The Roots of the Mountains · Chapter
Of Face-of-God and His Kindred explained
Face-of-god, a young man of twenty-three, emerges from the wood near the Motestead with a slain roebuck and sits at the Speech-mound, gazing contentedly at the dale below.
What happens
Face-of-god, a young man of twenty-three, emerges from the wood near the Motestead with a slain roebuck and sits at the Speech-mound, gazing contentedly at the dale below. He descends into Burgstead, greeting folk along the way, and enters the House of the Face. There he is joined by his father Iron-face, his brother Hall-face, an old man, and his betrothed the Bride, who looks upon him with deep love. The chapter describes the kindred's history, the naming tradition of the Face, and the characters' appearances and virtues.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Kinship
The chapter emphasizes Face-of-god's return to his kindred, the warm greetings from folk, and the family gathering in the House of the Face, highlighting bonds of kinship and community.
Honor and Oath-Keeping
The betrothal of Face-of-god and the Bride, and the kindred's chieftain status, reflect the importance of honor, oaths, and tradition in their society.
Characters to notice
- Face-of-god
The young man who slays a roebuck and returns home to Burgstead; described as tall, strong, fair-haired, and well-beloved, also called Gold-mane.
- Iron-face
Father of Face-of-god and Hall-face, the Alderman of the Dalesmen, a master weapon-smith and master of the House of the Face.
- Hall-face
Younger brother of Face-of-god, enters the hall with Iron-face and the Bride.
- The Bride
Betrothed of Face-of-god, a fair and strong woman of the kindred, described as hardy, skilled, and compassionate.
- Kettel
A servant in the House of the Face who brings water for Face-of-god's feet-washing.
Key passages
“He was a young man of three and twenty summers; he was so clad that he had on him a sheep-brown kirtle and leggings of like stuff bound about with white leather thongs; he bore a short-sword in his girdle and a little axe withal; the sword with fair wrought gilded hilts and a dew-shoe of like fashion to its sheath.”
A twenty-three-year-old man dressed in a brown wool tunic and leggings tied with white leather straps, carrying a short-sword with ornate gilded hilt and a small axe.
Describes Face-of-god's appearance and gear as he emerges from the wood.
“She was a fair woman and strong: not easily daunted amidst perils she was hardy and handy and light-foot: she could swim as well as any, and could shoot well in the bow, and wield sword and spear: yet was she kind and compassionate, and of great courtesy, and the very dogs and kine trusted in her and loved her.”
The Bride is a beautiful, strong woman, brave and skilled in swimming, archery, and combat, yet also kind, compassionate, and beloved by animals and people alike.
Portrays the Bride's character and abilities.