The Well at the World’s End · Chapter
VII: Of Their Riding the Waste, and of a Battle Thereon explained
Ralph, Ursula, and the Utterbol men ride across the waste, encountering a band of Black Riders.
What happens
Ralph, Ursula, and the Utterbol men ride across the waste, encountering a band of Black Riders. In the ensuing battle, Ralph fights valiantly, and the Utterbol men prevail. Ursula is nearly struck by a javelin but is unharmed. Later, they camp on the very field where Ralph was once betrayed, and he and Ursula share a tender moment.
Themes in this chapter
Quest and Adventure
The journey across the waste and the battle with the Black Riders highlight the perilous and adventurous nature of Ralph's quest.
Love and Desire
Ralph and Ursula's tender exchange at the campsite, where they recall past grief and find comfort in each other, underscores their deep bond.
Sacrifice and Loss
The battle results in deaths and injuries, and Ralph's recollection of his betrayal on the same field evokes past loss.
Characters to notice
- Ralph of Upmeads
Fights bravely in the battle, using his sword to great effect; later recalls the field of his betrayal and camps there with Ursula.
- Ursula
Rides with the company, narrowly avoids a javelin, and later shares a loving moment with Ralph at the campsite.
- Redhead
Leads the Utterbol men, speaks of his past encounter with the Black Riders' leader, and expresses admiration for Ursula.
- The Lord of Utterbol
Mentioned as the lord of the men Ralph and Redhead are leading; his token is carried.
Key passages
“Fear not, beloved, for steel kept out steel: I have no scratch or point or edge on me.”
Do not worry, my love; the armor protected me, and I am completely unharmed.
Ursula reassures Ralph after nearly being hit by a javelin.
“Warrior-like and wisely thou speakest; and whoever thou servest thou shalt serve well.”
You speak like a true warrior, and any master you serve will be well served.
Ralph compliments Redhead's wisdom about the nature of battle.
“Let me light down then, that I may kiss the earth of that kind field, where thou wert not stayed over long, but even long enough that we might meet in the dark wood thereafter.”
Let me dismount so I can kiss the ground of this kind field, where you were not delayed too long—just long enough for us to meet later in the dark wood.
Ursula expresses gratitude for the field where Ralph was captured, as it led to their eventual meeting.