XIV: Birdalone Leaves the Castle of the Quest explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Female Agency and Autonomy

  Birdalone makes the active choice to leave the Castle of the Quest, asserting her own path despite the entreaties of Aurea and Atra.

• Journey and Quest

  This chapter marks the beginning of Birdalone's departure from the castle, setting out on a new phase of her journey into the wilderness.

Characters to notice

• Birdalone

  Leaves the Castle of the Quest, saying farewell to Aurea and Atra, and setting out with Arnold and the men-at-arms.

• Aurea

  Bids Birdalone farewell, praising and chiding her, expressing concern that Birdalone might have stayed despite the trouble.

• Atra

  Gives Birdalone a farewell and blessing, with a kiss of peace, appearing meek and humble.

• Viridis

  Sends Birdalone a word of comfort and provides raiment and money via Arnold, though Birdalone does not take leave of her in person.

• Arnold

  Accompanies Birdalone from the castle, bearing money from Viridis and pledging himself as her servant.

Key passages

• “On the morrow morn, then, Birdalone spake farewell both to Aurea and Atra; but as for Viridis, she sent her word that she had no heart thereto, and yet she sent her a word of comfort, to wit, that she deemed that they would one day meet again.”

  The next morning, Birdalone said goodbye to Aurea and Atra in person, but sent a message to Viridis saying she couldn't bear to see her, though she comforted her with the hope they would meet again.

  Birdalone avoids a direct farewell with Viridis, offering a hopeful promise instead.

• “Yea, sister, said Birdalone, but might not death have come of my abiding?”

  Birdalone responds to Aurea's chiding by suggesting that staying might have led to her death.

  Birdalone justifies her departure by implying the danger of remaining.

• “Now hast thou forgiven me that weird dragged me in betwixt thy love and thy goodhap; and I have forgiven thee that I am led away by weird into the waste and the wilderness of love.”

  Birdalone tells Atra that she has forgiven her for the fate that drives her into the lonely wilderness of love, and accepts Atra's forgiveness for coming between her and her happiness.

  Birdalone acknowledges the role of fate in their intertwined affections.