The Runes of the Earth: The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant — Book One
Chapter 14: Part One — 8. Into the Mountains
by Donaldson, Stephen R.Linden Avery and her companions, Liand and Anele, begin their ascent into the mountains, though Linden struggles to maintain her stamina despite the healing properties of Hurtloam. Their journey takes a hopeful turn when they discover a cluster of aliantha, a resilient and nourishing plant that thrives even under the Sunbane. The berries rejuvenate Linden, and she takes care to scatter their seeds, ensuring future growth. However, the urgency of their flight from the Haruchai presses them onward, as the dissipating storm signals the imminent start of their pursuit.
The terrain grows increasingly challenging as they approach Mithil’s Plunge, a towering waterfall that seems to block their path. Linden reflects on her vague plans to navigate the mountains and reach Andelain, frustrated by the lack of clear guidance. She considers the enigmatic clues left by Jeremiah, such as his models of Mount Thunder and Revelstone, but remains uncertain how to interpret them. The weight of her mission—to find the Staff of Law—weighs on her, compounded by the limited knowledge of her companions.
As they near the waterfall, the roar and spray of the Plunge become overwhelming, drenching Linden and heightening her fear of the treacherous path ahead. Liand points out a hidden passage behind the cataract, though Linden can barely hear him over the tumult. Anele, seemingly familiar with the route, remains calm, his presence a small comfort. Linden clings to him as they follow Liand and the mustang Somo, stepping onto a narrow, slippery ledge obscured by mist and spray.
The passage behind the waterfall is perilous, with slick stones and moss threatening their footing. Linden focuses intently on each step, the water’s thunder urging her to falter. Despite her terror, she presses forward, guided by Liand’s lead and the faint light filtering through the spray. The chapter ends with Linden entering the hidden path, her resolve tested by the physical and emotional challenges of their journey into the unknown.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the aliantha (treasure-berries) in this chapter, and how do they reflect the nature of the Land?
Answer:
The aliantha represent the Land’s enduring resilience and generosity despite past corruption. These hardy shrubs produce nourishing fruit in all seasons, even surviving Lord Foul’s Sunbane—a testament to the Land’s innate vitality. Linden’s joy upon finding them highlights their symbolic role as a gift from the Land, offering both physical sustenance (restoring her stamina) and emotional comfort. The ritual of scattering seeds ensures future growth, mirroring the cyclical renewal central to the Land’s identity. Liand’s participation in this tradition shows his people’s preserved connection to their heritage, contrasting with other losses under the Masters’ rule.2. Analyze Linden’s emotional and physical state during the journey into the mountains. How does the chapter convey her mounting tension?
Answer:
Linden’s exhaustion and anxiety are palpable. Though healed by hurtloam, her stamina wanes as the terrain grows steeper, emphasizing her human limitations. The chapter juxtaposes fleeting moments of joy (e.g., tasting aliantha) with relentless urgency—the “rhythm of feet and hooves” metaphorically ties her heartbeat to pursuit by the Haruchai. Descriptions of the Mithil’s Plunge (“anger,” “fury”) mirror her inner turmoil, while spray-soaked clothing and suffocating mist create visceral discomfort. Her vague plans (“baffled pursuit,” “unspecified insight”) underscore her desperation, contrasting with the Land’s steadfast beauty and deepening her sense of isolation.3. How does the Mithil’s Plunge serve as both a literal and symbolic barrier in Linden’s journey?
Answer:
Literally, the waterfall is a treacherous obstacle: its thunder drowns speech, its spray obscures vision, and its ledge requires perilous navigation. Symbolically, it represents transition and hidden paths. The passage behind it—concealed yet illuminated by “reflected light”—mirrors Linden’s uncertain quest: she must trust Liand’s guidance, just as she relies on cryptic hints (Jeremiah’s models, Anele’s madness). The Plunge’s dual nature (destructive force vs. life-giving water) echoes the Land’s capacity for both peril and salvation, forcing Linden to confront her fears while moving toward unknown revelations.4. Compare Anele’s behavior during the climb to his earlier appearances. What might his calmness at the waterfall suggest?
Answer:
Unlike his earlier agitation, Anele is strikingly composed at the Plunge. His “intent” gaze and renewal-like appearance (“sparks of reflection transformed his face”) hint at latent awareness or familiarity with the passage. This shift suggests his madness may be context-dependent—perhaps tied to the Earth’s pain or specific locations. His trust in Linden and Liand also contrasts with his usual paranoia, implying that the waterfall’s primal energy temporarily stabilizes him. This moment foreshadows his potential role as a guide or key to understanding the Land’s deeper mysteries.5. Evaluate the chapter’s portrayal of the Land’s duality (beauty vs. danger). Provide specific examples.
Answer:
The Land’s duality is central: aliantha thrive despite past desolation, offering sweetness amid Linden’s flight, while the Plunge’s majestic power threatens annihilation. The “health and vitality” of the hills fade as Linden tires, showing how even beauty demands effort. Liand’s retained traditions (scattering seeds) contrast with the Haruchai’s pursuit, illustrating cultural preservation versus oppression. The thunderheads’ dissipation signals respite, yet their absence marks the start of pursuit. These contrasts reinforce the Land’s complexity—a place where hope and peril coexist, demanding resilience from those who seek its truths.
Quotes
1. “No wonder she loved the Land. Its providence delighted her.”
This quote captures Linden’s deep emotional connection to the Land and its natural abundance, exemplified by the discovery of aliantha. It highlights the theme of the Land’s enduring resilience despite past corruption.
2. “They tasted like a gift, the distilled essence of the Land’s natural beneficence: light and sweet, with a flavor of peach followed by a refreshing suggestion of salt and lime.”
This vivid description of aliantha berries symbolizes the Land’s innate generosity and healing properties. The sensory richness underscores the contrast between the Land’s purity and the threats it faces.
3. “The vagueness of her intentions frustrated her. But what else could she do?”
This quote reflects Linden’s internal struggle as she grapples with uncertainty about her mission. It marks a key moment of self-doubt in the chapter, emphasizing her isolation and limited resources.
4. “The cataract pounded down from its heights as though it were driven by anger as well as eagerness; as though the cold force of the peaks filled the torrents with a fury for spring and renewal.”
This powerful personification of Mithil’s Plunge mirrors the chapter’s growing tension. The waterfall’s dual nature (both destructive and renewing) foreshadows the challenges Linden must face.
5. “She had entered the demes…”
This truncated final sentence (intentionally left incomplete in the text) creates a sense of ominous transition. It marks the chapter’s climactic moment as Linden steps into unknown danger behind the waterfall.