The Illearth War
Chapter 9: NINE: Glimmermere
by R, Donaldson, StephenThe chapter “Glimmermere” opens with a tense atmosphere in Revelstone as Lord Foul’s army remains ominously absent, heightening the suspense among its inhabitants. Covenant, plagued by anxiety and physical discomfort, spends his evening on the balcony, drinking springwine to numb his unease. His sleep is disturbed by violent dreams of bloodshed, reflecting his inner turmoil and aversion to war. The next morning, he is summoned by High Lord Elena, expecting her anger over his confrontation with her grandfather, Trell, but instead, he is led by Bannor to the Hall of Gifts, a hidden cavern deep within Revelstone.
The Hall of Gifts is a vast, naturally formed cavern adorned with artworks gifted to the Lords by the people of the Land. Covenant is captivated by the diverse sculptures, carvings, and tapestries, each embodying raw emotion and cultural significance. Bannor explains that the Lords do not claim ownership of these treasures, believing they belong to the Land itself. As Covenant explores, he encounters the repaired arras depicting Berek Halfhand, a tapestry he once destroyed in a fit of rage, now serving as a poignant reminder of his conflicted role in the Land.
High Lord Elena arrives, her demeanor unexpectedly welcoming, which unsettles Covenant. She greets him warmly, her smile and open gesture contrasting with his anticipation of reprimand. Covenant remains wary, scrutinizing her expression for hidden motives, as her gaze seems to penetrate beyond his physical presence. The chapter subtly hints at Elena’s complex emotions and the unresolved tension between her and Covenant, leaving their interaction charged with unspoken implications.
The setting of the Hall of Gifts serves as a metaphor for the Land’s collective memory and Covenant’s internal struggle. The artworks reflect the people’s hopes, fears, and reverence for their world, while Covenant’s reaction to Berek’s tapestry underscores his resistance to being seen as a hero. Elena’s ambiguous demeanor adds layers to their relationship, suggesting deeper themes of trust, duty, and the burden of leadership. The chapter masterfully blends suspense, introspection, and rich world-building, setting the stage for further developments in the story.
FAQs
1. How does the atmosphere of Revelstone reflect the growing tension as Lord Foul’s army remains unseen?
Answer:
The chapter vividly portrays Revelstone’s mounting tension through sensory and psychological descriptions. The air quivers with strain, the Keep’s breathing becomes sharper and more cautious, and even the walls of Covenant’s room exude a mood of imminence. This atmospheric tension mirrors the collective anxiety of the inhabitants awaiting signs of Lord Foul’s army. Covenant’s own unease is amplified by the lack of omens or returning scouts, leading him to interpret twilight shapes as potential threats. The suspense is so palpable that it disrupts his sleep with violent dreams, reinforcing the psychological toll of the unseen danger.2. Analyze the significance of the Hall of Gifts and its contents in relation to the Lords’ philosophy.
Answer:
The Hall of Gifts serves as a cultural and philosophical symbol of the Lords’ values. Unlike traditional treasuries, it is a communal space where art given to the Lords is displayed for all to behold. Bannor explains that the Lords reject personal ownership of these works, believing they “belong to the Land.” This reflects their stewardship ethos—art, like the Earthpower, is a shared heritage. The diverse artworks (carvings, tapestries, and sculptures) capture the Land’s essence, from Ranyhyn to ur-viles, often imbued with emotional or symbolic resonance. The repaired Berek tapestry, which Covenant once rejected, underscores the tension between his skepticism and the Land’s reverence for its history.3. How does Covenant’s interaction with High Lord Elena subvert his expectations, and what might this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Covenant anticipates Elena’s anger over his clash with her grandfather, Trell, expecting public humiliation. Instead, she greets him warmly in the Hall of Gifts, smiling and thanking him for coming. This subversion hints at Elena’s complexity: she may prioritize diplomacy over reprimand, or she might be manipulating Covenant with calculated kindness. Her eyes, which seem to look “through him,” suggest a visionary or detached perspective, possibly tied to her role as High Lord. The scene leaves Covenant distrustful, highlighting his paranoia while painting Elena as enigmatic—a leader whose motives remain ambiguous.4. Compare Covenant’s emotional state in this chapter to his earlier reactions to the Land. What contradictions or developments do you observe?
Answer:
Covenant oscillates between visceral engagement and defensive withdrawal. His nightmares of “bloodwounds” and his agitation over the Keep’s tension show deep, if unwilling, emotional investment. Yet he clings to detachment, as seen when he studies Elena’s smile with distrust. This duality is consistent: he is drawn into the Land’s struggles (e.g., admiring the Hall’s art) but resists attachment (e.g., turning from the Berek tapestry). His chest pain and reliance on springwine underscore his physical and psychological vulnerability, marking a shift from earlier defiance toward a more fractured, weary resistance.5. Why might the author have chosen to place Covenant and Elena’s confrontation in the Hall of Gifts? Discuss the symbolic resonance of this setting.
Answer:
The Hall of Gifts is a poignant setting for their meeting, rich with thematic layers. Its raw, unshaped cavern mirrors the Land’s untamed power, while the art symbolizes its cultural soul—a contrast to Covenant’s skepticism. By situating Elena’s unexpected warmth here, the chapter juxtaposes her reverence for the Land’s gifts with Covenant’s unresolved guilt (symbolized by the repaired Berek tapestry). The Hall’s communal purpose also reflects Elena’s leadership style, which may prioritize unity over blame. Ultimately, the setting underscores the tension between Covenant’s isolation and the Land’s collective spirit.
Quotes
1. “Nevertheless Covenant felt an increase in the tension of Revelstone; as the suspense mounted, the ambient air almost audibly quivered with strain, and Lord’s Keep breathed with a sharper intake, a more cautious release.”
This quote captures the palpable tension building in Revelstone as its inhabitants await signs of Lord Foul’s army. The personification of the Keep itself “breathing” with tension illustrates the collective anxiety permeating the setting.
2. “He began to feel that only the tactile sensation of beard under his fingertips stood between him and actions war and killing—which he could not stomach.”
This reveals Covenant’s internal struggle with the violence he anticipates, showing how he clings to small physical sensations to ground himself against the horrors he fears are coming. It highlights his deep aversion to warfare.
3. “They revealed the comprehending hearts of their makers. Covenant was entranced.”
This describes Covenant’s reaction to the artworks in the Hall of Gifts, emphasizing how the pieces transcend mere craftsmanship to express profound emotional and spiritual understanding. It marks a rare moment of peace and appreciation for Covenant.
4. “The treasure comes from the Land, and belongs to the Land. So all gifts given to the Lords are placed here, so that any who wish it may behold them.”
Bannor explains the philosophy behind the Hall of Gifts, representing the Lords’ belief in communal ownership of beauty and art. This reflects a key cultural value of the Land that contrasts with Covenant’s expectations.
5. “Her eyes invited study. Even while they regarded him, they seemed to look beyond him or into him or through him, as if the space he occupied were shared…”
This description of High Lord Elena’s gaze captures her enigmatic presence and power, suggesting she perceives more than surface reality. It establishes the complex dynamic between her and Covenant as their interaction begins.