# XX: King Corinius explained — The Worm Ouroboros

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

## What happens

Corinius enters Owlswick Castle after his victory, is crowned king of Demonland by Corsus under duress, and immediately exiles Corsus and his sons back to Witchland, asserting his authority and avoiding their treachery.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Corinius distrusts Corsus and his sons, fearing betrayal similar to Gallandus's fate, and exiles them preemptively.

### Pride and Hubris

Corinius's arrogant display of power and Corsus's wounded pride highlight the theme of hubris.

### Revenge and Retribution

Corsus and his sons plot revenge against Corinius, while Corinius takes retribution for their past treachery.

## Character check-ins

### Corinius

Crowned king of Demonland by Corsus, asserts dominance, exiles Corsus and his sons.

### Corsus

Forced to crown Corinius, then exiled with his sons; plots revenge but submits to Corinius's power.

### Dekalajus

Advises Corsus to bide his time and nurse Corinius to security, referencing Gallandus.

### Laxus

Assists Corinius, commands the ship that transports Corsus and his sons away.

### Lord Gro

Present at the banquet and the confrontation, laughs at the accusations.

### Gorice XII

Referenced as the king who appointed Corinius as viceroy of Demonland.

## Key lines

> My Lord Corsus, and ye sons of Corsus, and ye other Witches, I do you to wit that our Lord the King made me by these tokens his viceroy for his province of Demonland, and willed that I should bear a king’s name in this land and that under him all should render me obedience.

Corinius announces to Corsus and the Witches that King Gorice XII has appointed him viceroy of Demonland, commanding obedience.

_Corinius asserts his authority using the king's warrant._

> Nurse him to security, which shall be our safety and the mean to our wiping out this shaming. Was not Gallandus as big a man?

Dekalajus advises Corsus to lull Corinius into a false sense of security, just as they did with Gallandus before killing him.

_Dekalajus hints at a plot to assassinate Corinius._

> Cry you mercy, needful it is that this very night you go ashipboard.

Corinius insists that Corsus and his sons must leave for Witchland immediately, that very night.

_Corinius forces their exile without delay._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se/chapters/xx-king-corinius
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se/chapters