# XXVI: The Battle of Krothering Side explained — The Worm Ouroboros > Chapter companion for The Worm Ouroboros by E. R. Eddison. ## What happens Corinius prepares to give battle to Juss and Brandoch Daha on Krothering Side. Despite Laxus's concerns about Corinius's reckless behavior, Corinius insists on fighting on his chosen ground. Meanwhile, Brandoch Daha executes a daring flank march over the mountains from Transdale, surprising the Witchlanders. The ensuing battle is fierce and chaotic, with Brandoch Daha performing extraordinary feats of arms, including killing Prince Cargo. The chapter ends with the battle still raging, highlighting the prowess of both sides. ## Themes in this chapter ### War and Conquest The chapter focuses on the strategic planning and execution of the battle, highlighting the clash between Corinius's forces and the returning Demon lords. ### Pride and Hubris Corinius's pride and reckless behavior, including his indulgence in vengeance and pleasure, are criticized by Laxus and others, suggesting his hubris may lead to downfall. ### Loyalty and Betrayal The loyalty of the Witchland captains to Corinius is questioned, and the betrayal of Lord Gro (the Goblin) is mentioned as a loss to their strength. ## Character check-ins ### Corinius King Corinius prepares to give battle to Juss and Brandoch Daha, choosing Krothering Side as his ground. He is depicted as valiant but reckless, indulging in wine and venery. ### Laxus Lord Laxus advises caution and criticizes Corinius's youthful excesses, but ultimately supports his battle plan. He commands the fleet in Aurwath haven. ### Brandoch Daha Leads a flank march over the mountains from Transdale and charges into battle at Krothering Side, performing great feats including killing Prince Cargo. ### Heming Son of Corund, walks with Laxus and Cargo in Krothering home mead, discussing the situation and Corinius's rule. ### Cargo Son of Corund, speaks with Laxus and Heming about the difficulty of hunting down enemies and criticizes Corinius's priorities. ### Corund Mentioned as the father of Heming and Cargo, and as a noble captain in Witchland. ### Styrkmir Fights alongside Brandoch Daha, is thrown down by Corinius's spear but later rises from a heap of slain to hold off a dozen Witches. ### Kamerar Performs a great feat in battle, hewing off an enemy's leg, saddle, and horse with a two-handed sword. ## Key lines > Is there not a virtue in seven? Last week was the sixth time we thought we had gotten the eel by the tail in yon flyblown hills of Mealand and came empty home. Cargo laments that they have failed six times to catch their enemies in the Mealand hills, suggesting a seventh attempt might succeed. _Cargo expresses frustration with the ongoing hunt for Demonland resisters._ > Slipper youth must be under-propped with elder counsel, lest all go miss. Laxus argues that Corinius's youthful inexperience requires guidance from older advisors to avoid mistakes. _Laxus criticizes Corinius's judgment and calls for more mature counsel._ > I have them in the forge already, and shall now bring them to the hammer. Corinius declares that he has the enemy under control and is ready to strike them decisively. _Corinius expresses confidence in his battle plan against Juss and Brandoch Daha._ > Grind, mill, grind, Corinius grinds us all; Kinging it in widowed Krothering. A damosel sings a song about Corinius oppressing the people of Krothering after taking over the land. _The song reflects popular resentment against Corinius's rule._ > Never saw I such feats of arms. As witness Kamerar of Stropardon, who with a great two-handed sword hewed off his enemy's leg close to the hip, so huge a blow the blade sheared through leg and saddle and horse and all. A soldier recounts the extraordinary combat prowess of Kamerar, who delivered a massive blow that cut through an enemy's leg, saddle, and horse. _The narrator emphasizes the epic scale of the battle and the heroic deeds performed._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se/chapters/xxvi-the-battle-of-krothering-side - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se/chapters