# XII: The Roads Sunder Again 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 Ursula, accompanied by the Sage and Michael-a-dale, journey towards Whitwall. As they approach, Ralph feels elation while Ursula grows anxious about meeting his noble family. Ralph reassures her of her worth, swearing by his sword that if his family does not honor her, he will forsake his lineage and build a new one with her. He speaks of their shared adventures and the Well at the World's End, affirming their bond.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Desire

Ralph and Ursula's deep love is central, as Ralph vows to forsake his family for her, and they recall their shared trials and intimacy.

### Home and Wandering

The journey toward Whitwall and Ralph's home at Upmeads highlights the tension between the wandering life and the desire for a settled home.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph of Upmeads

Ralph is joyful and confident as they near Whitwall, and he passionately reassures Ursula of her worth, swearing to forsake his kindred if they do not honor her.

### Ursula

Ursula feels shy and anxious about meeting Ralph's noble family, fearing she will be judged as a yeoman's daughter despite their shared adventures.

### The Sage of Swevenham

The Sage rides behind Ralph and Ursula as they journey toward Whitwall.

### Mick Hangman

Michael-a-dale rides with the Sage, accompanying Ralph and Ursula on their journey.

## Key lines

> I am drawing nigh to thy home, and I am ashamed. Beyond the mountains, who knew what and whence I was? I was fair, and for a woman not unvaliant, and that was enough. But now when I am coming amongst the baronages and the lineages, what shall I do to hold up my head before the fools and the dastards of these high kindreds?

Ursula confesses her shame at approaching Ralph's home, fearing that her humble origins will make her feel inferior among his noble relatives.

_Ursula's anxiety about social status and acceptance._

> By my sword I swear it, that when I come home to the little land, if my father and my mother and all my kindred fall not down before thee and worship thee, then will I be a man without kindred, and I will turn my back on the land I love, and the House wherein I was born, and will win for thee and me a new kindred that all the world shall tell of.

Ralph swears that if his family does not honor Ursula, he will abandon them and create a new legacy with her.

_Ralph's vow of loyalty and defiance of family expectations._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/xii-the-roads-sunder-again
- 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