# Men Meet in the Market of Silverstead 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 Wolves into the Marketplace of Silverstead, joining the battle against the Dusky Men. He decides to aid the southern kindreds (Steer, Bridge, Bull) rather than the left flank where Folk-might fights. After fierce fighting, the forces meet, and Hall-ward reveals the Bride is wounded, possibly dead. Enraged, Face-of-god charges the foe, sets fire to the sacrificial pyre, and the battle turns decisively.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Liberation

The decisive battle to free Silverstead from the Dusky Men, culminating in the burning of the pyre.

### Love and Sacrifice

Face-of-god's rage and grief over the Bride's wound drive him to reckless valor.

### Community and Kinship

The Woodlanders, Wolves, and Dalesmen unite under shared banners and war cries.

## Character check-ins

### Face-of-god

Leads the attack, makes strategic decisions, and is driven to fury by news of the Bride's wound.

### Bow-may

Fights alongside Face-of-god, calm and deft despite her wounds.

### Hall-face

Mentioned as a leader on the left flank with Folk-might and Stone-face.

### Folk-might

Leads the left flank battle; his horn signals the onset.

### The Bride

Reported wounded or dead by Hall-ward; her fate drives Face-of-god's rage.

### Stone-face

Mentioned as a leader among the kindreds on the left flank.

## Key lines

> He forgot Dale-warden lying in his sheath, and he saw that the last speaker had a great wood-axe broad and heavy in his hand, so he cried: 'Man, man, thine axe!' and snatched it from him, and turned about to the foe again

Face-of-god, in his fury, abandoned his sword and seized a wood-axe from a bystander to continue the attack.

_Shows his impulsive rage upon hearing of the Bride's wound._

> Forbear, climb not! let the torch help the sword!

Face-of-god orders his men to set fire to the pyre rather than assault it directly.

_Strategic shift from melee to using fire as a weapon._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xlvi-men-meet-in-the-market-of-silverstead
- 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