# II: They Break Their Fast in the Wildwood explained — The Well at the World’s End

> Chapter companion for The Well at the World’s End by William Morris.

## What happens

Ralph and the Lady of Abundance journey through the wildwood, pausing to rest and eat by a brook. The Lady explains she left Silverfax behind to mislead Roger, and they discuss their destination, Hampton under Scaur, rather than the Castle of Abundance. She promises to tell Ralph her story, correcting errors in the book he read.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Desire

Ralph and the Lady's intimate bond deepens through physical affection and shared vulnerability in the wild.

### Quest and Adventure

The journey to Hampton under Scaur continues, with the Lady guiding Ralph through unknown woods.

### Nature and the Supernatural

The Lady's knowledge of the woods is attributed to her upbringing, not sorcery, yet her connection to the natural world feels almost magical.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph of Upmeads

Travels with the Lady, expresses longing for the Castle of Abundance, and shares a tender meal by the brook.

### The Lady of Abundance

Leads Ralph through the woods, reveals she left Silverfax to mislead Roger, and promises to tell her story.

### Roger

Mentioned as the one who might pursue them, but the Lady has taken steps to mislead him.

### Silverfax

The horse left behind by the Lady to mislead Roger, mentioned as having been whispered to.

## Key lines

> I said a word in the ear of Silverfax or ever I departed, and now the good beast knows my mind, and will lead the fierce lord a little astray, but not too much, lest he follow us with his eager heart and be led by his own keen woodcraft.

I whispered to Silverfax before we left, so he will mislead Roger just enough to delay him without making him suspicious.

_The Lady explains her strategy to ensure their escape._

> Sooth to say, Knight, I am no weakling dame, who cannot move her limbs save in the dance, or to back the white palfrey and ride the meadows, goshawk on wrist; I am both well-knit and light-foot as the Wood-wife and Goddess of yore agone.

I am not a delicate lady who only dances or rides; I am strong and nimble like the ancient woodland goddess.

_The Lady asserts her physical capability and independence._

> It is a long while now since the beginning of the June day, and meseems I know thy lack, and the slaking of it lieth somewhat nearer than Hampton under Scaur, which we shall not reach these two days if we go afoot all the way.

It's been a long day, and I think I know what you need—and it's closer than Hampton, which is two days away on foot.

_The Lady senses Ralph's hunger and suggests a rest stop._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/ii-they-break-their-fast-in-the-wildwood
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters