The Well at the World’s End · Chapter
XVI: They Come to the House of the Sorceress explained
Ralph and Ursula, guided by the old man and his grandsons, cross a terrible waste and a great woodland before reaching the House of the Sorceress, which is kept tidy by the Innocent People.
What happens
Ralph and Ursula, guided by the old man and his grandsons, cross a terrible waste and a great woodland before reaching the House of the Sorceress, which is kept tidy by the Innocent People. Ralph is overcome with grief remembering the Lady of Abundance, but Ursula comforts him. They meet the wardens, learn that the Sage of Swevenham once drank from the Well, and hear the elder explain why his people do not seek the Well. Ralph and Ursula study a book of lore at an ancient altar, preparing for the next stage of their quest.
Themes in this chapter
Quest and Adventure
Ralph and Ursula continue their perilous journey across a waste and woodland to reach the House of the Sorceress.
Sacrifice and Loss
Ralph is overwhelmed by grief for the Lady of Abundance, and the elder speaks of the cost of seeking immortality.
Home and Wandering
The house, though in the wildwood, is kept as a home; Ralph feels the pull of memory and the path ahead.
Characters to notice
- Ralph of Upmeads
Overcome with grief upon seeing the House of the Sorceress, remembering the Lady of Abundance; comforted by Ursula.
- Ursula
Comforts Ralph in his sorrow; joins him in studying the book of lore at the ancient altar.
- The Sage of Swevenham
Mentioned as the last known man to have drunk from the Well; his lore guides Ralph and Ursula.
- The Lady of Abundance
Her memory and relics are honored at the house; Ralph weeps for her.
Key passages
“Twelve days they rode this waste, and on the thirteenth it began to mend somewhat, and there was a little grass, and sweet waters, and they saw ahead the swelling hills of a great woodland”
After twelve days of riding through barren land, on the thirteenth day the terrain improved with grass and fresh water, and they spotted the hills of a large forest ahead.
Describes the end of the harsh desert crossing.
“Then waxed his heart sore with the memory of that passed time, and the sweetness of his short-lived love, though he refrained him all he might”
His heart ached as he recalled the past and the brief sweetness of his love, though he tried to control himself.
Ralph's emotional reaction to seeing the house.
“the water of that Well shall cause a man to thrive in all ways, and to live through many generations of men, maybe, in honour and good-liking; but it may not keep any man alive forever”
The Well's water brings prosperity and long life, but cannot grant immortality.
The elder explains the limits of the Well's power.