# Of the Journeying Through the Forest of Evilshaw Unto the Town of Utterhay explained — The Water of the Wondrous Isles > Chapter companion for The Water of the Wondrous Isles by William Morris. ## What happens Birdalone leads Sir Hugh to the Oak of Tryst, where he departs with three men-at-arms. Over the following weeks, Birdalone introduces her three friends to Habundia, and Atra in particular grows close to the wood-mother, learning earth-lore. After twenty-three days, Hugh returns, having settled his affairs and arranged for the Castle of the Quest to be restored. The company then travels through Evilshaw to Utterhay, where they are met by the captain of the porte. Birdalone offers herself as hostage, and they are welcomed by the mayor. Later, the Gerardson brothers, Robert and Giles, joyfully reunite with Birdalone. ## Themes in this chapter ### Journey and Quest The company travels through the Forest of Evilshaw to Utterhay, marking a significant movement from the wild woods to a civilized town, with Hugh's return and the group's resettlement. ### Female Agency and Autonomy Birdalone offers herself as hostage of her own free will, and Atra independently seeks out Habundia to learn earth-lore, demonstrating the women's active roles. ### Nature and the Wild The Forest of Evilshaw is a central setting, both feared and navigated with the help of Habundia's way-leaders, highlighting the interplay between nature and human endeavor. ## Character check-ins ### Birdalone Leads Sir Hugh to the Oak of Tryst, introduces her friends to Habundia, offers herself as hostage to the captain of Utterhay, and is joyfully greeted by the Gerardson brothers. ### Hugh the Green Knight Departs on a journey, returns after twenty-three days having settled his affairs, leads the company through Evilshaw, and negotiates entry into Utterhay. ### Habundia Meets Birdalone's three friends, teaches Atra earth-lore, and provides way-leaders to guide the company through Evilshaw. ### Atra Grows close to Habundia, learns earth-lore, and becomes ruddier and merrier of countenance. ### Robert Gerardson Appears with his brother Giles in Utterhay, kneels and kisses Birdalone's hand, expressing joy at her arrival. ### Giles Gerardson Embraces Birdalone and kisses her face, weeping with joy, then stands trembling before her. ## Key lines > On the morrow in due time Birdalone, going afoot, led Sir Hugh, all-armed and horsed, to the Oak of Tryst, and there they found the three men-at-arms, well-weaponed and in green weed, abiding them. The next day, Birdalone walked and guided the fully armed Sir Hugh on horseback to the Oak of Tryst, where three well-armed men in green clothing were waiting. _Describes the departure of Sir Hugh with his escort._ > And thereafter when Birdalone went to meet her wood-mother, Atra would go with her if she were asked, and at last would go alone, when she found that Habundia was fain of her coming, so that there were not many days when they met not; and the wood-wife fell to learning her the lore of the earth, as she had done aforetime with Birdalone; and Atra waxed ruddier and merrier of countenance, whereof was Birdalone right glad, and Arthur yet more glad, and the others well content. Atra began accompanying Birdalone to see Habundia, eventually going alone, and Habundia taught her earth-lore, making Atra healthier and happier, to everyone's delight. _Shows Atra's growing bond with Habundia and her personal transformation._ > Sithence he had come his ways to Greenford, and had held talk therein with the prior of a great and fair house of Black Canons, and had given him no little wealth wherewith to redo the Castle of the Quest what was needed, and for livelihood of four canons to dwell there, and Leonard to be their prior, that there they might remember Sir Baudoin their dear friend daily in the office, and do good unto his soul. Hugh then went to Greenford and spoke with the prior of a large monastery, giving him money to restore the Castle of the Quest and support four canons with Leonard as prior, so they could pray daily for Sir Baudoin's soul. _Details Hugh's arrangements for the Castle of the Quest and the memorial for Sir Baudoin._ > Said the chief of them: Nay, lord, no reward may we take, save a token from thee that thou art content with us. What token shall it be? said Hugh. Quoth the way-leader: That each of us kiss the Lady Birdalone on the mouth, for she it is that is verily our mistress under our great mistress. The leader of the way-leaders refused a reward, asking only that each be allowed to kiss Birdalone on the mouth as a token of contentment, since she was their mistress under Habundia. _Highlights the reverence the wood-folk have for Birdalone._ > But when the captain saw her thus, all the blood stirred in his body for joy of her beauty, and he might but just sit his horse for his wonder and longing; but he said: The saints forbid it, lady, that I should do thee any hurt or displeasure, or aught save the most worship I may. The captain was so overwhelmed by Birdalone's beauty that he could barely stay on his horse, but he assured her he would never harm or dishonor her. _Illustrates the captain's awe and respect for Birdalone._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/iii-of-the-journeying-through-the-forest-of-evilshaw-unto-the-town-of-utterhay - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters