# LV: Departure from Silverdale explained — The Roots of the Mountains

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

## What happens

The Burgdale men and the Shepherds depart from Silverdale, amid farewells and promises between the two Dales. The Sun-beam reflects on her role in the new peace, the Bride bids farewell to Face-of-god, and the Host marches out with songs of remembrance and hope.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Kinship

The farewells, promises, and songs emphasize the deep bonds between the Burgdalers and Silverdalers, and the enduring kinship that transcends physical separation.

### Love and Sacrifice

The Bride's loving farewell to Face-of-god and her contentment to remain, as well as the Sun-beam's reflection on her sacrifices for the new peace, highlight the theme of love and sacrifice.

### Redemption and Renewal

The forgiveness between Face-of-god and Folk-might, and the Sun-beam's hope for a new life in Burgdale, underscore the renewal after conflict.

## Character check-ins

### Face-of-god

Bids farewell to Folk-might and the Bride, exchanges forgiveness and wisdom with Folk-might, and departs with the Host.

### Folk-might

Receives farewells from the Burgdale chiefs, exchanges forgiveness with Face-of-god, and speaks of peace and friendship between the Dales.

### Sun-beam

Struggles with leaving Silverdale but finds calm and hope, reflecting on her role in the new peace and her future in Burgdale.

### The Bride

Lies on a litter in the Marketplace, bids farewell to Face-of-god, and expresses her love for her people and contentment to remain.

### Iron-face

Stands beside the Bride, summons Face-of-god to her, and is sad and sober at the departure.

### Redesman

Leads the singing with his fiddle as the Host departs, weaving songs of remembrance and joy.

## Key lines

> All the way hence to Burgdale will I sow with good wishes for thee and thine, and especially for my dear friend God-swain of the Silver Arm; and I would wish and long that they might turn into spells to draw thy feet to usward; for we love thee well.

Red-coat of Waterless expresses his deep affection for Folk-might and God-swain, wishing his good wishes could become magical charms to bring them back to Burgdale.

_This shows the strong emotional bonds and the hope for continued connection between the Dales._

> Is all forgiven now, since the day when we first felt each other’s arms?

Face-of-god asks Folk-might if all past grievances are forgiven since their first physical confrontation.

_This moment of reconciliation between the two leaders highlights the theme of redemption and renewal._

> She hath an inward sorrow at leaving the fair Dale wherein her Fathers dwelt, and where her mother’s ashes lie in earth.

Onlookers believe the Sun-beam is sad to leave her ancestral home and her mother's grave.

_This reflects the Sun-beam's complex emotions, though she is actually more hopeful than sorrowful._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/lv-departure-from-silverdale
- 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