# Of Face-of-God and Those Mountain-Dwellers explained — The Roots of the Mountains

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/vi-of-face-of-god-and-those-mountain-dwellers
- 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