# Chapter XXXVI explained — With Fire and Sword

> Chapter companion for With Fire and Sword by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

## What happens

Bogun prepares to leave for war, torn between his love for Princess Helena and his duty to Hmelnitski and Krívonos. He entrusts her to Horpyna's care in the secluded Devil's Glen, while Helena remains cold and defiant. Bogun struggles with his feelings, hoping she will eventually forgive him, but Horpyna mocks his reluctance to force her love. The chapter ends with Bogun departing, leaving Helena under Horpyna's watch.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Obsession

Bogun's obsessive love for Helena is central; he is torn between his desire for her affection and his duty, unable to force her despite his power.

### Honor and Betrayal

Bogun feels betrayed by Helena's coldness, while Horpyna's offer to kill Helena hints at potential betrayal.

### War and Rebellion

The chapter is set against the backdrop of the Cossack rebellion, with Bogun preparing to join Hmelnitski's forces.

## Character check-ins

### Bogun

Struggles with his love for Helena and his duty to Hmelnitski; departs for war, leaving her in Horpyna's care.

### Princess Helena

Remains cold and defiant toward Bogun, refusing to show affection despite his pleas.

### Horpyna

Agrees to guard Helena in the glen; mocks Bogun's hesitation and offers to kill Helena if he perishes.

### Bogdan Hmelnitski

Mentioned as having ordered Bogun to return for the war.

### Krivonos

Mentioned as having ordered Bogun to return for the war.

## Key lines

> “I am in the power of God,” said she, with the same dignity as before; “but because you restrain yourself in my presence, I thank you for that.”

Helena asserts her reliance on divine protection and acknowledges Bogun's restraint, but remains distant.

_Highlights Helena's defiance and Bogun's internal conflict._

> “If I perish, tell her to forgive me.”

Bogun asks Horpyna to convey his request for forgiveness to Helena if he dies in battle.

_Shows Bogun's regret and hope for reconciliation._

> “But touch her with your hand and I will have you drawn on a stake with oxen.”

Bogun threatens Horpyna with a brutal death if she harms Helena.

_Demonstrates Bogun's fierce protectiveness over Helena._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/chapters/xxxvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/chapters