# Wolves Harry the Flock explained — The Sundering Flood

> Chapter companion for The Sundering Flood by William Morris.

## What happens

Osberne, now past twelve years old, helps the shepherd John tend the sheep. After wolves attack the flock, killing several sheep, the goodman and John confront the wolves but flee in fear. Osberne mocks their cowardice with a song, showing early signs of courage and wit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroism and Growth

Osberne begins to show courage and cleverness, mocking the cowardice of the men and earning admiration from the women.

### Community and Kinship

The household dynamics, including the quarrel between the goodman and John, and the women's support for Osberne, highlight the bonds and tensions within the community.

## Character check-ins

### Osberne Wulfgrimsson

Now past twelve, he helps tend the sheep and shows bravery and cleverness, mocking the men's cowardice with a song.

### Surly John

The shepherd who flees from the wolves and later quarrels with the goodman, being struck for his cowardice.

### Goodman

Osberne's grandfather, who berates John for cowardice but also flees from the wolves, then strikes John in anger.

### Bridget

Brings in the supper with the goodwife, present during the quarrel and Osberne's song.

### Dame Anna

The goodwife, who enters with supper and questions John about his bruised cheek, then smiles on Osberne's song.

## Key lines

> All grey on the bent There the sheep-greedy went: The big spear and shield Met the foes of the field, But nought the white teeth In the warriors gat sheath, For master and man Full meetly they ran.

The grey wolves came to the hillside, hungry for sheep. The men with spear and shield faced them, but the wolves' teeth found no sheath, because both master and man ran away together.

_Osberne's song mocks the cowardice of the goodman and John, who fled from the wolves despite their weapons._

> Three mothers had I, And one is gone by, But two are left here, Leal, buxom, and dear.

I had three mothers; one has passed away, but two remain here, loyal, cheerful, and beloved.

_Osberne affectionately addresses the goodwife and Bridget, acknowledging them as mother figures after the loss of his birth mother._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/iii-wolves-harry-the-flock
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sundering_flood_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters