Lorna Doone · Chapter
XVIII: Witchery Leads to Witchcraft explained
John Ridd visits Mother Melldrum, a wise woman, seeking guidance about Lorna Doone.
What happens
John Ridd visits Mother Melldrum, a wise woman, seeking guidance about Lorna Doone. She warns him against any involvement with the Doones, but John defends his love. The chapter ends with a symbolic fight between a sheep and a goat, which John interrupts by throwing the goat off a cliff.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
John's determination to seek out Mother Melldrum despite his fear shows his deep love for Lorna and willingness to risk danger for her.
Nature and the Rural World
The wild landscape of the valley, with its rocks, goats, and sheep, is vividly described and plays a central role in the chapter's events.
Religion and Morality
John carries his mother's Bible for protection, reflecting the tension between Christian faith and folk superstition.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Visits Mother Melldrum seeking advice about Lorna Doone, despite his fear of witchcraft.
- Mother Melldrum
The wise woman who warns John against the Doones, revealing she knows him from a past rescue of her granddaughter.
- Lorna Doone
The subject of John's inquiry; Mother Melldrum warns John against her.
Key passages
“Although well-nigh the end of March, the wind blew wild and piercing, as I went on foot that afternoon to Mother Melldrum's dwelling.”
Even though it was almost April, the wind was still cold and sharp as John walked to Mother Melldrum's house.
Sets the scene for John's journey to the wise woman.
“Thou art not come to me... to be struck for bone-shave, nor to be blessed for barn-gun. Give me forth thy hand, John Ridd; and tell why thou art come to me.”
You haven't come for a cure for bone disease or a blessing for your barn. Give me your hand, John Ridd, and tell me why you're here.
Mother Melldrum immediately recognizes John and asks his purpose.
“John Ridd, if thou hast any value for thy body or thy soul, thy mother, or thy father's name, have nought to do with any Doone.”
John Ridd, if you care about your life, your soul, your mother, or your father's reputation, stay away from the Doones.
Mother Melldrum warns John against any association with the Doone family.