# XVIII: Face-of-God Talketh with the Friend in Shadowy Vale explained — The Roots of the Mountains

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

## What happens

Face-of-God returns to Shadowy Vale and meets the Friend at the Hall. They share an intimate conversation, during which she shows him the Wolf-carving above the door, a symbol of their kindred's sorrow and hope. He demonstrates his spear-throwing skill, and she welcomes him warmly, hinting at a deepening bond.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Kinship

The Wolf-carving and the Friend's words emphasize the shared history and bonds of the kindred.

### Love and Sacrifice

The growing affection between Face-of-god and the Friend, and her promise to follow him wherever the Wolf leads, hint at love and potential sacrifice.

## Character check-ins

### Face-of-god

Returns to Shadowy Vale, meets the Friend, demonstrates spear-throwing, and shares a tender moment.

### Sun-beam

The Friend, who welcomes Face-of-god, shows him the Wolf-carving, and tests his spear-throwing skill.

### Stone-face

Mentioned as the fosterer who told tales of Wights of the Waste, which the Friend dismisses.

## Key lines

> Wolf shall lead thee no-whither but where I also shall be, whatsoever peril or grief may beset the road or lurk at the ending thereof. Thou shalt be no thrall, to labour while I look on.

The Wolf will not lead you anywhere that I will not follow, no matter the danger or sorrow. You will not be a slave, working while I simply watch.

_The Friend pledges her loyalty and companionship to Face-of-god, promising to share his journey and hardships._

> So I would eat before thee, and sign the meat with the sign of the Earth-god’s Hammer, to show thee that he is in error concerning me, and that I am a very woman flesh and fell, as my kindred were before me.

I will eat in front of you and bless the food with the Earth-god's Hammer sign, to prove that Stone-face is wrong about me and that I am truly a woman of flesh and blood, like my ancestors.

_The Friend seeks to dispel Face-of-god's lingering doubts about her being a supernatural being, affirming her humanity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xviii-face-of-god-talketh-with-the-friend-in-shadowy-vale
- 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