# XXVIII: Dame Katherine Tells of the Pair of Beads, and Whence She Had Them explained — The Well at the World’s End

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

## What happens

Dame Katherine recounts the origin of the pair of beads she gave to Ralph. She tells how, during a journey to Sarras the Holy, she sought out a Wise Woman, who taught her wisdom and then charged her to give the beads to a man she loved (not of her blood) when he was in most need. The Wise Woman foresaw that the beads would lead a man to the Well at the World's End, but not a woman. Ralph ponders the connection to the Lady of Abundance and Ursula, and the chapter ends with trumpets summoning the town to muster for battle.

## Themes in this chapter

### Quest and Adventure

The beads are directly tied to the quest for the Well at the World's End, and Katherine's own adventurous journey to Sarras is recounted.

### Sacrifice and Loss

Katherine's promise to the Wise Woman involves a personal sacrifice, and the beads are meant for a man in his most need, implying future loss or danger.

### Nature and the Supernatural

The Wise Woman of Sarras possesses supernatural foresight and wisdom, and the beads themselves are a talisman with magical properties.

## Character check-ins

### Dame Katherine

Tells the story of how she obtained the beads from the Wise Woman of Sarras and her promise to give them to a man she loves.

### Clement Chapman

Listens to Katherine's tale and reassures her that she has been a good wife.

### Ralph of Upmeads

Ponders the connection between the Wise Woman of Sarras and the Lady of Abundance, and wonders about Ursula's role in reaching the Well.

## Key lines

> something tells me that it was the will of the Wise Woman that to no other hands they should come.

I feel that the Wise Woman intended the beads only for you.

_Katherine expresses her belief that the beads were destined for Ralph._

> Sooth is that, said Ralph, yet for all that she hath done without help of talisman or witchcraft is she the more worshipful and the dearer.

That is true, but Ursula's achievements without any magical aid make her even more admirable and beloved.

_Ralph praises Ursula for reaching the Well without the beads' help._

> Friends, as we were speaking of all these marvels we were forgetting the need of Upmeads and the day of battle; and lo now! how the dawn is widening and the candles fading.

We have been so absorbed in these wonders that we forgot the urgent battle for Upmeads; see how the dawn is breaking.

_Ralph reminds them of the impending military conflict._

## Links

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