# VIII: Of Goldburg Again, and the Queen Thereof 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 Redhead return to Goldburg, where Ralph learns that the Queen has vanished under mysterious circumstances. The host recounts that she disappeared over a year ago, possibly by suicide or fairy flight, and that her cousin King Rainald now rules. Ralph feels sorrow but is consoled by the joy from the Water of the Well, and he decides not to seek her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Desire

Ralph reflects on the Queen's love for him and feels shame for having forgotten her, highlighting unrequited or lost love.

### Sacrifice and Loss

The Queen's disappearance, possibly by suicide or flight, represents a profound loss for Goldburg and for Ralph.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph of Upmeads

Returns to Goldburg, learns of the Queen's disappearance, and reflects on her love for him.

### Redhead

Rides warily with Ralph, arranges for hiring men, and goes to see the King.

### The Queen of Goldburg

Has vanished; the host recounts her possible suicide or fairy departure, and a fisherman's tale of her escape by boat.

### Morfinn the Unmanned

Mentioned as the one who had led Ralph into captivity previously.

## Key lines

> But Ralph wondered whether the Queen would send for him when she heard of his coming back again, and he hoped that she would let him be; for he was ashamed when he thought of her love for him, and how that he had clean forgotten her till he was close to Goldburg again.

Ralph wondered if the Queen would summon him upon learning of his return, but he hoped she would leave him alone, feeling ashamed that he had completely forgotten her love until he neared Goldburg.

_Ralph's internal conflict about the Queen's affection._

> But her women and those that knew her best, deemed that whatso she were, she had slain herself, as they thought, for some unhappiness of love.

Her closest attendants believed she had committed suicide due to some sorrow in love.

_The host's account of the Queen's possible suicide._

> For he knew (when he thought of her) that she loved him, and how would it be if she might not outwear her love, or endure the days of Goldburg, and he far away?

He realized that she loved him, and wondered how she could bear her love or the days in Goldburg while he was far away.

_Ralph's private reflection on the Queen's unendurable love._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/viii-of-goldburg-again-and-the-queen-thereof
- 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