The Well at the World’s End · Chapter
XXIX: They Go Down to Battle in Upmeads explained
Ralph leads a combined force of Shepherds, townsmen, and the Dry Tree Champions into Upmeads to confront the Burg-devils.
What happens
Ralph leads a combined force of Shepherds, townsmen, and the Dry Tree Champions into Upmeads to confront the Burg-devils. After a tense standoff, Ralph's presence causes the enemy to flee in terror, and a great slaughter ensues. The chapter ends with the rout of the invaders and the defense of the High House.
Themes in this chapter
Home and Wandering
Ralph returns to Upmeads to defend his homeland, fulfilling his long journey's purpose.
Sacrifice and Loss
Ralph and his followers face likely death on the hillside, yet they stand firm for their cause.
Power and Tyranny
The Burg-devils represent oppressive invaders who have seized Upmeads and threaten its people.
Characters to notice
- Ralph of Upmeads
Leads the host afoot, bearing the gold-written guisarme; inspires the Shepherds and confronts the enemy champion.
- Richard the Red
Leads the vanguard with a half score of Champions; waves his sword on the brow of the hill.
- Clement Chapman
Helps array the men and speaks to the enemy messenger; stands with Ralph.
- Stephen a-Hurst
A Champion of the Dry Tree; advises Ralph and leads the horsemen.
- Ursula
Comes from St. Austin's with the Sage, wearing a hauberk and sallet; rides a little horse.
- The Sage of Swevenham
Armed at all points, accompanies Ursula and looks a valiant man of war.
Key passages
“Ralph would go afoot as he went yesterday; but today he bore in his hand the ancient staff of war, the gold-written guisarme; and he went amongst the Shepherds, with whom were joined the feeble folk of Upmeads, men whom he had known of old and who knew him, and it was as if their hearts had caught fire from his high heart, and that whatever their past days had been to them, this day at least should be glorious.”
Ralph walked on foot, carrying the old gold-inscribed war-staff, and moved among the Shepherds and the weak folk of Upmeads, who were inspired by his courage and felt that this day would be glorious no matter what came before.
Highlights Ralph's leadership and the morale boost he provides to his troops.
“Then befell a marvel, for even as all eyes of the foemen were turned on him, straightway their shouts and jeering and laughter fell dead, and then gave place to shrieks and wailing, as all they who beheld him cast down their weapons and fled wildly down the hill, overturning whatever stood in their way, till the whole mass of them was broken to pieces, and the hill was covered with nought but cravens and the light-footed Shepherds slaughtering them in the chase.”
A miracle occurred: when the enemy saw Ralph, their mockery turned to terror, and they dropped their weapons and fled in panic, allowing the Shepherds to pursue and slaughter them.
Describes the supernatural effect of Ralph's presence on the enemy.