The Sundering Flood by William Morris
"The Sundering Flood" is a heroic fantasy narrative that centers on the intertwined lives of Osberne Wulfgrimsson and Elfhild, young lovers separated by a formidable river known as the Sundering Flood. Their tale begins when Osberne, at thirteen, meets Steelhead, a figure who imparts both strength and wisdom to him, and he swiftly falls for Elfhild. Despite living on opposite banks of the raging river, the couple meets at the Bight of the Cloven Knoll for five years, sharing stories and songs that deepen their bond.
However, their love story takes a dark turn when Elfhild is kidnapped by the marauding Red Skinners, prompting Osberne to embark on a quest to rescue her. Along the way, he allies with Sir Godrick of Longshaw to combat tyrannical barons, showcasing his growing prowess as a warrior. After numerous trials, including ambushes and battles, Osberne ultimately reunites with Elfhild, who has her own tale of endurance. Their journey culminates in a return to Osberne's home in the Dale, where they find happiness together, having navigated the challenges of love, fate, and adversity. This narrative explores themes of heroism, love's resilience, and the struggle against oppression, set against a richly imagined fantastical backdrop.
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The Sundering Flood
First published: 1897
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Fantasy—heroic fantasy
Time of work: About c.e. 1000
Locale: Northern Europe
The Plot
The Sundering Flood combines a heroic fantasy plot with a story of sundered lovers brought back together. It is the tale of Osberne Wulfgrimsson, who at the age of thirteen meets two people who will be key figures in his life. Steelhead gives him strength beyond his years and helps him acquire the wisdom to use it wisely, and he falls in love with Elfhild. The two lovers live on opposite sides of the Sundering Flood, a river that rages so forcefully that no one for miles in either direction has ever crossed it.
The lovers abide by this physical separation for five years, meeting at the Bight of the Cloven Knoll. Elfhild tells him stories of the Dwarves and of heroes of old time, while Osberne composes songs for her about his exploits. In his first trip out of the Dale, Osberne goes to Eastcheap, where he fights on behalf of the town and its people against the tyrannical local baron; in this, as in all of his combats, he shows that he is a man on whom fate has smiled. Fate is not so kind to Elfhild, however. One day, the evil Red Skinners invade her homeland and abduct her and the Carline, her aged companion. Osberne and his men at arms can strike back only at the few who come within bowshot of the eastern riverbank.
Devastated by Elfhild’s abduction, Osberne sets off to seek what fortune and his strong right arm may offer. In Eastcheap, he meets Sir Godrick of Longshaw, who lives far down the Sundering Flood to the south, near where it empties into the sea. Sir Godrick seeks a champion to help him in his continuing struggle against the barons, and Osberne can offer precisely the help he needs. Within eighteen months, the barons have sued for peace, and Sir Godrick can turn his attention to the City of the Sundering Flood, which stands at the mouth of the River. There, the craftsmen have risen up against their king and seek his assistance. Osberne, fighting now under the nickname of the Red Lad, helps Sir Godrick free the townspeople and the next year leads them in crushing the invasion of forces friendly to the old king.
Five years after Osberne left his native Dale, he longs to make one last effort at finding Elfhild before returning to his family and friends. He has made many enemies during the wars, however, and one of them attacks him in an ambush. Only Steelhead, magically appearing, saves him from certain death. A few months later, still weak from his wounds, Osberne is invited by an aged Carline to her isolated cottage. Though he fears another ambush, he goes and there sees Elfhild.
Her tale is finally told on the couple’s arrival at Wethermel, Osberne’s home. After her abduction, she was sold to Sir Mark, a knight who treated her with chivalric courtesy. He had sworn loyalty to the barons and was killed while fighting Sir Godrick and the Red Lad. Escaping from Sir Mark’s castle, Elfhild sought the protection of the church and found shelter some six miles from Longshaw. She waited there for her destined reunion with Osberne. In the Dale, the two lovers live happily ever after.