The Talisman: A Novel
Chapter 19: Wolf and the Herd
by King, StephenIn Chapter 17, “Wolf and the Herd,” Jack engages in a revealing conversation with Wolf, a member of the nomadic Wolf family who guards the Queen’s cattle in the Territories. Wolf explains his extended family’s role as loyal caretakers of the herd, emphasizing their dedication to the Queen and their legendary strength. He clarifies that while he lives with his “family,” it refers to his kin, not a mate or children, and humorously anticipates the “big rut-moon.” Wolf’s loyalty to the Queen and his family is unwavering, and he describes the Wolfs as a proud, hardworking people who occasionally serve as guards or soldiers in the Settlements.
Jack learns that the Wolfs transform into animals during the full moon but avoid the herd to prevent cannibalizing it, a crime punishable by death. Wolf’s matter-of-fact tone contrasts with Jack’s curiosity, as he struggles to reconcile Wolf’s dual nature as both human and beast. The chapter hints at darker elements, such as Morgan Sloat’s corruption of some Wolfs, leading them to betray their traditions and prey on the herd. Wolf’s fear and disdain for these “damned” individuals underscore the gravity of their transgression, paralleling Jack’s earlier encounters with sinister figures in the human world.
The conversation shifts to Jack’s father, Philip Sawtelle, and Morgan Sloat, whom Wolf recalls as contrasting figures. While Philip was kind and brought gifts, Morgan’s malevolence is evident in his manipulation and abduction of Wolfs, including Wolf’s litter-sister. Jack pieces together that Morgan has created a faction of rogue Wolfs in both worlds, blurring the lines between Territories and reality. This realization unsettles Jack, who had previously felt safe in Wolf’s company but now grasps the broader threat Morgan poses.
The chapter closes with Wolf reminiscing about a pair of overalls given to him by Jack’s father, symbolizing his enduring affection for Philip. This tender moment contrasts with the underlying tension of Morgan’s influence, leaving Jack to ponder the interconnected dangers of both worlds. The exchange deepens Jack’s understanding of the Territories’ complexities while foreshadowing greater conflicts ahead, particularly involving Morgan’s corrupted followers.
FAQs
1. What are the two great touchstones of the Wolfs’ lives, and how do these shape their societal roles?
Answer:
The two great touchstones for the Wolfs are the Lady (the Queen) and the family. These principles define their entire way of life. Loyalty to the Queen manifests in their role as herders of the cow-sheep, which provide essential resources like meat, cloth, and tallow for the Territories. Their extended family structure is nomadic but tightly knit, with some members serving as guards or soldiers in the Settlements. This dual allegiance creates a society that balances service to the monarchy with strong familial bonds, similar to historical pastoral cultures like the Plains Indians with their relationship to buffalo.2. How does Wolf’s explanation of Wolfs’ transformation during the full moon reveal their cultural values and taboos?
Answer:
Wolf explains that Wolfs transform into animals during the full moon but strictly avoid the herd during this time, as eating from it would require their execution per the “Book of Good Farming.” This taboo highlights their deep cultural respect for their duty to protect the Queen’s livestock, even in their animal state. The separation shows an institutionalized system of control over their natural instincts, emphasizing responsibility over predation. The existence of designated transformation areas further illustrates how their society has developed rituals to maintain order despite their lycanthropic nature.3. Analyze the significance of Jack’s comparison between the Wolfs/herd relationship and that of Plains Indians and buffalo. What does this reveal about the Territories’ societal balance?
Answer:
Jack’s comparison underscores a symbiotic, sustainable relationship where the Wolfs act as stewards rather than exploiters of their resource base—much like some Native American tribes viewed buffalo. This reflects the Territories’ emphasis on maintaining natural balances, contrasting sharply with Jack’s world where colonization disrupted such systems. The Wolfs’ centuries-long herding tradition suggests a society that values ecological harmony, with the Queen’s ownership preventing overconsumption. The parallel also foreshadows threats to this balance, as Morgan’s corruption of some Wolfs mirrors how outside influences destroyed Indigenous ways of life.4. What does Wolf’s reaction to the term “Wolves” (vs. “Wolfs”) suggest about his people’s cultural identity?
Answer:
Wolf finds the grammatically correct plural “Wolves” hilariously absurd, indicating his people fiercely maintain a distinct identity separate from both animals and standard language norms. This linguistic quirk symbolizes their unique position as beings who straddle human and wolf nature—they’re neither fully one nor the other. The insistence on “Wolfs” as a plural reinforces their collective identity as a family or tribe rather than a mere species. It also subtly highlights the Territories’ separation from Jack’s world, where language follows different rules.5. How does Morgan Sloat’s corruption of some Wolfs reflect larger themes of power and corruption in the narrative?
Answer:
Morgan’s manipulation of Wolfs—stealing some (like Wolf’s sister) and teaching them to break their most sacred taboo by eating the herd—mirrors his broader pattern of exploiting natural orders for power. These “damned” Wolfs represent how corruption perverts innocence, as their forced allegiance to Morgan destroys their cultural soul. The detail about Wolfs being taken to “the Place of the Strangers” (Jack’s world) suggests Morgan weaponizes cross-world travel to create unnatural hybrids loyal only to him. This foreshadows larger conflicts about sovereignty and the dangers of violating fundamental laws, whether magical or moral.
Quotes
1. “Their lives, Wolf explained to Jack, had only two great touchstones: the Lady and the family.”
This quote encapsulates the core values of the Wolf family—their unwavering loyalty to the Queen (“the Lady”) and their tight-knit familial bonds. It reveals the simplicity and depth of their cultural identity in the Territories.
2. “A Wolf who eats of his herd must be put to death. The Book of Good Farming says so.”
This highlights the sacred covenant between the Wolfs and the Queen’s cattle, emphasizing their strict moral code. The quote also foreshadows later revelations about corrupted Wolfs who break this taboo.
3. “They’re damned,” Wolf replied simply.”
Wolf’s blunt declaration about Wolfs who eat the herd carries chilling weight. This single sentence conveys the irreversible spiritual consequences of betraying their ancient duty, tying into the chapter’s themes of loyalty and corruption.
4. “Everything Wolf told him led Jack to a dozen more questions, most of which Wolf couldn’t—or wouldn’t—answer.”
This meta-commentary captures the chapter’s central dynamic—Jack’s growing understanding of the Territories through frustrating yet revelatory exchanges with Wolf. It underscores how the world’s mysteries multiply even as some are solved.
5. “He made himself a place in this world.”
This recurring phrase about Morgan Sloat/Orris represents the chapter’s ominous undercurrent—the villain’s growing influence across worlds. Its repetition builds dread while explaining how evil takes root in both realities.