# Conjuring in the Iron Tower explained — The Worm Ouroboros

> Chapter companion for The Worm Ouroboros by E. R. Eddison.

## What happens

King Gorice XII prepares a perilous conjuration in the Iron Tower to destroy the Demons. He tests Lord Gro's courage with phantasms and a cockatrice, then instructs him in the forbidden spells. Gro proves his mettle, and the King reveals his plan to use dark magic against the Demons, recalling the fate of Gorice VII who was torn apart by his own summoning.

## Themes in this chapter

### Magic and Sorcery

The chapter centers on King Gorice XII's forbidden grammarie, including the conjuring of a cockatrice and the perilous spells to destroy the Demons.

### Fate and Prophecy

The soothsayer's prophecy of the twelve Gorices is invoked, with Gro seeing Gorice XII as the one potent in grammarie to fulfill destiny.

### Revenge and Retribution

The King's conjuring is motivated by revenge against the Demons for the deaths of Gorice XI and Gorice X.

## Character check-ins

### Gorice XII

The King of Witchland, skilled in grammarie, prepares a dangerous conjuration to destroy the Demons and tests Lord Gro's courage.

### Lord Gro

A philosopher and sorcerer's apprentice, Gro endures tests of terror and is instructed in the forbidden spells to aid the King's conjuring.

### Gorice XI

The previous King of Witchland, overthrown by Goldry Bluszco in the Foliot Isles, whose fall is recalled as a motive for revenge.

### Gorice VII

A former King of Witchland who perished when his conjuring turned upon him, serving as a cautionary example.

### Goldry Bluszco

Lord of Demonland who slew King Gorice XI in a wrestling match, referenced as an enemy to be avenged.

### Brandoch Daha

Lord of Krothering, blamed for the death of Gorice X in single combat, mentioned as a foe of Witchland.

### Lord Juss

A Demon lord and sorcerer of ancient power, whose charms are said to blunt the cockatrice's glance.

### King Gaslark

Mentioned by Gro in his tales of past adventures, including the flight from Zajë Zaculo.

## Key lines

> He that would strike down the Demons must conjure indeed.

To defeat the Demons, one must use sorcery, not just strength.

_King Gorice XII asserts the necessity of magic over brute force._

> I have seen in the southern seas, by the light of Achernar and Canopus, giant seahorses battling with eight-legged cuttlefishes in the whirlpools of the Korsh. Yet was I unafraid.

Gro claims to have witnessed terrifying natural phenomena without fear.

_Lord Gro recounts his past adventures to prove his courage._

> The glance of its eye sufficeth to turn to stone any living thing that standeth before it.

The cockatrice's gaze can petrify any creature.

_Description of the deadly cockatrice conjured by the King._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se/chapters/iv-conjuring-in-the-iron-tower
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se/chapters