# They Fare to the Hunting of the Elk explained — The Roots of the Mountains > Chapter companion for The Roots of the Mountains by William Morris. ## What happens The chapter describes the hunting expedition for elk, where the company of hunters sets out from Burgstead. During the hunt, a sudden snowstorm causes Face-of-god to become separated from the group. He later returns home safely, offering a plausible but perhaps incomplete explanation for his absence, while the others celebrate the successful hunt. ## Themes in this chapter ### Community and Kinship The hunting party works together, and the community gathers to celebrate the successful hunt, reinforcing bonds of kinship and shared endeavor. ### Nature and the Wilderness The harsh winter environment, the snowstorm, and the elk hunt highlight the characters' interaction with and reliance on the natural world. ## Character check-ins ### Face-of-god Separates from the hunting party during a snowstorm, returns home with a story about a broken skid-strap, and is met with jest and celebration. ### Hall-face Leads the hunt after the storm, expresses confidence in his brother's survival, and later embraces Face-of-god upon his return. ### Stone-face Observes Face-of-god's return with suspicion, but chooses not to press for the true story. ### Iron-face The Alderman greets the men kindly at the start of the day and participates in the feast afterward. ### Gold-mane Referred to as the twenty-fourth hunter; Face-of-god is also called Gold-mane in this chapter. ## Key lines > Short was the rede betwixt them, for they said they would go to the work at once and make the most of the short winter daylight. They quickly agreed to start immediately to take advantage of the limited winter daylight. _Shows the urgency and practicality of the hunters._ > Now were I fain to have a true tale out of him, but it is little likely that anything shall come of my much questioning; and it is ill forcing a young man to tell lies. I would like to hear the real story from him, but pressing him would probably not work, and it is wrong to force a young man to lie. _Stone-face's internal reflection reveals his suspicion and wisdom._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xiii-they-fare-to-the-hunting-of-the-elk - 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