Jurgen · Character

Chloris

A tree nymph of Leukê who marries Jurgen by the law of the Wood and cheerfully refuses to believe he could possibly have other wives.

supporting

Also known as The Hamadryad, Hamadryad Chloris, dear Chloris

First appearance: iii the garden between dawn and sunrise

As a supporting figure in Jurgen, Chloris is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Not directly present; no mention in excerpts.

In the storyXXII: As to a Veil They BrokeOpen this moment free

See Chloris in XXII: As to a Veil They Broke Book page

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Chloris is a hamadryad in the island of Leukê, where Jugatinus marries everyone and nobody ever leaves, so the question of Jurgen's prior wives simply cannot arise. She is tender, literal-minded, and utterly untroubled by the complications that follow Jurgen everywhere else, and their wedding is one of the book's gentlest, funniest scenes. She represents the sweet, impossible simplicity of a love that has no history and no consequences — exactly what Jurgen keeps half-wanting and cannot keep.

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The fuller portrait of Chloris sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Chloris in iii the garden between dawn and sunrise

Character Web

20 connections

A slice of how Chloris sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Mortal and Mythic Women
Kings and Queens
Mythological and Historical Figures
Protagonist

+15 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because Jurgen’s calm, rational dismissal of his father Coth’s lifelong guilt—redu…

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In the story

Chloris appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XXII: As to a Veil They Broke
Not directly present; no mention in excerpts.
XXVII: Vexatious Estate of Queen Helen
A hamadryad who first informs Jurgen about Helen and Achilles, then spends a romantic night with Jurgen.
XXVIII: Of Compromises in Leukê
Jurgen's hamadryad wife, who insists on marriage by Jugatinus and adheres to local traditions, though Jurgen finds her unperceptive.
XXIX: Concerning Horvendile's Nonsense
Jurgen's current companion; sends him to the seashore and later contentedly shares supper with him.
Economics of King Jurgen
Jurgen thinks of her and returns to her after leaving Queen Helen.
The Fall of Pseudopolis
Pleads with Jurgen to take shelter in the Woods, offers to care for him if turned into a pig, but ultimately stays because her life is tied to her tree.
Sundry Devices of the Philistines
Among the People of the Field judged and declared obsolete illusions by the Philistines.
XXXIII: Farewell to Chloris
The hamadryad whose tree is felled, leading to her death and departure to a somber afterlife; she professes her love for Jurgen despite her fate.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Chloris unlock in the free preview.

See Chloris in iii the garden between dawn and sunrise

See Chloris in XXII: As to a Veil They Broke