# XXIX: They Bring the Runaways to Burgstead explained — The Roots of the Mountains

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

## What happens

The Runaways, freed thralls from the Foemen, are brought to Burgstead amidst a joyous procession of Dalesfolk. They are welcomed with flowers, music, and song, and are housed and cherished by the Burgdalers. Face-of-god presents the Silverdale warriors Dallach, Wolf-stone, God-swain, and Spear-fist to the Alderman, who welcomes them as friends and guests. The chapter ends with a feast in the Hall of the Face, where Iron-face praises his son's luck and leadership.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Kinship

The Burgdalers embrace the Runaways with food, flowers, and housing, treating them as guests and kin, and the Silverdale warriors are welcomed into the House of the Face.

### Redemption and Renewal

The Runaways, once thralls, are freed and begin a new life; the chapter emphasizes their physical and emotional renewal through kindness and care.

## Character check-ins

### Face-of-god

Leads the Runaways and Silverdale warriors into Burgstead; presents them to the Alderman and is praised for his success.

### Stone-face

Accompanies Face-of-god and sits on the dais to talk with the Silverdale guests.

### Iron-face

As Alderman, welcomes the guests and drinks to Face-of-god's luck, setting aside his earlier wrath.

### Dallach

Brought by Face-of-god into the Hall; seated on the dais as a guest.

### Redesman

Leads the minstrelsy and sings the song during the procession to the Gate.

### The Bride

Mentioned at the Gate as the procession arrives.

## Key lines

> Strange showed amidst the health and wealth of the Dale the rags and misery and nakedness of the thralls, like a dream amidst the trim gaiety of spring

The thralls' ragged and miserable appearance stood out starkly against the prosperous and cheerful spring landscape of the Dale.

_Highlights the contrast between the freed captives and the thriving Dalesfolk._

> Thus came they to the Gate, and lo! the Bride

They arrived at the Gate, where the Bride was waiting.

_Brief mention of the Bride's presence at the procession's end._

> Son Face-of-god, son Gold-mane, thou bearest with thee both ill luck and good.

Iron-face acknowledges that his son brings both misfortune and fortune, but now he brings honor and joy.

_Iron-face's speech marks a shift from his earlier anger to praise for Face-of-god's success._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxix-they-bring-the-runaways-to-burgstead
- 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