# XVIII: They Come to the Dry Tree 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 discover a valley containing the Dry Tree, a monstrous tree hung with shields and weapons, surrounded by a pool of clear water and the dead bodies of many warriors. Ursula prevents Ralph from drinking the water, which proves deadly when a crow drinks and dies. She tricks Ralph into fleeing the valley by claiming to see a spear on the ridge, saving him from the water's poison. After recovering, they ride away from the evil place.

## Themes in this chapter

### Quest and Adventure

Ralph and Ursula's journey to the Dry Tree tests their courage and resourcefulness, as they confront a deadly trap and a mysterious, perilous landscape.

### Sacrifice and Loss

The valley is filled with the dead, their faces frozen in a grin of pain and betrayal, underscoring the cost of past quests and the ever-present threat of death.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph of Upmeads

Nearly drinks the poisoned water at the Dry Tree; is tricked by Ursula into fleeing the valley; recovers from a faint and praises Ursula's wisdom.

### Ursula

Warns Ralph not to drink the water, demonstrates its deadliness with the crow, and tricks him into leaving the valley by claiming to see a spear; revives him with cordial.

## Key lines

> O Ralph, do it not! Seest thou not this water, that although it be bright and clear, so that we may see all the pebbles at the bottom, yet nevertheless when the wind eddies about, and lifts the skirts of our raiment, it makes no ripple on the face of the pool, and doubtless it is heavy with venom; and moreover there is no sign of the way hereabout, as at other watering-steads; O forbear, Ralph!

Ursula warns Ralph not to drink the water, pointing out that despite its clarity, the wind does not ripple its surface, indicating it is poisoned, and there are no trail markers nearby.

_Ursula's keen observation saves Ralph from drinking the deadly water._

> O Ralph, Ralph! look up yonder to the ridge whereby we left our horses; look, look! there glitters a spear and stirreth! and lo a helm underneath the spear: tarry not, let us save our horses!

Ursula falsely claims to see a spear and helmet on the ridge to trick Ralph into fleeing the valley.

_Ursula uses a ruse to draw Ralph away from the poisoned pool._

## Links

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