Of the Dwarf and the Pardon explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Betrayal

  Walter's loyalty to the Maid is tested by the Dwarf's accusations, but he chooses forgiveness and reaffirms their bond.

• Sacrifice and Redemption

  Walter risks his life to slay the Dwarf, and the Maid seeks pardon for her past actions, leading to mutual redemption.

Characters to notice

• Golden Walter

  Defends the Maid, slays the Dwarf in combat, and later forgives and comforts her.

• The Maid

  Wounded by the Dwarf's arrow, terrified, and accused of murdering the Lady; she seeks Walter's forgiveness.

• The Dwarf

  Attacks the Maid and Walter, accuses the Maid of murdering the Lady, and is slain by Walter.

• The Lady

  Mentioned as the one the Dwarf claims the Maid murdered.

Key passages

• “But therewithal her speech failed her; and, springing up, she faced the bent and pointed with her finger, and she all deadly pale, and shaking so that she might scarce stand, and might speak no word, though a feeble gibbering came from her mouth.”

  The Maid suddenly lost her voice, stood up, and pointed trembling at the hillside, pale and unable to speak except for a faint, incoherent sound.

  The Maid's terror at seeing the Dwarf renders her speechless and shaking.

• “Then flew Walter's shaft, and true was it aimed, so that it smote the monster full on the breast, but fell down from him as if he were made of stone.”

  Walter's arrow struck the Dwarf squarely in the chest but bounced off harmlessly, as if the creature were stone.

  The Dwarf's supernatural resilience is revealed when Walter's arrow fails to penetrate.

• “He threw down his sword, and took her by the shoulders, and kissed her face over and over, and strained her to him, so that he felt the sweetness of her bosom.”

  Walter dropped his weapon, embraced the Maid, and kissed her repeatedly, holding her close and feeling the warmth of her body.

  Walter's anger dissolves into affection as he forgives the Maid.