# XXII: Who Is Portunus? explained — Lud-in-the-Mist

> Chapter companion for Lud-in-the-Mist by Hope Mirrlees.

## What happens

Master Nathaniel encounters a strange old man named Portunus who speaks in riddles and urges him to 'dig'. Nathaniel continues to the Gibbertys' farm, where he meets Hazel, the granddaughter, and learns that Portunus is an old weaver who visits the farm. Nathaniel poses as a cheesemonger to gain Hazel's trust and gathers information about Ranulph and Luke.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fear of the Unknown

Nathaniel's unease with Portunus's riddles and Hazel's fear of the old weaver highlight the mystery surrounding the fairy influence.

### Reality vs. Delusion

Nathaniel adopts a false identity as a cheesemonger, blurring the line between his true purpose and the role he plays.

## Character check-ins

### Master Nathaniel Chanticleer

Travels to Swan-on-the-Dapple, meets Portunus, and poses as a cheesemonger to investigate the Gibbertys' farm.

### Hazel

The granddaughter of the widow Gibberty, she is washing clothes when Nathaniel arrives and warms to him after he compliments her as the farmer.

### Portunus

A mysterious old man who speaks in riddles and repeatedly urges 'dig'. He is later revealed to be an old weaver who visits the farm.

### Ranulph Chanticleer

Mentioned as being away at a farm near Moongrass with Luke, and Hazel is relieved to hear he is safe.

### Clementina Gibberty

The widow Gibberty, owner of the farm, though not present in the chapter; Nathaniel initially mistakes Hazel for her.

## Key lines

> Dig and delve, delve and dig, Harness the mare to the farmer's gig.

Portunus urges Nathaniel to dig and prepare the horse for travel.

_Portunus's cryptic rhyme hints at a need to uncover something buried or hidden._

> I wonder what the old fellow was trying to tell me.

Nathaniel reflects on Portunus's strange behavior and riddles.

_This line underscores the mystery and Nathaniel's growing curiosity._

> It's as if he were trying hard to tell one something. And he often follows me as if he wanted me to do something for him.

Hazel describes Portunus's persistent but inarticulate attempts to communicate.

_Hazel's fear of Portunus adds to the sense of an unresolved secret._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lud_in_the_mist_se/chapters/xxii-who-is-portunus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lud_in_the_mist_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lud_in_the_mist_se/chapters