# IV: Face-of-God Fareth to the Wood Again explained — The Roots of the Mountains

> Chapter companion for The Roots of the Mountains by William Morris.

## What happens

Face-of-god rises early and leaves Burgstead quietly, heading into the woods toward the Great Mountains. He reflects on the Bride and his desires, encounters a few folk on the way, and eventually rests by a woodland rill, where he falls asleep and dreams. Upon waking, he feels a sense of longing and uncertainty, and continues onward.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroic Journey and Self-Discovery

Face-of-god's solitary journey into the wood reflects his inner quest for meaning and identity.

### Love and Sacrifice

Face-of-god's thoughts are dominated by the Bride and his desire for her, intertwined with his sense of duty.

### Nature and the Wilderness

The detailed descriptions of the woodland, its creatures, and the changing terrain emphasize the wild setting.

## Character check-ins

### Face-of-god

Protagonist who journeys into the wood, reflecting on the Bride and his own desires.

### The Bride

Face-of-god's betrothed, who appears in his thoughts and memories as he walks.

### Gold-mane

Face-of-god is referred to as Gold-mane when he lingers at the Maiden Ward.

### Iron-face

The Alderman, mentioned in Face-of-god's thoughts about his House and father.

### Stone-face

Face-of-god's father, referenced in his musings about his House and name.

## Key lines

> What is mine errand hither? Whither wend I? What shall I have done tomorrow that I have hitherto left undone? Or what manner of man shall I be then other than I am now?

Face-of-god questions his purpose and identity as he rests in the wood.

_This moment of introspection highlights his uncertainty and search for meaning._

> Am I become a mere sport of dreams, whether I sleep or wake? I will go backward—or forward, but will think no more.

He resolves to stop overthinking and simply move forward.

_Shows his frustration with his own confusion and his decision to act._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/iv-face-of-god-fareth-to-the-wood-again
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters