The Water of the Wondrous Isles · Chapter
II: Of Birdalone, and How She Rested the Night Through in a Bower Without the Castle of the Quest explained
Birdalone is led by the priest to a small bower outside the Castle of the Quest, where she learns the castle's custom of refusing entry to women because the lords are on a quest for their lost loves.
What happens
Birdalone is led by the priest to a small bower outside the Castle of the Quest, where she learns the castle's custom of refusing entry to women because the lords are on a quest for their lost loves. The priest advises her to wait for the lords' return and offers his friendship. Birdalone rests peacefully in the bower, feeling happy and safe in the meadow-land.
Themes in this chapter
Journey and Quest
Birdalone's arrival at the Castle of the Quest and the lords' quest for their lost loves are central to the chapter.
Female Agency and Autonomy
Birdalone takes initiative in seeking the lords and is determined to fulfill her errand despite the castle's custom.
Characters to notice
- Birdalone
Birdalone is led by the priest to a bower outside the Castle of the Quest, where she learns of the lords' quest for their lost loves and rests peacefully.
- The Priest
The priest escorts Birdalone to the bower, advises her on how to meet the lords, and shows her kindness, though he is visibly troubled by his desire.
Key passages
“I shall tell thee, lady, that I suppose thou hast more errand with my lords than to crave lodging of them despite the custom of the castle.”
The priest suggests that Birdalone has a purpose beyond seeking shelter.
The priest hints that he suspects Birdalone's true mission.
“The castle is called in this countryside, the White Ward by the Water; but within there we call it the Castle of the Quest; and thus is it called because my lords are seeking their loves whom they have lost; and they have sworn an oath that no woman shall enter therein till their own loves have trodden its floors.”
The priest explains the castle's name and the lords' oath to exclude women until their lost loves return.
This reveals the central quest and the reason for the castle's custom.