# XVII: They Fall in with That Hermit explained — The Well at the World’s End

> Chapter companion for The Well at the World’s End by William Morris.

## What happens

Ralph, Ursula, Richard, and the Sage encounter Roger, who is living as a hermit. Ralph recounts his adventures, and Roger reveals the fate of the Dry Tree champions: after the Lady of Abundance's death, they defeated a Burg host, freed Wheat-wearer captives, trained them in war, and together overthrew the Burg's army, leading to a new order in the Burg. Roger agrees to guide them, despite his resentment of Ursula, and they set out together.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sacrifice and Loss

Roger's hermitage and lingering grief for the Lady of Abundance; the champions' sorrow after her death drives their actions.

### Social Hierarchy and Freedom

The Wheat-wearer women's liberation from captivity and their transformation into warriors; the overthrow of the Burg's tyranny and the establishment of a new, more equitable order.

### Quest and Adventure

Ralph's ongoing journey to aid his kindred; the party's decision to travel through the Burg and beyond, with Roger as guide.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph of Upmeads

Tells Roger his full story; seeks help to reach his kindred; persuades Roger to join him.

### Ursula

Present with Ralph; Roger resents her as the one who inherited the Lady's luck.

### Richard the Red

Travels with Ralph; urges Roger to join the adventure.

### Roger

Living as a hermit; reveals the fate of the Dry Tree; agrees to guide Ralph despite his bitterness toward Ursula.

### The Sage of Swevenham

Travels with the party; counsels Roger to set aside his resentment and join them.

### The Lady of Abundance

Mentioned as the lost queen of the Dry Tree; Roger's lingering grief centers on her.

## Key lines

> deem that I am drawn by my kindred to come to their help, and that time presses.

Ralph explains that he feels compelled to aid his family and that time is of the essence.

_Ralph's motivation for urgency in his quest._

> Thou shalt go in at one gate and out at the other, and none shall hinder thee.

Roger assures Ralph that he can pass through the Burg of the Four Friths unopposed.

_Roger's guarantee of safe passage through the Burg._

> Meseems it is ill enough that there is no longer, rightly said, a Fellowship of the Dry Tree, though the men be alive who were once of that fellowship.

Roger laments that the Dry Tree as a distinct fellowship has dissolved, even though its former members still live.

_Roger's nostalgia for the old order of the Dry Tree._

> I will smooth my tongue for this while at least, and for what may come hereafter, let it be.

Roger agrees to speak civilly for now, leaving future consequences to fate.

_Roger's reluctant acceptance of the journey despite his feelings._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/xvii-they-fall-in-with-that-hermit
- 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