# IV explained — The Wolf-Leader

> Chapter companion for The Wolf-Leader by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

Mocquet reports to the General that he is being 'nightmared' by Mother Durand, an old witch from Haramont, and accuses her of witchcraft and revenge. The General advises him to gather more proof before making accusations.

## Themes in this chapter

### Supernatural and Folklore

Mocquet's belief in being nightmared by a witch and his description of her broomstick rides and devil's circle reflect the supernatural folklore of the time.

### Revenge and Its Consequences

Mocquet suspects Mother Durand of revenge for his having witnessed her in a devil's circle, and he vows she will pay for it.

## Character check-ins

### Mocquet

Reports being nightmared by Mother Durand, accusing her of witchcraft and revenge.

### General

Listens to Mocquet's complaint and advises caution in making accusations.

### Mother Durand

Accused by Mocquet of being a witch who nightmared him, and of having been Thibault's mistress.

### Thibault

Mentioned as the former master of Mother Durand, the wolf-leader.

## Key lines

> The matter is, General, the matter is that I am nightmared.

Mocquet tells the General that he is being tormented by a witch's nightmare.

_Mocquet's unique use of 'nightmared' as a verb._

> To revenge herself on me, because I came upon her once at midnight on the heath of Gondreville, when she was dancing round and round in her devil's circle.

Mocquet believes Mother Durand is haunting him in revenge for catching her in a witches' ritual.

_Mocquet's explanation for the witch's actions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wolf_leader_se/chapters/iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wolf_leader_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wolf_leader_se/chapters