# XLV: Of Face-of-God’s Onslaught explained — The Roots of the Mountains

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xlv-of-face-of-god-s-onslaught
- 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