Thomas Covenant 8 — The Fatal Revenant
Chapter 21: Part Two — 8. Salva Gildenbourne
by Donaldson, Stephen R.Linden Avery, haunted by the Harrow’s promise to lead her to her son, Jeremiah, retreats from her companions to seek solace with her Ranyhyn mare, Hyn. Despite their deep bond, Hyn refuses to carry her to Jeremiah, unable to pierce the magical concealment hiding him. Mahrtiir, the blind Manethrall, explains that while Jeremiah exists in their time, his location remains obscured. Linden’s attempt reflects her desperation, but she acknowledges the futility, knowing her son’s captors—Roger Covenant and the croyel—would not make it so easy.
The chapter delves into themes of perseverance and despair as Mahrtiir contrasts Linden’s resolve with historical figures like Kevin Landwaster, who succumbed to hopelessness. He argues that continued struggle, even against impossible odds, holds more value than surrender. Linden, though weary, clings to hope, citing allies like Liand, Stave, and even the ur-viles as reasons to keep fighting. Yet she fears her friends might dissuade her from risky bargains, leaving her torn between determination and doubt.
After Liand uses his orcrest to heal traumatized villagers, the group prepares to depart. Linden insists on practicality, rejecting the heavy slate shielding Anele in favor of blankets to block Kastenessen’s influence. The villagers, grateful yet wary, bid them farewell as Mahrtiir bluntly acknowledges the mixed consequences of their aid. The company rides southeast, with the Humbled scouting ahead, ensuring safety while Linden worries about their pride preventing them from replenishing their strength with aliantha.
As they pause to rest, Linden notes the Humbled’s divergent paths, trusting their vigilance. Liand regains some energy from treasure-berries, lightening the mood momentarily. The chapter underscores Linden’s relentless drive to save Jeremiah, balanced by the practical and emotional support of her companions. Yet the underlying tension remains—her willingness to risk everything, even if it means defying caution or despair.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Linden’s attempt to ask Hyn to take her to Jeremiah, and why does the Ranyhyn refuse?
Answer:
Linden’s request to Hyn represents her desperate hope to bypass the Harrow’s leverage and find her son without making dangerous bargains. The Ranyhyn’s refusal underscores the complexity of Jeremiah’s concealment—while Hyn is willing to brave any physical danger, she cannot locate Jeremiah because his hiding place is magically obscured. Mahrtiir explains that Jeremiah must exist in their current time (due to the Law of Time), but the croyel and Roger Covenant’s powers prevent detection. This moment highlights Linden’s powerlessness and foreshadows her eventual need to negotiate with the Harrow or other forces.2. How does Mahrtiir’s philosophy about hope and despair reflect the broader themes of the chapter?
Answer:
Mahrtiir argues that striving without guarantee of success is essential to avoid despair, citing historical figures like Kevin Landwaster who succumbed to hopelessness. This mirrors Linden’s internal conflict—she fears her friends might dissuade her from risky actions, yet she resolves to “try anything” to save Jeremiah. The chapter contrasts despair (represented by Kastenessen and Roger) with hope (embodied by Liand, Stave, and even the reformed ur-viles). Mahrtiir’s perspective reinforces the narrative’s central tension: whether relentless effort can overcome seemingly insurmountable evil.3. Analyze the symbolic role of Liand’s orcrest in this chapter.
Answer:
Liand’s orcrest (Sunstone) serves as a beacon of purity and sacrifice. Its “glory” cleanses the Woodhelvennin’s senses, but the gift leaves Liand physically drained, symbolizing the cost of compassion in a broken world. The villagers’ mixed reaction—gratitude paired with the burden of newfound percipience—parallels Linden’s own gifts and burdens. The orcrest also contrasts with darker powers like the croyel’s theurgy, positioning Liand as a counterweight to despair. His exhaustion after using it underscores the theme that hope requires tangible effort and vulnerability.4. Why does Linden choose blankets instead of the slate to protect Anele, and what does this decision reveal about her leadership?
Answer:
Linden rejects the heavy slate because it would hinder the Humbled in battle, prioritizing practicality over absolute protection. This shows her growing decisiveness and awareness of their vulnerability—they need mobility to survive further attacks. Her compromise (using multiple blankets) demonstrates pragmatism, but also hints at her fear: Kastenessen’s threat is so vast that makeshift solutions may be futile. The moment also subtly critiques the Masters’ rigidity, as Clyme initially insists on carrying the slate despite his injuries.5. How does the chapter use the Ranyhyn’s behavior to explore communication beyond language?
Answer:
The Ranyhyn’s silent understanding with the Ramen—and Linden’s partial connection to Hyn—illustrates a deeper form of communication rooted in trust and shared purpose. Hyn responds to Linden’s emotions (quivering at her plea) but cannot act without clear spatial knowledge, highlighting limits to intuition. Meanwhile, the Humbled and Bhapa’s coordinated scouting, inferred from hoofprints, shows nonverbal cooperation. These interactions contrast with Linden’s verbal struggles to express her fears to her friends, suggesting that some truths transcend words but still have boundaries.
Quotes
1. “Attempts must be made, even when there can be no hope. The alternative is despair. And betimes some wonder is wrought to redeem us.”
This quote from Manethrall Mahrtiir encapsulates the chapter’s central theme of perseverance against impossible odds. It comes during a pivotal moment where Linden struggles with her inability to locate her son, serving as both encouragement and philosophical insight about resisting despair.
2. “Therein lay Kevin Landwaster’s error—aye, and great Kelenbhrabanal’s also. When all hope was gone, they heeded the counsels of despair. Had they continued to strive, defying their doom, some unforeseen wonder might have occurred.”
Mahrtiir draws a profound historical parallel, warning against the dangers of surrendering to hopelessness. This reference to legendary figures’ failures provides context for Linden’s current struggles and the broader narrative’s moral framework.
3. “The world is full of Kastenessens and Rogers… But there are still people like Liand… I’ll try anything to save Jeremiah.”
Linden’s resigned yet determined declaration captures her conflicted worldview and driving motivation. This quote represents the chapter’s emotional climax where she weighs the world’s darkness against its redeeming qualities while affirming her unwavering commitment to her son.
4. “Hyn is valorous in all things… But she does not know where your son may be found. Mayhap she is able to discern the nature of his hiding place or prison, but she cannot determine its location.”
This explanation of the Ranyhyn’s limitations serves as a crucial plot point while illustrating the story’s theme of constrained power. It establishes the boundaries of even magical assistance in Linden’s quest, forcing her to consider more dangerous alternatives.