The Water of the Wondrous Isles · Chapter
IX: Birdalone Findeth the Isle of Nothing Greatly Bettered, and Is Kindly Entreated There explained
Birdalone journeys to the Isle of Nothing, which she finds transformed into a green and fertile land with orchards and homesteads.
What happens
Birdalone journeys to the Isle of Nothing, which she finds transformed into a green and fertile land with orchards and homesteads. She meets four young, peaceful inhabitants, disarms herself to show trust, and is warmly welcomed. They share food, milk the cows, and spend a merry evening together. Birdalone decides to depart the next day, and sleeps contentedly.
Themes in this chapter
Journey and Quest
Birdalone continues her voyage across the lake, guided by the Sending Boat, seeking her way back to the House under the Wood.
Nature and the Wild
The Isle of Nothing is transformed from barren to lush, with orchards, meadows, and young woodland, reflecting the bounty of nature.
Class and Servitude
The simple, communal life of the islanders contrasts with Birdalone's warrior attire and past servitude, highlighting different social structures.
Characters to notice
- Birdalone
Arrives at the transformed Isle of Nothing, disarms herself, and is kindly received by the inhabitants.
Key passages
“Now it was scarce noon when she departed, and the dark night came upon her in the midst of the water; and she fell asleep in the boat ere the night had grown very old, and woke up in the morning, not exceeding early, maybe about six o’clock; then she looked ahead and thought presently to see the ill-favoured blotch of the Isle of Nothing on the bosom of the blue waters, whereas it was a fair and cloudless morning of latter May.”
She left at noon, night fell while she was on the lake, she slept in the boat, and awoke around six in the morning expecting to see the ugly Isle of Nothing, but instead saw a fair, green land.
Describes the journey and the surprising transformation of the island.
“Birdalone laughed as sweetly as the blackbird sings, and she did off her sallet and shook the plenteous hair down over her, and then drew forth her sword and dagger and cast them to earth, and laid her bow and quiver of arrows upon them, and said: Now will I come to you, or ye shall come to me, whereas I am unweaponed, and no warrior, but a woman, and ye are four to one, and two of you carles; wherefore now ye may bind me or slay me if you will; but in any case I pray you first to give me a mouthful of meat.”
Birdalone laughed sweetly, removed her helmet, let down her hair, threw down her weapons, and declared herself unarmed and a woman, offering them the chance to bind or kill her, but asking first for food.
Shows Birdalone's trust and vulnerability to gain the islanders' goodwill.
“Nay, said Birdalone, it will no better be but that I depart on the morrow; and all thanks do I give you for your kindness.”
Birdalone said she must leave the next day, thanking them for their hospitality.
Birdalone decides not to stay despite the warm welcome.