The Sundering Flood · Chapter
The Staves Which Osberne Taught to the Dalesmen explained
At the Midsummer Feast of the Cloven Mote, Osberne's demeanor improves, and he participates in the solemn rites and songs.
What happens
At the Midsummer Feast of the Cloven Mote, Osberne's demeanor improves, and he participates in the solemn rites and songs. The feast includes traditional Midsummer observances and a high mass for the fallen. The highlight is the singing of staves across the Sundering Flood between the Westdalers and Eastdalers, composed and taught by Osberne, which honor the dead and celebrate the living.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Kinship
The Dalesmen gather together for the Midsummer Feast, singing staves across the river, reinforcing their bonds and shared remembrance of the fallen.
Heroism and Growth
Osberne's recovery from his sorrow and his role in composing the staves demonstrate his personal growth and heroic contribution to the community.
Love and Sacrifice
The staves honor the brave who died in battle, celebrating their sacrifice and the love the community holds for them.
Characters to notice
- Osberne Wulfgrimsson
Osberne shows improvement in his mood and participates in the Midsummer Feast, composing and teaching the staves sung by the Dalesmen.
Key passages
“Now all folk at Wethermel when they looked upon Osberne’s face deemed that he was bettering of the drearihood which had weighed on him ever since the battle with the strong-thieves”
Everyone at Wethermel noticed that Osberne's gloomy mood from the battle was lifting.
Osberne's emotional recovery is observed by the community.
“But it is said that these staves were made by Osberne, and that he taught them to the Western men as well as to the Eastern.”
Osberne composed the staves and taught them to both the Westdalers and Eastdalers.
Osberne's role as poet and teacher unites both sides of the dale.