The Worm Ouroboros · Chapter
Thremnir’s Heugh explained
Lord Spitfire, besieging his own castle Owlswick held by Corsus and his sons, grows discontented with the slow progress and the loss of ships burned by Laxus.
What happens
Lord Spitfire, besieging his own castle Owlswick held by Corsus and his sons, grows discontented with the slow progress and the loss of ships burned by Laxus. He sends Lord Zigg to raise fresh forces from the west. Meanwhile, Corinius leads the Witchland army against Spitfire's forces under Thremnir's Heugh. In a fierce battle, Spitfire is gravely wounded by Corinius in single combat and is carried away by his men to a mountain corrie, where Lord Volle tends to him and urges him not to despair for Demonland's future.
Themes in this chapter
War and Conquest
The chapter centers on the battle at Thremnir's Heugh and the siege of Owlswick, highlighting the violent struggle for dominance.
Pride and Hubris
Spitfire's refusal to retreat and his desire to fight Corinius despite his wound reflect his pride, while Corinius boasts of his kingship.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Volle's loyalty to Spitfire is shown in his care and encouragement, while Spitfire feels betrayed by his own men for forcing him from the battle.
Characters to notice
- Spitfire
Besieges Owlswick, fights Corinius at Thremnir's Heugh, and is gravely wounded; later tended by Volle in a mountain corrie.
- Lord Zigg
Advises Spitfire during the siege and is sent to raise men from the west.
- Corinius
Leads the Witchland forces, fights Spitfire in single combat, and wounds him severely.
- Volle
Arrives after the battle to tend Spitfire's wounds and speaks words of encouragement.
- Corsus
Holds Owlswick Castle with his sons, feasting within while Spitfire besieges it.
- Laxus
Burns Demon ships on Rammerick Strands and holds the sea, preventing Spitfire from receiving reinforcements.
Key passages
“I do think that by me and thee and such a head of men of Demonland as we shall then command Owlswick gates may be brast open and Corsus plucked out of Owlswick like a whilk out of his shell.”
Spitfire believes that with enough men, they can break open Owlswick's gates and remove Corsus easily.
Spitfire expresses confidence in overcoming the siege with reinforcements.
“Boasted he not that he is king in Demonland? and yet I had not my sword in his umbles. And thou thinkest I'll live in shame?”
Spitfire laments that Corinius claims kingship but he has not killed him, and he questions living in disgrace.
Spitfire's pride is wounded by his failure to defeat Corinius.
“Lift up thine eyes, great Spitfire, and behold the lady moon, how virgin free she walketh the wide fields of heaven... even such is the glory of seagirt Demonland, and the glory of thine house, O Spitfire.”
Volle urges Spitfire to look at the moon as a symbol of Demonland's enduring glory, which will persist despite temporary setbacks.
Volle uses nature to inspire hope and resilience in Spitfire.