# XXVI: “Neither Trees nor Men” explained — Lud-in-the-Mist

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

## What happens

The trial of Endymion Leer and Clementina Gibberty for the murder of Jeremiah Gibberty takes place in Lud-in-the-Mist. Leer delivers a philosophical defense, admitting to smuggling fairy fruit and prescribing the berries of merciful death, but arguing that he sought to transform the townspeople from mere trees into true men. The widow Gibberty defiantly confesses, and the crowd reacts with a mix of awe and derision.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reality vs. Delusion

Leer's defense contrasts the 'trees' (serene, silent) with 'men' (passionate, tragic), accusing the citizens of belonging to neither, living in a deluded state.

### Law and Justice

The trial procedure, the judges' robes, and the crowd's reaction illustrate the formal, yet flawed, legal system grappling with a crime rooted in spiritual and moral questions.

### The Poetry of Everyday Life

Leer's speech elevates the mundane—fruit, trees, dreams—into a poetic vision of human existence, arguing for the nourishment of the soul.

## Character check-ins

### Endymion Leer

On trial for murder, delivers a lofty defense about smuggling fairy fruit and prescribing the berries of merciful death, claiming he aimed to turn Dorimarites into men.

### Clementina Gibberty

The widow, on trial alongside Leer, confesses to murdering Gibberty with the berries, showing defiance and scorn.

### Master Polydore Vigil

Presides as judge, wearing purple robes, and calls for silence and order during the trial.

### Hazel

The plaintiff, a fresh-faced young girl, kneels to kiss the great seal and tells the story of her grandfather's murder.

### Mistress Ivy Peppercorn

Testifies in a flustered, timid manner, repeating what she told Master Nathaniel.

### Dame Marigold Chanticleer

Sits on the front seats with other magistrates' wives; responds to Dame Dreamsweet's comment with a shrug and sigh.

### Dame Dreamsweet Vigil

Whispers to Dame Marigold, calling Leer a low vulgar fellow after his speech.

### Mumchance

In green uniform carrying an axe, marches in with the prisoners as part of the Town Yeomanry.

## Key lines

> I have fed and healed your bodies; and I would fain have done the same for your souls.

I have cared for your physical health, and I wished to care for your spiritual health as well.

_Leer summarizes his dual mission as a healer of both body and soul._

> There is a land where the sun and the moon do not shine; where the birds are dreams, the stars are visions, and the immortal flowers spring from the thoughts of death.

There exists a realm beyond ordinary light, where birds are dreams, stars are visions, and eternal flowers grow from thoughts of death.

_Leer describes Fairyland as a dreamlike, otherworldly place._

> You are not serene, majestic, and silent, nor are you restless, passionate, and tragic.

You are neither like the calm, dignified trees nor like the intense, suffering men.

_Leer tells the citizens they belong to neither category, implying they are incomplete._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lud_in_the_mist_se/chapters/xxvi-neither-trees-nor-men
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lud_in_the_mist_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lud_in_the_mist_se/chapters