The Water of the Wondrous Isles · Chapter
XVI: Birdalone Meeteth Habundia Again; and Learneth Her First Wisdom of Her explained
Birdalone longs to visit Habundia but waits until the witch-wife grants her leave.
What happens
Birdalone longs to visit Habundia but waits until the witch-wife grants her leave. She meets Habundia at the Oak of Tryst, recounts her progress in learning the boat spell, and decides to observe the witch one more time before attempting the adventure. Habundia agrees and begins to teach Birdalone her wisdom of the earth. Birdalone returns home with venison, and the witch-wife notices a change in her, remarking that she looks more womanly.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Autonomy
Birdalone takes initiative to seek Habundia, requests wisdom, and plans her own escape, demonstrating growing agency.
Identity and Transformation
The witch-wife notes Birdalone's changing appearance toward womanhood, and Birdalone begins to learn deeper wisdom, signaling inner transformation.
Characters to notice
- Birdalone
Seeks Habundia again, learns first wisdom, and resolves to observe the witch once more before attempting escape.
- Habundia
Meets Birdalone at the Oak of Tryst, warns her of peril, and begins teaching her the wisdom of the earth.
- The Witch Wife
Returns in a blithe mood, grants Birdalone leave to go to the wood, and later remarks on Birdalone's changed, more womanly appearance.
Key passages
“I would ask thee a thing and crave somewhat of thee, as if thou wert verily my mother; wilt thou grant it me?”
Birdalone asks Habundia to teach her wisdom, treating her like a mother.
Birdalone's request marks the beginning of her formal education in Habundia's lore.
“I cannot tell how it is, but thou seemest changed unto me, and lookest more towards thy womanhood than even yesterday.”
The witch-wife observes that Birdalone appears more mature and womanly.
The witch notices Birdalone's growth, hinting at her impending transformation.