# Those Brethren Fare to the Yew-Wood with the Bride explained — The Roots of the Mountains

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

## What happens

Face-of-god, Hall-face, and the Bride go to the Yew-wood to cut timber for bow-staves. Face-of-god struggles with his feelings for the Bride, wishing she were his sister instead of his betrothed, as his heart is now drawn elsewhere. They work, rest, and share a meal, during which the Bride sings a lay of war and mountain-men. Despite outward contentment, Face-of-god inwardly longs for a different bond.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Face-of-god's internal conflict between his former love for the Bride and his new, unspoken allegiance elsewhere; his wish for a sisterly bond reflects a sacrifice of romantic attachment.

### Tradition and Change

The familiar routine of wood-cutting and the Bride's traditional song contrast with Face-of-god's changing heart and the impending spring-tide events.

## Character check-ins

### Face-of-god

Struggles with his changed feelings for the Bride, wishing she were his sister; tries to be merry but is inwardly conflicted.

### Hall-face

Bids Face-of-god to go to the Yew-wood; talks merrily with the Bride and works alongside them.

### The Bride

Joins the brethren to the Yew-wood, kisses Face-of-god, works with the axe, sings a lay, and is happy in their company.

## Key lines

> Would that she had been of our nighest kindred! Would that I had had a sister and that this were she!

Face-of-god wishes the Bride were his sister rather than his lover, as he no longer desires her romantically.

_Reveals Face-of-god's emotional shift and his desire for a pure, familial bond._

> She drew me thither: she hath a deed for me to do. I shall do the deed and have my reward. Soon will the spring-tide be here, and I shall be a young man yet when it comes.

Face-of-god thinks of the mysterious woman who called him to the mountain, believing he has a mission to fulfill and that spring will bring renewal.

_Shows his inner resolve and hope for the future, tied to his encounter with the mountain folk._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/ix-those-brethren-fare-to-the-yew-wood-with-the-bride
- 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