# XVII: Ralph Cometh to the House of Abundance 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 Roger ride through a stony, then grassy land, crossing a river and entering a wood with an evil name. They arrive at a white castle on a green mound, where an old woman lets them in. They eat in the hall, and Ralph is led to a fine chamber to sleep, while Roger stays below.

## Themes in this chapter

### Quest and Adventure

Ralph's journey to the Castle of Abundance is part of his larger quest, with hints of the Well at the World's End.

### Home and Wandering

Ralph travels through unfamiliar lands, leaving behind his home at Upmeads, and finds temporary lodging at the castle.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph of Upmeads

Rides with Roger, crosses the river, and arrives at the Castle of Abundance, where he is given a fine chamber.

### Roger

Guides Ralph through the wildwood and to the Castle of Abundance, where he arranges lodging.

### The Lady of Abundance

Mentioned as absent from the castle; the old woman serves in her stead.

## Key lines

> For thence have folk sought ere now to the Well at the World’s End.

People have gone from this place to seek the Well at the World's End.

_Roger hints at the legendary quest associated with the castle._

> There is neither lord nor lady in the castle as now, nor belike will there be tomorrow morning, or rather, before noon on this day.

The lord and lady are not here now, and likely won't be until after noon tomorrow.

_Roger explains the absence of the castle's owners._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/xvii-ralph-cometh-to-the-house-of-abundance
- 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