# XI: They Come Through the Mountains Into the Plain 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 his companions travel through the mountains and arrive at the dwelling of the Folk of the Fells, a wild but hospitable tribe. They are feasted for three days, and Ralph participates in hunting wild bulls, impressing the folk with his prowess. Ursula stays with the women, learning their stories. The party then departs with an escort, descending safely into the plain, where the Goldburg men and wild men bid a sorrowful farewell.

## Themes in this chapter

### Home and Wandering

Ralph's longing for Upmeads contrasts with the hospitality of the wild men, highlighting the tension between the desire for home and the necessity of wandering.

### Nature and the Supernatural

The wild men's worship of their forefathers as gods and their uncouth prayers blend natural tribal life with supernatural beliefs.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph of Upmeads

Ralph participates in the hunt of wild bulls, impressing the wild men with his prowess, though he longs for Upmeads.

### Ursula

Ursula abstains from hunting and stays with the women of the Folk, learning their ways and stories.

### The Sage of Swevenham

The Sage also refrains from hunting and remains with Ursula during the stay.

## Key lines

> they always sold them for what they would bring to the plain-dwellers; or else slew them, or held them to ransom, but never brought them home to their stead.

They either sold captives to lowland people, killed them, or ransomed them, but never took them back to their own settlement.

_Explains the wild men's policy regarding captives._

> the heart and the might in him so arose that he enforced himself to do well, and the wild men wondered at his prowess, whereas he was untried in this manner of sports, and they deemed him one of the Gods

Ralph's spirit and strength surged, driving him to excel in the hunt, and the wild men, amazed at his skill in an unfamiliar sport, considered him divine.

_Highlights Ralph's exceptional performance and the wild men's reverence._

## Links

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