The Sundering Flood · Chapter
XIII: Steelhead Gives Osberne the Sword Boardcleaver explained
Steelhead, disguised as Waywearer, reveals himself and presents Osberne with the legendary sword Boardcleaver.
What happens
Steelhead, disguised as Waywearer, reveals himself and presents Osberne with the legendary sword Boardcleaver. He warns the boy that the sword must only be drawn in true need, against a foe, and never in a false quarrel. Osberne, moved by Steelhead's praise, vows to live up to his expectations and receives the sword, though he doubts his strength to wield it.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Growth
Osberne's inner growth is marked by Steelhead's praise; he vows to become a worthy warrior and receives a legendary sword.
Fate and Destiny
The sword Boardcleaver is tied to ancient fate and must only be drawn in dire need; Osberne's destiny as a warrior is foreshadowed.
Characters to notice
- Osberne Wulfgrimsson
Receives the sword Boardcleaver from Steelhead; feels the glow of praise and vows to be worthy.
- Steelhead
Reveals himself as Waywearer; gives Osberne the sword Boardcleaver and lays down conditions for its use.
- Stephen the Eater
Sent by Osberne to saddle the horses.
- Dame Anna
Burns Steelhead's ragged clothes and provides him with new raiment.
- Goodman
The carle-master who ruefully agrees to the gift of a horse to Steelhead.
Key passages
“For this sword is hight Boardcleaver, and was fashioned by the fathers of long ago; and so wise is he and so eager, that whensoever he cometh forth from the sheath he will not go back again till he hath had a life.”
The sword Boardcleaver, made by ancient smiths, is so eager for blood that once drawn it will not be sheathed until it has taken a life.
Steelhead warns Osberne of the sword's deadly nature.
“But I lay this upon thee therewith, that thou be no brawler nor make-bate, and that thou draw not Boardcleaver in any false quarrel, or in behalf of any tyrant or evildoer, or else shall thy luck fail thee despite the blade that lieth hidden there.”
Steelhead commands Osberne never to use the sword in a petty fight or for an unjust cause, or he will lose his luck.
Steelhead sets a moral condition on the gift.
“Now it is to be told, that when Osberne heard these words then first he knew what praise was, and the heart glowed within him, and his valiancy grew up therein, and his face was bright and his eyes glistened with tears; and he spake no word aloud, but he swore to himself that he would be no worse than his friend Steelhead would have him to be.”
Osberne feels the power of praise for the first time; his courage swells and he silently vows to live up to Steelhead's expectations.
A key moment of character growth for Osberne.