# VI: Of the Talk Betwixt Birdalone and Viridis explained — The Water of the Wondrous Isles

> Chapter companion for The Water of the Wondrous Isles by William Morris.

## What happens

Birdalone wakes after a night's sleep and is visited by Viridis, who comforts her. They discuss the reactions of the fellowship to Baudoin's death and Birdalone's role in it. Viridis advises Birdalone to tell her full story to the entire group rather than privately to Arthur, to avoid further discord. Birdalone reluctantly agrees, feeling a secret joy despite the sorrow.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Autonomy

Birdalone and Viridis navigate their own emotions and decisions regarding the fellowship's dynamics and Birdalone's confession.

### Love and Desire

Undercurrents of romantic jealousy and affection among Birdalone, Arthur, Atra, and Viridis.

### Identity and Transformation

Birdalone's struggle with her past actions and her place within the fellowship after the tragedy.

## Character check-ins

### Birdalone

Wakes and is comforted by Viridis; feels guilt over Baudoin's death but also secret joy.

### Viridis

Visits Birdalone, weeps with her, and advises her to tell her tale to the whole fellowship.

### Hugh the Green Knight

Mentioned as Viridis's loveling; speaks well of Birdalone.

### Aurea

Does not blame Birdalone for Baudoin's death; plans to comfort her.

### Atra

Says little but accepts fate; Viridis fears Birdalone's story may hurt her.

### Arthur the Black Squire

Says nothing of Birdalone; Viridis notes he is jealous and covetous.

## Key lines

> Tell me, art thou weeping for thy friend who is lost, and who shall be thy friend no more; or thy friend whom thou hast found?

Birdalone asks Viridis whether her tears are for Baudoin, who is dead, or for Birdalone herself, whom she has rediscovered.

_Birdalone seeks reassurance of Viridis's loyalty._

> He sayeth nought of thee, but that he would hear all the tale of what befell thee in the Black Valley.

Viridis reports that Arthur has said nothing about Birdalone except that he wants to hear her story of the Black Valley.

_Arthur's silence and curiosity hint at his jealousy and concern._

> I pray thee, and I pray thee, sweet, do so much for me as to tell thy tale to the fellowship of us.

Viridis pleads with Birdalone to share her story with the entire group rather than privately.

_Viridis believes a public telling will reunite the fellowship._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/vi-of-the-talk-betwixt-birdalone-and-viridis
- 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