Search Jump: Comments
    Chapter Index
    Back to Story
    Cover of The Illearth War
    FantasyFiction

    The Illearth War

    by R, Donaldson, Stephen
    “The Illearth War” by Stephen R. Donaldson is the second installment in the “Chronicles of Thomas Covenant” series. The novel follows Thomas Covenant, a leper transported to the magical land of the Land, where he is reluctantly drawn into a brutal war against Lord Foul’s forces. As the Land’s defenders face the devastating Illearth Stone’s power, Covenant grapples with his disbelief in the world’s reality and his role as its unlikely savior. Themes of power, despair, and redemption are explored through Covenant’s internal conflict and the Land’s existential struggle. The book is noted for its dark tone and complex protagonist, contributing to its significance in the fantasy genre.
    PreviousNext
    The Illearth War

    Chapter 15: FIFTEEN: Revelwood

    by R, Donaldson, Stephen

    The chap­ter “Rev­el­wood” describes the arrival of High Lord Ele­na’s com­pa­ny at the Lor­eraat, a thriv­ing tree city in the Val­ley of Two Rivers. The val­ley is formed by the con­flu­ence of the Rill and Llu­rallin rivers, the lat­ter renowned for its puri­ty despite the dev­as­ta­tion of the Des­e­cra­tion. Rev­el­wood, a mas­sive banyan tree grown with the aid of the Staff of Law and the Sec­ond Ward, serves as the heart of the Lores­raat, a cen­ter of learn­ing and train­ing. Its inter­con­nect­ed trunks and woven roots form cham­bers, libraries, and dwellings, while the sur­round­ing grounds host gar­dens and prac­tice fields for stu­dents of both Staff and Sword.

    Rev­el­wood is a bustling hub, home not only to Lore­war­dens and appren­tices but also to lil­lian­rill, Hire­brands, and Grav­elin­gas­es who con­tribute to its upkeep and study. The city sym­bol­izes hope and renew­al, with its glossy leaves catch­ing the sun­set as Ele­na’s com­pa­ny approach­es. The rid­ers are struck by its beau­ty and vital­i­ty, gal­lop­ing toward the ford of the Llu­rallin. The ford, a defen­sive mea­sure, requires a unique rit­u­al to raise its sub­merged bed, which Trell accom­plish­es through a haunt­ing song that moves the com­pa­ny deeply. His dis­play of pow­er hints at his mys­te­ri­ous sig­nif­i­cance.

    Upon enter­ing Rev­el­wood, the com­pa­ny is greet­ed by Lore­war­dens, who extend a for­mal wel­come to Thomas Covenant, acknowl­edg­ing his role as the “white gold wield­er” and piv­otal fig­ure of their age. Covenant, though uncom­fort­able with the atten­tion, responds with unchar­ac­ter­is­tic humil­i­ty, offer­ing his wed­ding ring as a ges­ture of respect. The Lore­war­dens, awed by the white gold, han­dle it rev­er­ent­ly before return­ing it, their emo­tion­al reac­tion under­scor­ing its sym­bol­ic impor­tance. This moment high­lights Covenan­t’s reluc­tant but unde­ni­able con­nec­tion to the Land and its peo­ple.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Troy’s grow­ing curios­i­ty about Trel­l’s enig­mat­ic nature and his own need to nav­i­gate the twi­light-dimmed val­ley. The Lore­war­dens’ torch­light guides the com­pa­ny toward Rev­el­wood, where Covenan­t’s unex­pect­ed act of gen­eros­i­ty bridges the gap between his skep­ti­cism and the Land’s rev­er­ence for him. The scene sets the stage for deep­er explo­ration of Rev­el­wood’s mys­ter­ies and the unfold­ing dynam­ics among the char­ac­ters.

    Down­load PDF Sum­ma­ry

    FAQs

    • 1. What is the significance of Revelwood’s design and construction, and how does it reflect the capabilities of the Loresraat?

      Answer:
      Revelwood is a massive, engineered banyan tree that serves as both a city and the home of the Loresraat. Its design showcases the advanced knowledge and skill of the Lorewardens, particularly their mastery of the Second Ward and the Staff of Law. The tree was grown to the size of an oak, with seven interconnected trunks forming chambers, meeting halls, and libraries. The Loresraat shaped the tree’s roots and branches into functional living and study spaces, demonstrating their ability to harmonize natural growth with practical architecture. This feat highlights their deep understanding of Earthpower and their commitment to creating a sustainable, defensible haven for learning and governance in the Land.

      2. How does Trell’s method of raising the ford differ from the usual approach, and what might this reveal about his character?

      Answer:
      Unlike the standard method—which involves specific words and gestures—Trell raises the ford by singing a deep, resonant song that evokes the bedrock of the valley. His approach is more intuitive and emotionally charged, suggesting a profound connection to Earthpower and possibly a hidden depth of grief or responsibility. The reaction of the company (a hushed stillness and Troy’s near-tearful response) underscores the song’s power. This moment hints that Trell is more than just a Gravelingas; he may carry unresolved burdens or possess latent abilities tied to the Land’s ancient forces, adding mystery to his earlier hostility toward Covenant.

      3. Analyze the symbolic contrast between the Llurallin and Rill Rivers. How do they represent different aspects of the Land’s history and recovery?

      Answer:
      The Llurallin River, born from pure mountain springs, remains untainted despite the Desecration, symbolizing resilience and the enduring power of nature. Its name (“Llurallin”) reflects its ancient, incorruptible purity. In contrast, the Rill River was once called “Gray” due to corruption but has been cleansed by the Lords’ efforts, representing renewal and the restorative impact of their stewardship. Together, these rivers frame Revelwood as a place where past and present converge—the Llurallin embodying the Land’s untouchable spirit, and the Rill showcasing the possibility of redemption through dedicated labor.

      4. Why might Covenant’s act of giving his wedding ring to Corimini carry such emotional weight for the Lorewardens?

      Answer:
      Covenant’s white gold ring is a rare and potent symbol of wild magic, a force central to the Land’s fate. By offering it freely—despite his usual reluctance to engage with the Land’s customs—he temporarily bridges the gap between his identity as an “Unbeliever” and their reverence for his role. The Lorewardens’ trembling awe and Corimini’s tearful reaction highlight their belief in Covenant’s destiny as a “crux and pivot” of their age. This moment subverts expectations, as Covenant’s impulsive gesture (initially seeming dismissive) becomes a profound acknowledgment of their shared stakes.

      5. Evaluate Troy’s observations about Trell and Revelwood’s defenses. What strategic insights do they provide about the Lords’ approach to protection?

      Answer:
      Troy notes that Revelwood has only two submerged fords, requiring skill to access, which reflects the Lords’ emphasis on controlled entry points. Trell’s unconventional method of raising the ford surprises Troy, revealing that some defenses are tied to individual mastery rather than standardized protocols. This suggests the Lords balance innovation with tradition, relying on both engineered systems (like the tree-city) and personal prowess (like Trell’s song). Troy’s realization that Covenant “was lucky to be alive” after Trell’s earlier attack further underscores how the Lords’ allies harbor unpredictable power, complicating his tactical calculations.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Invoked and strengthened by the new knowledge of the Second Ward, and by the Staff of Law, it grew to the height of a mighty oak, sent down roots as thick as hawsers from boughs as broad as walkways—roots which formed new trunks with new boughs and new roots—and spread out in the valley until the central core of the first tree was surrounded by six others, all intergrown, part of each other, the fruit of one seed.”

      This vivid description of Revelwood’s creation showcases the harmonious blend of nature and magic in the Land, illustrating how the Loresraat’s knowledge and the Staff of Law shape reality. It represents the chapter’s central theme of growth and interconnectedness.

      2. “Revelwood was a thriving city, amply supplied by the fertile lowlands of Trothgard; and the Loresraat was busier now than at any other time in its history.”

      This quote captures the vitality of Revelwood as both a physical and intellectual center, highlighting its importance in the Land’s current affairs. It sets the stage for the chapter’s exploration of knowledge and community.

      3. “They had an old, buried, cavernous sound, as if they were being sung by the bedrock of the valley. For a moment, they made him want to weep.”

      Trell’s powerful song reveals the deep connection between the Land’s inhabitants and its fundamental elements. This moment demonstrates the emotional and mystical undercurrents that run through the narrative.

      4. “Hail, white gold wielder!—you who are named ur-Lord Thomas Covenant, Unbeliever and Ringthane. Be welcome in Revelwood! You are the crux and pivot of our age in the Land—the keeper of the wild magic which destroys peace.”

      This formal greeting emphasizes Covenant’s paradoxical role as both savior and disruptor in the Land. It encapsulates the chapter’s tension between reverence for power and fear of its consequences.

      5. “The accepting of a gift returns honor to the giver.”

      Corimini’s wisdom about reciprocity highlights an important cultural value in the Land. This brief but profound statement underscores the chapter’s themes of mutual respect and the cyclical nature of honor.

    Quotes

    1. “Invoked and strengthened by the new knowledge of the Second Ward, and by the Staff of Law, it grew to the height of a mighty oak, sent down roots as thick as hawsers from boughs as broad as walkways—roots which formed new trunks with new boughs and new roots—and spread out in the valley until the central core of the first tree was surrounded by six others, all intergrown, part of each other, the fruit of one seed.”

    This vivid description of Revelwood’s creation showcases the harmonious blend of nature and magic in the Land, illustrating how the Loresraat’s knowledge and the Staff of Law shape reality. It represents the chapter’s central theme of growth and interconnectedness.

    2. “Revelwood was a thriving city, amply supplied by the fertile lowlands of Trothgard; and the Loresraat was busier now than at any other time in its history.”

    This quote captures the vitality of Revelwood as both a physical and intellectual center, highlighting its importance in the Land’s current affairs. It sets the stage for the chapter’s exploration of knowledge and community.

    3. “They had an old, buried, cavernous sound, as if they were being sung by the bedrock of the valley. For a moment, they made him want to weep.”

    Trell’s powerful song reveals the deep connection between the Land’s inhabitants and its fundamental elements. This moment demonstrates the emotional and mystical undercurrents that run through the narrative.

    4. “Hail, white gold wielder!—you who are named ur-Lord Thomas Covenant, Unbeliever and Ringthane. Be welcome in Revelwood! You are the crux and pivot of our age in the Land—the keeper of the wild magic which destroys peace.”

    This formal greeting emphasizes Covenant’s paradoxical role as both savior and disruptor in the Land. It encapsulates the chapter’s tension between reverence for power and fear of its consequences.

    5. “The accepting of a gift returns honor to the giver.”

    Corimini’s wisdom about reciprocity highlights an important cultural value in the Land. This brief but profound statement underscores the chapter’s themes of mutual respect and the cyclical nature of honor.

    FAQs

    1. What is the significance of Revelwood’s design and construction, and how does it reflect the capabilities of the Loresraat?

    Answer:
    Revelwood is a massive, engineered banyan tree that serves as both a city and the home of the Loresraat. Its design showcases the advanced knowledge and skill of the Lorewardens, particularly their mastery of the Second Ward and the Staff of Law. The tree was grown to the size of an oak, with seven interconnected trunks forming chambers, meeting halls, and libraries. The Loresraat shaped the tree’s roots and branches into functional living and study spaces, demonstrating their ability to harmonize natural growth with practical architecture. This feat highlights their deep understanding of Earthpower and their commitment to creating a sustainable, defensible haven for learning and governance in the Land.

    2. How does Trell’s method of raising the ford differ from the usual approach, and what might this reveal about his character?

    Answer:
    Unlike the standard method—which involves specific words and gestures—Trell raises the ford by singing a deep, resonant song that evokes the bedrock of the valley. His approach is more intuitive and emotionally charged, suggesting a profound connection to Earthpower and possibly a hidden depth of grief or responsibility. The reaction of the company (a hushed stillness and Troy’s near-tearful response) underscores the song’s power. This moment hints that Trell is more than just a Gravelingas; he may carry unresolved burdens or possess latent abilities tied to the Land’s ancient forces, adding mystery to his earlier hostility toward Covenant.

    3. Analyze the symbolic contrast between the Llurallin and Rill Rivers. How do they represent different aspects of the Land’s history and recovery?

    Answer:
    The Llurallin River, born from pure mountain springs, remains untainted despite the Desecration, symbolizing resilience and the enduring power of nature. Its name (“Llurallin”) reflects its ancient, incorruptible purity. In contrast, the Rill River was once called “Gray” due to corruption but has been cleansed by the Lords’ efforts, representing renewal and the restorative impact of their stewardship. Together, these rivers frame Revelwood as a place where past and present converge—the Llurallin embodying the Land’s untouchable spirit, and the Rill showcasing the possibility of redemption through dedicated labor.

    4. Why might Covenant’s act of giving his wedding ring to Corimini carry such emotional weight for the Lorewardens?

    Answer:
    Covenant’s white gold ring is a rare and potent symbol of wild magic, a force central to the Land’s fate. By offering it freely—despite his usual reluctance to engage with the Land’s customs—he temporarily bridges the gap between his identity as an “Unbeliever” and their reverence for his role. The Lorewardens’ trembling awe and Corimini’s tearful reaction highlight their belief in Covenant’s destiny as a “crux and pivot” of their age. This moment subverts expectations, as Covenant’s impulsive gesture (initially seeming dismissive) becomes a profound acknowledgment of their shared stakes.

    5. Evaluate Troy’s observations about Trell and Revelwood’s defenses. What strategic insights do they provide about the Lords’ approach to protection?

    Answer:
    Troy notes that Revelwood has only two submerged fords, requiring skill to access, which reflects the Lords’ emphasis on controlled entry points. Trell’s unconventional method of raising the ford surprises Troy, revealing that some defenses are tied to individual mastery rather than standardized protocols. This suggests the Lords balance innovation with tradition, relying on both engineered systems (like the tree-city) and personal prowess (like Trell’s song). Troy’s realization that Covenant “was lucky to be alive” after Trell’s earlier attack further underscores how the Lords’ allies harbor unpredictable power, complicating his tactical calculations.

    Note