The Worm Ouroboros · Chapter
Lord Gro and the Lady Mevrian explained
Lord Gro, having left Witchland, wanders through the mountains of Demonland in a contemplative state, drawn by the beauty of dawn and dusk.
What happens
Lord Gro, having left Witchland, wanders through the mountains of Demonland in a contemplative state, drawn by the beauty of dawn and dusk. He encounters the Lady Mevrian, who initially distrusts him but eventually accepts his loyalty after he proves his honor. They form a pact of friendship and hide together in a remote valley called Neverdale, where Mevrian recounts her escape from Krothering and her solitary survival.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Gro's departure from Witchland and his oath to Mevrian highlight the tension between past allegiances and new bonds of trust.
Honor and Chivalry
Gro's refusal to swear a false oath and Mevrian's decision to return his sword based on his past honorable deed underscore the theme of chivalric honor.
Characters to notice
- Lord Gro
Wanders through Demonland in a deep study, torn between his love for the sunrise and the sunset. He meets Mevrian, proves his loyalty, and forms a pact of friendship with her.
- Lady Mevrian
Found by Gro in a hidden cave in Neverdale. Initially distrustful, she tests his honor and eventually accepts his friendship, recounting her escape from Krothering.
- Brandoch Daha
Mentioned as arriving with Juss to rescue Mevrian and Gro from attackers, described as coming home to Demonland like men arisen from the dead.
- Lord Juss
Mentioned as arriving with Brandoch Daha to rescue Mevrian and Gro, part of the homecoming to Demonland.
Key passages
“He kneeled down and caught her hand in his, embracing and kissing it as of her in whom all his hopes were placed, and saying passionately, "Mevrian, Mevrian, let me but be armed in thy good grace and I defy whatever there is or can be against me."”
Gro kneels and kisses Mevrian's hand, declaring that her favor makes him invincible against any foe.
Gro's declaration of devotion to Mevrian, showing his emotional vulnerability and reliance on her.
“She sprang back, snatching away her hand. Her sword leapt singing from the scabbard. But Gro, that was so ravished and abused that he remembered of nothing worldly but only that he beheld his lady's face, abode motionless.”
Mevrian recoils and draws her sword, but Gro remains still, entranced by her beauty.
Mevrian's initial distrust and Gro's mesmerized reaction.
“Swear to me thou wilt not betray me." But Gro said, "How should an oath from me avail thee, madam? Oaths bind not an ill man. Were I minded to do thee wrong, lightly should I swear thee all oaths thou mightest require, and lightly o' the next instant be forsworn."”
Mevrian demands an oath of loyalty, but Gro argues that oaths are meaningless to a dishonest man.
Gro's philosophical stance on oaths, emphasizing that true loyalty comes from character, not promises.
“She paused awhile, then said unto him, "My Lord Gro, thou didst do me once a right great good turn. Surely I may build my safety on this, that never yet did kite bring forth a good flying hawk." She shifted her hold on his sword, and very prettily gave it him hilt-foremost, saying, "I give it thee back, my lord, nothing doubting that that which was given in honour thou wilt honourably use."”
Mevrian recalls Gro's past kindness and returns his sword, trusting that he will use it honorably.
Mevrian's decision to trust Gro based on his previous honorable actions, sealing their pact.