# Bull Telleth of His Winning of the Lordship of Utterbol explained — The Well at the World’s End

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/v-bull-telleth-of-his-winning-of-the-lordship-of-utterbol
- 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