The Roots of the Mountains · Chapter
Of Face-of-God and Those Mountain-Dwellers explained
Face-of-god (Gold-mane) enters the dwelling of the mountain folk, where he meets Wild-wearer, the Friend, Bow-may, and others.
What happens
Face-of-god (Gold-mane) enters the dwelling of the mountain folk, where he meets Wild-wearer, the Friend, Bow-may, and others. He is welcomed as a guest, learns their names, shares a meal, and observes their customs and rich hangings. The chapter establishes his growing bond with the Friend and his curiosity about the mountain people.
Themes in this chapter
Heroic Journey and Self-Discovery
Face-of-god steps into a new world among the mountain folk, beginning a journey of self-discovery and adventure.
Community and Kinship
The mountain folk, though broken and dwellers in the waste, form a close-knit community that welcomes Face-of-god as a guest.
Nature and the Wilderness
The setting is a remote mountain dwelling; the characters are hunters living off the land, and the wilderness is a constant presence.
Characters to notice
- Face-of-god
Enters the mountain dwelling, introduces himself as Gold-mane, and is welcomed as a guest.
- Gold-mane
The name by which Face-of-god is called by the mountain folk; he is the central figure of the chapter.
- Guest
Wild-wearer suggests that Face-of-god may one day call him Guest; also a toast is made to the Guest.
- Wildlake
Wild-wearer is the host; he gives himself the name Wild-wearer and later suggests the name Guest.
- Sun-beam
The Friend is the fair woman who welcomes Face-of-god; she is later called the Friend.
- Bow-may
A huntress who brings in game and speaks with Face-of-god; she is the daughter of Wild-wearer's brother.
- Stone-face
Not directly present, but Face-of-god recalls his homecoming of yesterday, referencing Stone-face.
- Iron-face
Not directly present, but Face-of-god's thoughts of Burgdale and the Alderman are implied.
Key passages
“The young chieftain thinks that this house also should be his! Nay, young man, I know what is in thy thought, be not ashamed that thou art wary; and be assured! We shall hurt thee no more than thou hast been hurt.”
Wild-wearer reassures Face-of-god that he is safe and that they mean him no harm.
Wild-wearer acknowledges Face-of-god's caution and promises safety.
“It is the custom of the Dale to all women.”
Face-of-god explains that kissing a woman's hand is a customary greeting in Burgdale.
Face-of-god uses Dale custom to justify his gesture toward the Friend.
“Whoso hungreth let him eat! Whoso would slumber, let him to bed. But he who would bicker, it must needs be with me.”
Wild-wearer commands peace, offering food and rest, and warning that any quarrel must be with him.
Wild-wearer asserts his authority to protect the guest from the young men's hostility.