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    Against All Things Ending

    by R., Donaldson, Stephen
    “Against All Things Ending” by Stephen R. Donaldson is the penultimate novel in the “Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant” series. The story follows Thomas Covenant, a leprosy-stricken man transported to the magical world of the Land, where he grapples with his role as a reluctant savior amid impending doom. Key themes include redemption, sacrifice, and the struggle against despair. As Covenant and his allies confront apocalyptic forces, the narrative explores the weight of responsibility and the fragility of hope. Donaldson’s intricate world-building and moral complexity make this a pivotal installment in the epic fantasy saga.
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    Against All Things Ending

    Chapter 21: Part Two — 9. Great Need

    by R., Donaldson, Stephen

    The chap­ter “Great Need” fol­lows Lin­den Avery and her com­pan­ions as they ride the Rany­hyn across a des­o­late, ancient bat­tle­field in the Low­er Land. The ter­rain is harsh and life­less, scarred by cen­turies of war, with dust and the lin­ger­ing scent of death fill­ing the air. Despite the gru­el­ing con­di­tions, the Rany­hyn demon­strate remark­able endurance, their strength seem­ing­ly bound­less. Lin­den, though con­cerned for their lim­its, trusts the hors­es’ resilience, while Stave rides effort­less­ly and Jere­mi­ah remains eeri­ly pas­sive, sus­tained by Earth­pow­er. The group heads south, guid­ed by Stave’s knowl­edge of the land, though their exact des­ti­na­tion remains uncer­tain.

    As the Rany­hyn press onward, the land­scape shifts from bar­ren plains to treach­er­ous stretch­es of shat­tered rock and molten stone, rem­nants of past cat­a­clysms. The hors­es nav­i­gate these haz­ards with aston­ish­ing agili­ty, their instincts sur­pass­ing Linden’s per­cep­tion. The heat inten­si­fies, weigh­ing heav­i­ly on the rid­ers, yet the Rany­hyn push for­ward, their coats slick with sweat. Lin­den grows increas­ing­ly aware of their urgency, sens­ing an impend­ing tri­al that will demand their full strength. She pre­pares to use her Staff to aid the hors­es but hes­i­tates, unsure if her inter­ven­tion is wel­come.

    The group paus­es briefly at a spring sur­round­ed by aliantha, where Stave gath­ers the life-sus­tain­ing berries to feed Jere­mi­ah. The boy con­sumes them mechan­i­cal­ly, show­ing no oth­er signs of aware­ness. The respite is short-lived, and soon the Rany­hyn resume their relent­less gal­lop south­ward. Lin­den eats the berries more slow­ly, draw­ing strength from them, her anx­i­ety mount­ing. The hors­es’ unwa­ver­ing pace rein­forces her con­vic­tion that they are rac­ing toward a crit­i­cal con­fronta­tion, though its nature remains shroud­ed in mys­tery.

    By the chapter’s end, Linden’s resolve hard­ens. She rec­og­nizes the Ranyhyn’s sac­ri­fice and the grow­ing urgency of their jour­ney. Despite her exhaus­tion and the oppres­sive envi­ron­ment, she steels her­self for the chal­lenges ahead, deter­mined to sup­port the hors­es and her com­pan­ions. The chap­ter clos­es with her silent plea to Hyn, seek­ing per­mis­sion to inter­vene with her pow­er, under­scor­ing her deep­en­ing bond with the Rany­hyn and her com­mit­ment to their shared mis­sion.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What is the significance of the “ancient tang of death” that Linden perceives while riding across the Lower Land?

      Answer:
      The pervasive sense of death that Linden experiences represents the forgotten casualties of Lord Foul’s ancient wars. The text describes how countless beings—human, inhuman, and monstrous—perished in this region, leaving behind only a faint, ghostly presence. Their suffering is so old that even the Haruchai no longer remember them, and the land itself has become a barren wasteland. This detail reinforces the novel’s themes of cyclical violence and the lasting scars of evil, while also foreshadowing the challenges Linden will face in confronting Lord Foul’s legacy.

      2. How does the chapter illustrate the Ranyhyn’s extraordinary capabilities, and why is this important?

      Answer:
      The Ranyhyn demonstrate remarkable endurance, agility, and intelligence throughout the chapter. Despite the harsh terrain—including obsidian shards, molten rock formations, and treacherous sinkholes—they navigate effortlessly, even performing maneuvers likened to a “courtly gavotte.” Linden notes their reserved strength, sensing they could push harder if needed. Their abilities highlight their role as more than mere mounts; they are allies with near-mythical prowess, essential to the group’s survival. This reinforces their revered status in the series and underscores the trust Linden must place in them.

      3. Analyze the symbolism of the aliantha berries in this chapter. What role do they play in the narrative?

      Answer:
      The aliantha, or “treasure-berries,” symbolize resilience and hope in a desolate world. When Stave gathers them from a rare thicket, they provide vital nourishment for Jeremiah and Linden, sustaining them for the journey ahead. The berries’ restorative properties contrast with the lifelessness of the Lower Land, embodying the persistence of life despite Lord Foul’s corruption. Their inclusion also reflects the theme of stewardship—Stave carefully feeds Jeremiah, mirroring the Ranyhyn’s care for their riders—and hints at the broader struggle to preserve goodness amid decay.

      4. How does the chapter’s depiction of the landscape reflect the broader conflict in the series?

      Answer:
      The shattered obsidian fields, molten rock deltas, and “wounded” spring evoke a land ravaged by millennia of conflict. These features are literal manifestations of Lord Foul’s destructive influence, mirroring the psychological and spiritual damage inflicted on characters like Jeremiah. The terrain’s hazards—sharp edges, hidden sinkholes—parallel the unpredictability of the group’s quest. By emphasizing the land’s suffering, the chapter reinforces the stakes of Linden’s mission: healing such devastation requires confronting both external dangers and inner turmoil.

      5. Why does Linden hesitate to use her Staff to aid the Ranyhyn, and what does this reveal about her character?

      Answer:
      Linden resists summoning black fire despite noticing Hyn’s fatigue because she respects the Ranyhyn’s autonomy. Her hesitation reflects her growing understanding of their dignity and her reluctance to impose her will—a contrast to her earlier desperation. The moment highlights her moral complexity: she balances urgency with restraint, weighing intervention against trust. This nuance aligns with her role as a healer who must learn when to act and when to rely on others, a key development in her journey toward leadership.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Uncounted centuries ago, living things by the scores or hundreds of thousands had perished in bloodshed: human and inhuman, sentient and bestial, monsters whose forms were no longer remembered even by the Haruchai.”

      This quote captures the profound sense of ancient devastation that permeates the landscape, emphasizing the forgotten horrors of Lord Foul’s wars and setting the tone for the chapter’s exploration of a scarred world.

      2. “The speed of the horses was wind in her face, growing warmer as the morning advanced. The air parched her throat, dried her eyes. She thought that she tasted death on her tongue; but if she did, the scent was ancient beyond reckoning.”

      This vivid description conveys both the physical intensity of the Ranyhyn’s journey and the lingering presence of death in the land, blending sensory experience with historical weight.

      3. “As heat mounted from the flat, the sky began to resemble a lid closing over the Lower Land: as grey as a sheet of molded lead, and impossible to lift.”

      This powerful simile illustrates the oppressive atmosphere of the journey, mirroring the psychological and physical challenges faced by the characters as they push forward.

      4. “As nimble as mountain-goats, they plunged among the rocks; swept and wheeled forward as though they were engaged in an elaborate and courtly gavotte.”

      This quote highlights the remarkable agility and grace of the Ranyhyn, contrasting their elegance with the dangerous terrain and underscoring their supernatural capabilities.

      5. “With every increment of the day’s passage, she became more certain that she and her companions would need all of their strength. She had no idea what lay ahead of them. They had to be ready.”

      This passage marks a turning point in Linden’s mindset, showing her growing awareness of impending challenges and the need for preparedness, which builds tension for the chapter’s unresolved conclusion.

    Quotes

    1. “Uncounted centuries ago, living things by the scores or hundreds of thousands had perished in bloodshed: human and inhuman, sentient and bestial, monsters whose forms were no longer remembered even by the Haruchai.”

    This quote captures the profound sense of ancient devastation that permeates the landscape, emphasizing the forgotten horrors of Lord Foul’s wars and setting the tone for the chapter’s exploration of a scarred world.

    2. “The speed of the horses was wind in her face, growing warmer as the morning advanced. The air parched her throat, dried her eyes. She thought that she tasted death on her tongue; but if she did, the scent was ancient beyond reckoning.”

    This vivid description conveys both the physical intensity of the Ranyhyn’s journey and the lingering presence of death in the land, blending sensory experience with historical weight.

    3. “As heat mounted from the flat, the sky began to resemble a lid closing over the Lower Land: as grey as a sheet of molded lead, and impossible to lift.”

    This powerful simile illustrates the oppressive atmosphere of the journey, mirroring the psychological and physical challenges faced by the characters as they push forward.

    4. “As nimble as mountain-goats, they plunged among the rocks; swept and wheeled forward as though they were engaged in an elaborate and courtly gavotte.”

    This quote highlights the remarkable agility and grace of the Ranyhyn, contrasting their elegance with the dangerous terrain and underscoring their supernatural capabilities.

    5. “With every increment of the day’s passage, she became more certain that she and her companions would need all of their strength. She had no idea what lay ahead of them. They had to be ready.”

    This passage marks a turning point in Linden’s mindset, showing her growing awareness of impending challenges and the need for preparedness, which builds tension for the chapter’s unresolved conclusion.

    FAQs

    1. What is the significance of the “ancient tang of death” that Linden perceives while riding across the Lower Land?

    Answer:
    The pervasive sense of death that Linden experiences represents the forgotten casualties of Lord Foul’s ancient wars. The text describes how countless beings—human, inhuman, and monstrous—perished in this region, leaving behind only a faint, ghostly presence. Their suffering is so old that even the Haruchai no longer remember them, and the land itself has become a barren wasteland. This detail reinforces the novel’s themes of cyclical violence and the lasting scars of evil, while also foreshadowing the challenges Linden will face in confronting Lord Foul’s legacy.

    2. How does the chapter illustrate the Ranyhyn’s extraordinary capabilities, and why is this important?

    Answer:
    The Ranyhyn demonstrate remarkable endurance, agility, and intelligence throughout the chapter. Despite the harsh terrain—including obsidian shards, molten rock formations, and treacherous sinkholes—they navigate effortlessly, even performing maneuvers likened to a “courtly gavotte.” Linden notes their reserved strength, sensing they could push harder if needed. Their abilities highlight their role as more than mere mounts; they are allies with near-mythical prowess, essential to the group’s survival. This reinforces their revered status in the series and underscores the trust Linden must place in them.

    3. Analyze the symbolism of the aliantha berries in this chapter. What role do they play in the narrative?

    Answer:
    The aliantha, or “treasure-berries,” symbolize resilience and hope in a desolate world. When Stave gathers them from a rare thicket, they provide vital nourishment for Jeremiah and Linden, sustaining them for the journey ahead. The berries’ restorative properties contrast with the lifelessness of the Lower Land, embodying the persistence of life despite Lord Foul’s corruption. Their inclusion also reflects the theme of stewardship—Stave carefully feeds Jeremiah, mirroring the Ranyhyn’s care for their riders—and hints at the broader struggle to preserve goodness amid decay.

    4. How does the chapter’s depiction of the landscape reflect the broader conflict in the series?

    Answer:
    The shattered obsidian fields, molten rock deltas, and “wounded” spring evoke a land ravaged by millennia of conflict. These features are literal manifestations of Lord Foul’s destructive influence, mirroring the psychological and spiritual damage inflicted on characters like Jeremiah. The terrain’s hazards—sharp edges, hidden sinkholes—parallel the unpredictability of the group’s quest. By emphasizing the land’s suffering, the chapter reinforces the stakes of Linden’s mission: healing such devastation requires confronting both external dangers and inner turmoil.

    5. Why does Linden hesitate to use her Staff to aid the Ranyhyn, and what does this reveal about her character?

    Answer:
    Linden resists summoning black fire despite noticing Hyn’s fatigue because she respects the Ranyhyn’s autonomy. Her hesitation reflects her growing understanding of their dignity and her reluctance to impose her will—a contrast to her earlier desperation. The moment highlights her moral complexity: she balances urgency with restraint, weighing intervention against trust. This nuance aligns with her role as a healer who must learn when to act and when to rely on others, a key development in her journey toward leadership.

    Note