The Well at the World’s End · Chapter
Bull Telleth of His Winning of the Lordship of Utterbol explained
Bull recounts how he came to Utterbol, tamed a lion, and slew the tyrannical Lord of Utterbol to avenge his brother's death.
What happens
Bull recounts how he came to Utterbol, tamed a lion, and slew the tyrannical Lord of Utterbol to avenge his brother's death. With Otter's support, he was proclaimed the new Lord of Utterbol, married the Lady, and began to reform the domain.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Tyranny
The old Lord's cruel rule and Bull's overthrow illustrate the cycle of tyranny and just rebellion.
Sacrifice and Loss
Bull's brother is murdered by the Lord, driving Bull's quest for vengeance.
Nature and the Supernatural
Bull's gift of taming wild beasts, especially the lion, blurs the line between natural and supernatural.
Characters to notice
- Bull Shockhead
Narrates his journey to Utterbol, taming of the lion, and slaying of the Lord to avenge his brother.
- Otter
Supports Bull after the killing, offers him the lordship, and later kneels as his man.
- The Lord of Utterbol
The tyrant slain by Bull for murdering his brother and capturing the Lady.
- The Lady of Abundance
Mentioned as the woman the Lord had captured; later becomes Bull's wedded wife.
- Agatha
Suffered under the old Lord; Bull gives her gifts and freedom.
- Ralph of Upmeads
Listener to Bull's tale, promises to speak well of Bull on his journey home.
Key passages
“I set my foot on the foot-pace of this murderer's chair, and hove up my short-sword, and clave his skull, in front and with mine own hand”
Bull stepped up to the murderer's chair and split his skull with his sword.
Bull's direct vengeance for his brother's death.
“I give thee the choice of two things, either that thou be Lord of Utterbol, or that we slay thee here and now.”
Otter offers Bull the lordship or death.
Otter forces Bull to accept the position of Lord of Utterbol.
“I have a gift that wild things love and will do my bidding.”
Bull claims animals naturally obey him.
Bull's unique ability to tame wild creatures.