The Worm Ouroboros · Chapter
III: The Red Foliot explained
The Red Foliot hosts a feast for the Witches and Demons after the wrestling match and death of King Gorice XI.
What happens
The Red Foliot hosts a feast for the Witches and Demons after the wrestling match and death of King Gorice XI. Lord Juss refuses to eat or drink with the Witches, accusing them of betrayal. Lord Gro attempts to persuade the Red Foliot to allow a night attack on the Demons, but the Red Foliot refuses to allow murder under his roof. Gro then tricks the Red Foliot into signing a treaty against Demonland by showing a forged letter, but the Red Foliot still insists both parties depart in peace the next day.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Lord Juss accuses the Witches of betraying their sworn confederates; Gro's manipulation of the Red Foliot involves forged documents and deceit.
Honor and Chivalry
The Red Foliot upholds the sanctity of oaths and refuses to allow murder of guests, while the Demons refuse to break their own vows by dining with the Witches.
Pride and Hubris
Corinius's rage and desire for immediate vengeance, and Brandoch Daha's contemptuous gaze, highlight personal pride and the refusal to forgive past slights.
Characters to notice
- Red Foliot
Hosts the feast and acts as keeper of oaths; refuses to allow night slayings but is tricked into signing a treaty against Demonland.
- Lord Gro
Devises a plot to attack the Demons by night; uses cunning and a forged letter to manipulate the Red Foliot into an alliance.
- Lord Juss
Leads the Demons in refusing to eat or drink with the Witches, citing their betrayal at the sea-fight against the Ghouls.
- Corinius
Angry and eager to attack the Demons; threatens to kill Gro but is restrained by Corund.
- Corund
Defends Gro from Corinius's wrath, insisting on hearing his explanation before any violence.
- Brandoch Daha
Gazes at Corinius with contemptuous amusement, highlighting the mutual hatred between them.
Key passages
“But we will not eat nor drink with the lords of Witchland, who bewrayed and forsook us their sworn confederates at the sea-fight against the Ghouls.”
Lord Juss refuses to share a meal with the Witches because they betrayed the Demons during the battle against the Ghouls.
Highlights the theme of betrayal and the Demons' refusal to reconcile.
“I will not suffer night-slayings nor murthers in my Isles.”
The Red Foliot forbids any assassination or violence during the night within his territory.
Demonstrates the Red Foliot's commitment to hospitality and honor.
“The harvest of this world is to the resolute, and he that is infirm of purpose is ground betwixt the upper and the nether millstone.”
Success belongs to those who are determined, while the indecisive are crushed by circumstances.
Gro's persuasive rhetoric to pressure the Red Foliot into signing the treaty.