The Sundering Flood · Chapter
XVIII: Elfhild Hears of the Slaying explained
Osberne meets Elfhild at their trysting place and tells her he has slain a man in self-defense.
What happens
Osberne meets Elfhild at their trysting place and tells her he has slain a man in self-defense. Elfhild is troubled, fearing he will outgrow their friendship and seek the company of women. Osberne reassures her, and they share a tale of the sea, forgetting the river that separates them.
Themes in this chapter
Separation and Longing
The Sundering Flood physically separates Osberne and Elfhild, yet they meet at the trysting place, longing for each other's company.
Heroism and Growth
Osberne's slaying of a man marks a step toward manhood, though Elfhild fears it will change their relationship.
Characters to notice
- Osberne Wulfgrimsson
Osberne tells Elfhild of his slaying of a man, defending his deed as just and necessary.
- Elfhild
Elfhild hears of the slaying and expresses concern that Osberne will grow up and leave her behind.
Key passages
“Tidings enough, for now have I done a deed beyond my years, a deed unmeet for a child; to wit, I have slain a man.”
Osberne tells Elfhild that he has killed a man, a deed he considers beyond his age.
Osberne confesses the slaying to Elfhild.
“I see that now thou wilt be no playmate for me, but wilt be a man before thy time, and wilt be looking towards such things as men desire; and that tall maidens come to womanhood will be for thee, not quaint rags of children such as I be.”
Elfhild fears Osberne will outgrow their friendship and seek adult relationships.
Elfhild expresses her insecurity about Osberne's growing up.
“And they both forgat the Sundering Flood, and how they should never meet, as they sat each side of the fearful water, and the tale and sweet speech sped to and fro betwixt them.”
They forgot the river that separated them as they shared stories and kind words.
The pair lose themselves in conversation, ignoring the divide.