brand is and the symbol he represents.

Gerd symbolizes the idea. But from human weaknesses and social injustices, this idea has transformed into an instinct of destruction, which acts blindly and brings, instead of redemption, a deadly catastrophe where even the spirit of individual independence is obliterated.

In a word, Gerd is the revolution that leads to fatal leveling, which Ibsen abhors and hates. This leveling is symbolized by the avalanche triggered by the shot of the gypsy that buries Brand, the individual, the chosen man.