366-372

"The Sorrow of Odin the Goth," 366-372, pp. 426-446.

This is a long passage of historical fiction building toward the climax in 372, pp. 450-455.

We notice several appeals to multiple senses:

"Dusk was closing in, blue-gray in the open windows, murky in the room. Coolness bore smells of leaf and soil, trill of nightingale..." (p. 429)

We appreciate the compactness of the description: gray dusk brings coolness bearing smells and sounds.

"...trees soughed and caught sunlight, birds sang. Her hair flowed golden, her eyes were big and heaven-blue..." (p. 431)

Clouds dazzle white, cows are ruddy and:

"The coolness of the wind was veined with a smell of sun-baked earth and of growth." (p. 438)

The Wanderer ensures that his descendants are allied to West Goths and Christians. He knows where the world is going. He tries but fails to persuade Randwar, husband of Swanhild, daughter of Tharasmund, to move west. If Randwar and Swanhild had followed his advice, then the story of Svanhild trampled to death by horses would not have been based on fact.

Another final parting, this one recognized as such by the Wanderer but not by his great-granddaughter:

"The Wanderer could not move [Randwar], and after a few more days said farewell. 'When will we see you again?' Swanhild asked as they stood in the doorway.

"'I think -' he faltered. 'I can't  - Oh, girl who is like Jorith!' He embraced her, kissed her, let her go, and hurried off. Shocked, folk heard him weeping." (p. 441)

By lingering and intervening, Carl is putting himself through Hell.