Wind In Ys

Gallicenae, VIII.

Sometimes the wind is just the wind and sometimes it means something else. We have to read carefully in order not to miss meanings.

Three-year-old Dahut is:

"...wand-slim, wind-swift." (2, p. 168)

An economical and alliterative description. Here the wind is not present but Dahut is compared to it.

As Gratillonius and the newly arrived Corentinus walk out into the Forum, the wind:

drives the rain at a slant;

hoots;

plucks clothes;

bears the sound and the smell of Ocean.

Thus, the Ysan gods greet the new Christian minister.

As Gratillonius and Bodilis lie in bed, the wind outside hoots, rattles shutters and carries the noise of the waves against the sea wall. Thus, a contrast between domestic peace and turbulent elements.

When word is brought that there is a challenger in the Wood:

"It was as if the wind came in off the street and wrapped around Gratillonius." (4, p. 183)

He feels threatened.