The Water of the Wondrous Isles · Chapter
II: Birdalone Taketh Counsel with Her Wood-Mother Concerning the Matter of Sir Hugh explained
Birdalone meets with her wood-mother Habundia at the Oak of Tryst to seek counsel about Sir Hugh the Green Knight's desire to return to his lands under the Green Mountains to fetch his goods and folk.
What happens
Birdalone meets with her wood-mother Habundia at the Oak of Tryst to seek counsel about Sir Hugh the Green Knight's desire to return to his lands under the Green Mountains to fetch his goods and folk. Habundia advises against the perilous water route and instead offers to provide three armed men in green gear, with sumpter-beasts, to guard Hugh through the wood. She also asks Birdalone to bring Atra to her, that she may teach her wisdom and solace her heart. Birdalone returns to the fellowship by the brookside and shares the good news, and they all rejoice together.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Autonomy
Birdalone takes initiative in seeking counsel and proposing the move to Utterhay, while Habundia exercises her power and wisdom to guide and protect.
Nature and the Wild
The wood and its magical guardian Habundia are central to the chapter, offering safe passage and counsel through the natural world.
Journey and Quest
Hugh's planned journey back to the Green Mountains and the fellowship's intended move to Utterhay highlight the theme of travel and quest.
Characters to notice
- Birdalone
Seeks counsel from Habundia regarding Sir Hugh's journey and proposes moving to Utterhay.
- Habundia
The wood-mother who offers guidance and magical aid, providing three armed men to guard Hugh through the wood.
- Hugh the Green Knight
The Green Knight who wishes to return to his lands under the Green Mountains to fetch his goods and folk.
- Atra
Habundia specifically asks Birdalone to bring Atra to her, that she may teach her wisdom and solace her heart.
Key passages
“Now I see that thou art well content with this last matter I have done for thee, whereas thou art come to crave a new gift of me.”
Habundia observes that Birdalone's happiness with the previous favor has brought her to ask for another.
Habundia reads Birdalone's intent from her demeanor.
“I have come to tell thee of my rede, said Birdalone, and to ask thee if thou art like-minded with me thereon.”
Birdalone explains that she has come to share her plan and seek Habundia's agreement.
Birdalone seeks validation from her wood-mother.
“As to the way by water, I may help you little therein, and meseemeth that way be many traps and wiles and many perils.”
Habundia warns that the water route is full of dangers and she can offer little assistance there.
Habundia advises against the perilous water journey.
“But by no means let him send them away till he hath done with the wood altogether, both betwixt here and the western dwelt-land, and here and Utterhay, save thou be with him.”
Habundia insists that Hugh must keep the three men with him until he is completely out of the wood, unless Birdalone is present.
Habundia sets conditions for the magical protection.
“And I were fain to reward her in that she hath forborne to grudge against thee and to bear thee enmity.”
Habundia wishes to reward Atra for not harboring jealousy or hostility toward Birdalone.
Habundia acknowledges Atra's restraint and generosity.
