# X: That Carline Cometh to the Roof of the Wolfings explained — The House of the Wolfings

> Chapter companion for The House of the Wolfings by William Morris.

## What happens

Three days after the departure of the fighting-men, the women gather at the Women's-Chamber of the Wolfing Roof, weary and heavy-hearted. The Hall-Sun sits outside, observing all, and when an old carline (the same from the Hill-of-Speech) arrives, she welcomes her warmly, despite claiming no authority. The Hall-Sun then leaves to be alone in the meads, while the women care for the carline, who tells them tales and makes them merry as evening falls.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ritual and Custom

The Hall-Sun's formal welcome of the carline and the women's care for the stranger illustrate the customs of hospitality and kinship bonds within the Wolfing hall.

### Sacrifice and Loss

The women's heavy hearts and the weary, dusty atmosphere reflect the emotional toll of war on those left behind, anticipating potential loss.

## Character check-ins

### Hall-Sun

Sits outside the Women's-Chamber, weary from fieldwork yet alert; welcomes the carline with kindness and speaks of her love for the Wolfings, then departs to be alone in the meads.

### Wood-Sun

Implied as the carline; arrives at the Roof of the Wolfings, is welcomed by the Hall-Sun, and later sits with the women telling tales.

## Key lines

> The hearts of most were somewhat heavy, for the doubt wherewith they had watched the departure of the fighting-men still hung about them; nor had they any tidings from the host (nor was it like that they should have).

Most of the women felt anxious and sad, still troubled by the uncertainty they felt when the warriors left, and they had received no news from the army—nor were they likely to.

_Highlights the emotional state of the women and the lack of communication during wartime._

> I serve the House of the Wolfings, and I love it as the hound loveth his master who feedeth him, and his master's children who play with him.

I am devoted to the Wolfing household and love it as a dog loves the master who feeds him and the children who play with him.

_The Hall-Sun expresses her deep loyalty and affection for the Wolfings, despite being an alien._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_the_wolfings_se/chapters/x-that-carline-cometh-to-the-roof-of-the-wolfings
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_the_wolfings_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_the_wolfings_se/chapters