# Of the Weapon-Show of the Men of Burgdale and Their Neighbours explained — The Roots of the Mountains

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

## What happens

The chapter describes the Weapon-show, a grand gathering of the folk of Burgdale, the Shepherds, and the Woodlanders in a meadow by Wildlake. The event features a display of war-gear, banners, and companies, with the War-leader and Alderman overseeing the muster. After the formalities, the day is spent in feasting, sports, and dancing, with a sense of joy and unity despite the looming threat of war. The chapter ends with preparations for the Spring Market.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Kinship

The Weapon-show brings together all the Houses, Shepherds, and Woodlanders in a display of unity and shared purpose.

### War and Liberation

The gathering is a preparation for war, with the Runaways present as a reminder of the stakes, and the weapon-show underscores the readiness for conflict.

## Character check-ins

### Face-of-god

War-leader, leads the men of Burgdale with the banner of the Face.

### Stone-face

Leads two hundreds of the House of the Face, clad in glittering array.

### Hall-face

Tall leader of a gallant company of the House of the Face.

### The Bride

Follows Hall-ward of the Steer, going as if she were his son.

### Fox of Upton

Leads the men of the Bull of Mid-dale, an hundred and a half lacking two.

### Fork-beard of Lea

Leads the men of the Vine, an hundred and a half and five men.

## Key lines

> Now on the day appointed for the Weapon-show came the Folk flockmeal to the great and wide meadow that was cleft by Wildlake as it ran to join the Weltering Water.

On the set day for the Weapon-show, the people gathered in large numbers at the broad meadow where Wildlake meets the Weltering Water.

_Describes the gathering location and the communal arrival._

> But the women of the Shepherds were all clad in white, embroidered with green boughs and red blossoms, and the Woodland women wore dark red kirtles.

The Shepherd women wore white dresses with green and red embroidery, while the Woodland women were in dark red gowns.

_Highlights the distinct attire of different groups._

> Now is sundered the Weapon-show. Be ye as merry today as your hearts bid you to be.

The Weapon-show is now concluded. Enjoy yourselves as much as you wish.

_The War-leader dismisses the formal proceedings, encouraging merriment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxxi-of-the-weapon-show-of-the-men-of-burgdale-and-their-neighbours
- 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