# The Murther of Gallandus by Corsus explained — The Worm Ouroboros

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

## What happens

King Gorice XII receives letters from Corsus detailing his campaign in Demonland, including the sinking of Demon ships, a battle at Crossby Outsikes, and the burning of Drepaby Mire. However, Lord Gro arrives and reports the disastrous aftermath: Corsus's stubbornness led to a defeat at the Rapes of Brima, and in a drunken rage he murdered Gallandus in his sleep. The army is mutinous, and Spitfire besieges Owlswick. Gro urges the King to send succour, but Gorice XII, seemingly unmoved, attends a banquet.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Corsus betrays Gallandus by murdering him in his sleep, and the army's loyalty to Corsus collapses, leading to mutiny.

### Pride and Hubris

Corsus's stubborn pride leads him to reject Gallandus's sound military advice, resulting in defeat and disaster.

### Revenge and Retribution

Corsus's brutal ravaging of Demonland and his murder of Gallandus set the stage for retribution from the Demons and from his own mutinous army.

## Character check-ins

### Gorice XII

King Gorice XII reads Corsus's letters and listens to Gro's report of the disaster in Demonland, remaining inscrutable and attending a banquet.

### Lord Gro

Lord Gro returns from Demonland to report Corsus's failures, the murder of Gallandus, and the mutinous state of the army, pleading for succour.

### Corsus

Corsus is the commander in Demonland who loses a battle at the Rapes of Brima, then murders Gallandus in his sleep, leading to a mutiny.

### Gallandus

Gallandus is a worthy soldier who advises against Corsus's plans and is murdered in his sleep by Corsus.

### Spitfire

Spitfire leads the Demon forces, marching from Galing to besiege Owlswick after the defeat of Corsus.

### Laxus

Laxus commands the Witchland fleet and is hot against Corsus for the murder of Gallandus.

### Volle

Volle commanded the Demon ships that were sunk by Corsus at Lookinghaven.

## Key lines

> Renouned Kinge and moste highe Prince and Lorde, Goreiyse Twelft of Wychlonde and of Daemounlonde and of all kingdomes the sonne dothe spread his bemes over, Corsus your servaunte dothe prosterate miself befoare your Greateness, evene befoare the face of the erthe.

Corsus addresses King Gorice XII with extreme deference, calling himself the King's servant and prostrating himself before the King's greatness.

_Corsus's letter begins with elaborate flattery, typical of formal addresses to a monarch._

> Killing Gallandus in his sleep, said Gro, and sending him from the shade into the house of darkness.

Lord Gro describes Corsus's murder of Gallandus as killing him while he slept, sending him from life into death.

_Gro uses poetic language to emphasize the treachery and finality of the murder._

> I pray you strike, ere Fate strike first and strike us into the hazard.

Lord Gro urges King Gorice to act quickly before fate brings disaster upon them.

_Gro warns that delay could lead to ruin, appealing to the King's sense of urgency._

## Links

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