# The King Flies His Haggard explained — The Worm Ouroboros

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

## What happens

King Gorice XII decides to send Duke Corsus, rather than Corinius, to lead the invasion of Demonland, despite Lord Gro's misgivings. The Lady Prezmyra petitions the King on behalf of her husband Corund, but learns that the expedition is already planned. On July 15, the fleet sails from Tenemos with Corsus, Laxus, Gro, and Gallandus.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

The King distrusts Corinius's loyalty and chooses Corsus despite Gro's warnings, while Prezmyra advocates for her husband Corund.

### Pride and Hubris

Corsus's pride is evident as he leads the army; the King's pride in his own judgment is shown in his refusal to heed Gro's counsel.

### War and Conquest

The chapter focuses on the planning and departure of the invasion force to conquer Demonland.

## Character check-ins

### Gorice XII

The King decides to send Corsus to Demonland, rejecting Gro's advice and Corinius's candidacy.

### Lord Gro

Advises the King against Corsus, but is overruled and assigned to the expedition as a counselor.

### Corsus

Chosen to lead the invasion of Demonland; marches at the head of his veterans and sails from Tenemos.

### Corinius

Present at the departure, scornful and wearing the badge of captain general, but not chosen for the campaign.

### Lady Prezmyra

Petitions the King for Corund to lead the Demonland expedition, but learns it is already assigned to Corsus.

### Laxus

Commands the fleet as part of the expedition, wearing the crown of Pixyland.

### Gallandus

Appointed secretary to Corsus and sails with the fleet.

### Heming

Leans on the battlements watching the army depart.

## Key lines

> I will not send Corinius. Hast thou not seen hawks that be in their prime and full pride for beauty and goodness, but must be tamed ere they be flown at the quarry?

The King compares Corinius to a hawk that needs taming before it can be used, refusing to send him on the expedition.

_Gorice XII explains his distrust of Corinius's unruliness._

> When I would burn mine enemy’s house, I choose me a good brand, full of pitch and rosin, apt to sputter well i’ the fire and fry them. Such an one is Corsus.

The King likens Corsus to a firebrand suitable for destroying his enemies, justifying his choice of commander.

_Gorice XII defends his decision to send Corsus despite Gro's doubts._

> I have a langret in my purse shall cross-bite for me i’ the end and win me all, howsoe’er the Demons cog against me.

The King hints at a hidden advantage or trick that will ensure his ultimate victory over the Demons.

_Gorice XII reveals his confidence in a secret plan._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se/chapters/xvii-the-king-flies-his-haggard
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se/chapters