The Well at the World’s End · Chapter
Ralph Brings Ursula Home to the High House explained
Ralph and Ursula return to the High House of Upmeads, where they are joyfully received by King Peter and the assembled folk.
What happens
Ralph and Ursula return to the High House of Upmeads, where they are joyfully received by King Peter and the assembled folk. King Peter abdicates his throne in favor of Ralph, proclaiming him King of Upmeads and Ursula his Queen. After a feast, the couple is led to the kingly chamber, blessed by the old king, and left alone as newly wedded.
Themes in this chapter
Home and Wandering
The journey's end is marked by Ralph and Ursula's return to the High House, where they are welcomed as the new king and queen, fulfilling the longing for home.
Love and Desire
Ralph and Ursula's love is celebrated through their reunion, the garlands they exchange, and their final solitude in the kingly chamber as newly wedded.
Sacrifice and Loss
King Peter's abdication and kneeling to his son symbolize the sacrifice of his own reign for the future of Upmeads, while the slain enemies are recalled as a 'tale that hath been told.'
Characters to notice
- Ralph of Upmeads
Returns home with Ursula, is crowned King of Upmeads by his father.
- Ursula
Arrives at the High House as Ralph's beloved, is hailed as Queen and bride of the ancient house.
- Richard the Red
Provides his house for Ursula's preparation and a white palfrey for her riding.
- King Peter
Abdicates his throne, kneels to Ralph and Ursula, and blesses their union.
- Dame Katherine
Present at the high-seat, embraces and kisses Ursula, sits beside her during the feast.
- Nicholas Longshanks
Mentioned as one who would look for Ralph and Ursula at the bridge.
Key passages
“Now is come the very ending of our journey that we so often longed for; and all will be ready by then we come to the High House.”
Ralph tells Ursula that their long-desired journey is finally ending and everything will be prepared for their arrival at the High House.
Ralph expresses the culmination of their quest.
“Nay, dear son, not there, but here shalt thou sit, thou saviour of Upmeads and conqueror of the hearts of men; this is a little land, but therein shall be none above thee.”
King Peter insists that Ralph take the throne, calling him the savior of Upmeads and declaring that no one in the land shall be above him.
King Peter abdicates and elevates Ralph to kingship.
“O thou art fair, and I did well to meet thee in the dark wood.”
Ursula tells Ralph he is handsome and that she was right to have met him in the dark forest.
Ursula recalls their first meeting in the dark wood with affection.