# IV: A Feast in the Red Pavilion 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 Ursula are honored at a feast in the Red Pavilion of Utterbol, where the new Lord (Bull Shockhead) swears an oath to purge the land of tyrants and bring peace. Ralph swears to return home but aid any who ask. Otter pledges loyalty to the Bull. After the feast, the Lord invites Ralph, Ursula, Otter, and the Sage to the Tower to hear his tale.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Tyranny

The new Lord of Utterbol swears to purge the land of tyrants, contrasting with the previous lord's lust for gems and women at the cost of tears and groans.

### Home and Wandering

Ralph swears to return home to his kindred, yet remains open to helping others on the road, balancing his quest with a sense of duty.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph of Upmeads

Seated at the high-seat, swears an oath to go home and help those in need.

### Ursula

Seated at the high-seat on the Lord's left, dressed in fine raiment.

### Bull Shockhead

Now Lord of Utterbol, hosts the feast and swears to purge the land of tyrants.

### Otter

Old Captain of the Guard, arrives in worn armor, pledges to follow the Bull.

### The Sage of Swevenham

Seated next to Ursula at the feast.

## Key lines

> since forsooth gems and fair women were what the late lord had lusted for the most, and have them he would at the price of howsoever many tears and groans.

The previous lord desired jewels and beautiful women above all else, and he was willing to obtain them no matter how much suffering it caused.

_Highlights the tyranny of the former Lord of Utterbol._

> I swear by the Bull, and they that made him, that in three years’ time or less I will have purged all the lands of Utterbol of all strong-thieves and cruel tyrants, be they big or little, till all be peace betwixt the mountains and the mark of Goldburg; and the wilderness shall blossom like the rose.

I swear by the Bull and its creators that within three years I will rid Utterbol of all thieves and tyrants, great or small, until there is peace from the mountains to Goldburg, and the wilderness will flourish.

_The new Lord's oath to bring justice and prosperity._

> This I swear, that I will go home to my kindred, yet on the road will I not gainsay help to any that craveth it.

I swear that I will return to my family, but along the way I will not refuse help to anyone who asks for it.

_Ralph's personal vow combining homecoming with chivalric duty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/iv-a-feast-in-the-red-pavilion
- 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