# XVIII: A Change of Days in the Burg of the Four Friths 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 return to the Burg of the Four Friths, finding it transformed with happier, freer folk and improved conditions. They are welcomed at the Flower de Luce, where they speak with townspeople about the town's thriving state and the recent liberation from thralldom. Ralph, Ursula, the Sage, and Richard discuss the possibility of war and victory, and Ralph arranges for Roger to speak with the gate guard Stephen a-Hurst about future plans.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Hierarchy and Freedom

The chapter highlights the Burg's transformation from thralldom to freedom, with former thralls now enjoying new life and participating in the town's defense.

### Home and Wandering

Ralph and his companions are returning from their quest, seeking toward Upmeads, yet they are drawn into the affairs of the Burg and the coming war.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph of Upmeads

Returns to the Burg and observes its transformation; arranges for Roger to speak with Stephen a-Hurst about future plans.

### Ursula

Travels with Ralph and the Sage; engages in conversation with the maidens at the Flower de Luce.

### Richard the Red

Comments on the folk's trust in peace and the need for watchfulness; accompanies Ralph to the Flower de Luce.

### Roger

Grudges the lack of weapons among the folk; speaks with Stephen a-Hurst at the gate to discuss Ralph's intentions.

### The Sage of Swevenham

Travels with the group; speaks with the maidens about the possibility of war and victory.

### Stephen a-Hurst

Gate guard who challenges the travelers; recognizes Roger and agrees to speak with him about Ralph's plans.

## Key lines

> And methinks ye may hope to wend out-a-gates this time otherwise than thou didest before.

Roger suggests that Ralph will be able to leave the town more freely this time than during his previous visit.

_Roger hints at improved circumstances and Ralph's increased influence in the Burg._

> It is indeed a fair sight to see you folk coming back in triumph; and so methinks will many deem if ye abide with us over tomorrow, and yet, Lady, for a while we are well-nigh as joyous as ye can be, whereas we have but newly come into new life also: some of us from very thralldom of the most grievous, and I am of those; and some of us in daily peril of it, like to my sister here.

A maiden at the Flower de Luce expresses joy at seeing the travelers return in triumph, noting that she and others have recently been freed from thralldom and are experiencing a new life.

_The maiden's speech underscores the theme of liberation and the shared joy of the Burg's inhabitants._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/xviii-a-change-of-days-in-the-burg-of-the-four-friths
- 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