The Roots of the Mountains · Chapter
XLV: Of Face-of-God’s Onslaught explained
Face-of-god leads the Woodlanders and Men of the Wolf in a fierce assault against the Dusky Men in Silverstead.
What happens
Face-of-god leads the Woodlanders and Men of the Wolf in a fierce assault against the Dusky Men in Silverstead. Amidst the chaos of battle, he coordinates with Bow-may, who shoots down a Dusky Chief, and later leads a charge with Dale-warden, cutting through the enemy. The chapter highlights his leadership, the valor of the kindreds, and the turning tide of the battle.
Themes in this chapter
War and Liberation
The chapter depicts the brutal yet necessary battle to liberate Silverstead from the Dusky Men, with Face-of-god leading the charge.
Heroic Journey and Self-Discovery
Face-of-god's transformation into a decisive war-leader, singing a song of the Dale while in combat, reflects his heroic growth.
Community and Kinship
The cooperation among the kindreds (Wolf, Face, Vine, Sickle, Shepherd) and the shared battle cries emphasize communal bonds.
Characters to notice
- Face-of-god
Leads the onslaught, wielding Dale-warden, and coordinates with Bow-may; shows strategic awareness and personal bravery.
- Bow-may
Fights alongside Face-of-god, shoots down a Dusky Chief, and exchanges a kiss with him amid the battle.
- Folk-might
Mentioned as being with the Men of the Face; Face-of-god defends him against accusations of skulking.
- Sun-beam
Mentioned as having been sent away with Folk-might for safety from the most perilous part of the battle.
- Wood-wise
Bears the Banner of the Wolf and cries the Wolf-whoop during the charge.
Key passages
“Now stood Face-of-god with the foremost; and from where he stood he could see somewhat of the battle of the Dalesmen, and he wotted that it was thriving;”
Face-of-god was at the front, observing that the Dalesmen's part of the battle was going well.
Shows Face-of-god's strategic awareness and confidence in the overall battle.
“Then said Face-of-god: 'Shoot on, sister Bow-may! The Sun-beam is gone with her brother, and he is with the Men of the Face.'”
Face-of-god tells Bow-may to keep shooting, explaining that Sun-beam and Folk-might are safe with the Men of the Face.
Highlights Face-of-god's concern for Sun-beam's safety and his role as a leader.
“Then Face-of-god shook Dale-warden in the air, and strode forward fiercely, but not speedily, and the whole company went foot for foot along with him;”
Face-of-god brandished his sword and advanced deliberately, with his entire company matching his pace.
Emphasizes his controlled, commanding leadership in the charge.
“Many saw that he was singing, but heard not the words of his mouth, for great was the noise and clamour.”
Though many noticed Face-of-god singing, the battle's noise drowned out the words.
Illustrates his transcendent focus and the chaos of war.
“He said: 'Nay, nay; it shall not go thus. Abide a little while, and thou shalt see all this tangle open, as the sun cleaveth the clouds on the autumn morning.'”
Face-of-god reassures Bow-may that the battle will soon turn in their favor, like the sun breaking through autumn clouds.
Shows his optimism and ability to inspire others.
