# Zora Rach Nam Psarrion explained — The Worm Ouroboros

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

## What happens

Lord Juss ascends the dread mountain Zora Rach to rescue his brother Goldry Bluszco, enduring illusions and horrors conjured by the powers of the place. He finds Goldry frozen and unresponsive, carries him down, and with Queen Sophonisba's aid, restores him with a kiss that breaks the enchantment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Brotherhood

Juss's unwavering determination to rescue his brother Goldry, carrying him down the mountain and refusing to believe him dead.

### Magic and Sorcery

The illusions and enchantments on Zora Rach, the frozen state of Goldry, and Queen Sophonisba's ritual kiss that restores him.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Juss

Climbs Zora Rach, resists illusions, rescues and carries his brother Goldry down the mountain.

### Goldry Bluszco

Found frozen and unresponsive on the mountain; restored by Juss's kiss given on Queen Sophonisba's instruction.

### Queen Sophonisba

Provides ambrosia, instructs Juss on the final remedy, and kisses Juss to pass the restorative kiss to Goldry.

### Brandoch Daha

Waits with Spitfire and a boat at the appointed spot to meet Juss and Goldry.

### Spitfire

Waits with Brandoch Daha and a boat at the appointed spot to meet Juss and Goldry.

## Key lines

> Well nigh had he clasped to his bosom that vision of dazzling loveliness. But fortune, or the high Gods, or his own soul’s might, woke yet again in his drugged brain remembrance of his purpose, so that he turned violently from that bait prepared for his destruction

Juss nearly succumbs to a seductive illusion but resists, remembering his mission to save his brother.

_Juss overcomes a temptation on the mountain._

> If thou be dead, said Juss, then am I dead with thee. But till then I’ll ne’er think thee dead.

Juss refuses to accept his brother's apparent death, vowing to stay with him.

_Juss's loyalty to Goldry._

> This give unto the lord thy brother. And Juss did so, kissing his dear brother in like manner on the mouth; and she said, Take him, dear my lords. And I have utterly put out the remembrance of these things from his heart.

Queen Sophonisba instructs Juss to kiss Goldry, which breaks the enchantment and restores his memory.

_The magical cure for Goldry's frozen state._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se/chapters/xxviii-zora-rach-nam-psarrion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se/chapters