VIII: Of Birdalone and the Witch-Wife explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Female Agency and Autonomy

  Birdalone begins to exercise her own will and guile, lying to the witch to protect her secret meetings with Habundia and her growing independence.

• Power and Sorcery

  The witch-wife's power over Birdalone is evident in her questioning and threats, while Birdalone's new guile represents a subtle shift in the balance of power.

• Identity and Transformation

  Birdalone is described as having grown more womanly and sleekened, and she feels a new sense of self as she navigates between the witch's control and her own desires.

Characters to notice

• Birdalone

  Returns home glad and light-footed, uses guile to deflect the witch's suspicion, and feels relief and gratitude toward her mistress.

• The Witch Wife

  Scowls and questions Birdalone suspiciously, but eventually softens and promises her rest after the hay harvest.

• Habundia

  Referenced as the wood-woman who foretold Birdalone's return and is the kind friend Birdalone has gained.

Key passages

• “It went with Birdalone as Habundia had foretold, for she came home to the house glad of semblance, flushed and light-foot, so that she was lovely and graceful beyond her wont.”

  Birdalone returned home just as Habundia had predicted, looking happy and moving lightly, which made her appear unusually lovely and graceful.

  Sets the tone for Birdalone's changed demeanor and the fulfillment of Habundia's prophecy.

• “The dame looked on her doubtfully and grimly a while, and then she said: What ails thee, my servant, that thou lookest so masterful?”

  The witch-wife stared at her with suspicion and displeasure, then asked what made her look so self-assured.

  Highlights the witch's immediate suspicion of Birdalone's changed appearance and mood.

• “Birdalone hung her head adown, and blushed, but smiled a little, and swayed her body gently, as a willow-bough is swayed when a light air arises in the morning.”

  Birdalone lowered her head, blushed, and smiled slightly, swaying gently like a willow branch in a morning breeze.

  Illustrates Birdalone's mixed emotions and her attempt to appear innocent and submissive.

• “But the witch stood so scowling on her, and with so sour a look, that Birdalone, glancing at her, found her heart sink so within her, that she scarce kept countenance; yet she lost it not.”

  The witch's fierce scowl made Birdalone's heart sink, but she managed to maintain her composure.

  Shows Birdalone's fear and her growing ability to hide her true feelings.

• “Then said the dame fiercely: And what sawest thou? Quoth Birdalone, looking up with an innocent face somewhat scared: Lady, I saw a bear, one of the big ones, crossing a glade.”

  The witch demanded to know what Birdalone had seen, and Birdalone, feigning innocence and fear, said she saw a large bear crossing a clearing.

  Demonstrates Birdalone's use of deception to protect her secret meeting with Habundia.

• “The dame looked on her carefully, and remembered how she had faltered and changed countenance that other day, when she had charged her with being minded to flee; and now she saw her with wondering face, and in no wise confused or afraid of guilt, as it seemed; so she believed her tale.”

  The witch studied Birdalone, recalling her earlier nervousness when accused of planning to flee, but now saw only an innocent, puzzled expression, so she accepted her story.

  Highlights Birdalone's improved skill in deception and the witch's momentary trust.