In this fiction book the protagonist, Torak, has lost his beloved wolf companion because he was captured by an unknown enemy. He wants Wolf back really bad as it is his pack brother. He goes on a journey with his friend in the frozen wilderness with many dangers such as blizzards and beasts. This links with the theme of ruggedness because they are trying to survive and find where Wolf is, as well as who or what captured him. The time this book is based was long ago when there were still lots of tribes. The feeling it gives is a lonesome hunter in the woods tracking down a dangerous animal. For example a big bear that has caused a lot of trouble to a nearby village.

In most stories of survival the main character would usually have something quite special about them. They possibly have a skill or supernatural ability that helps them survive. Torak is very good at tracking animals via footprints. This helps him find food or know if anything dangerous is around. I think that this book is a good example of the theme because its setting is quite classic for survival.