# Face-of-god — The Roots of the Mountains character guide

> Face-of-god in The Roots of the Mountains by William Morris.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Face, God, Face - of - god

**First appearance:** 0001-the-roots-of-the-mountains

## Snapshot

Face-of-god, called Gold-mane, is a young Dalesman torn between his sworn oath to a Mountain Woman and his pledged bride at home.

## Who they are

Face-of-god is the son of Iron-face of the House of the Face, a young warrior who has wandered into the mountains and returned changed. He stands caught between two wayward women and a mighty folk, his oath to wed the Mountain Woman weighing against kindred, custom, and the Bride herself. His restless longing for spring and the Mountain's token drives the early arc, as his private vow threatens to split the very alliances his people will need.

## In the story

### [The Roots of the Mountains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/the-roots-of-the-mountains)

Introduced as a central figure among the men of Burgdale.

### [Of Burgstead and Its Folk and Its Neighbours](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/i-of-burgstead-and-its-folk-and-its-neighbours)

Introduced as a member of the Dalesmen, though not yet central to the narrative.

### [Of Face-of-God and His Kindred](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/ii-of-face-of-god-and-his-kindred)

The young man who slays a roebuck and returns home to Burgstead; described as tall, strong, fair-haired, and well-beloved, also called Gold-mane.

### [They Talk of Divers Matters in the Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/iii-they-talk-of-divers-matters-in-the-hall)

Also called Gold-mane; he is restless, confessing a longing for the wood despite his love for the Dale and the Bride.

### [IV: Face-of-God Fareth to the Wood Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/iv-face-of-god-fareth-to-the-wood-again)

Protagonist who journeys into the wood, reflecting on the Bride and his own desires.

### [Face-of-God Falls in with Menfolk on the Mountain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/v-face-of-god-falls-in-with-menfolk-on-the-mountain)

Travels alone through the mountain forest, is ambushed, and is saved by a woman who later invites him to her home.

### [Of Face-of-God and Those Mountain-Dwellers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/vi-of-face-of-god-and-those-mountain-dwellers)

Enters the mountain dwelling, introduces himself as Gold-mane, and is welcomed as a guest.

### [VII: Face-of-God Talketh with the Friend on the Mountain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/vii-face-of-god-talketh-with-the-friend-on-the-mountain)

Awakens in the mountain house, converses with the Friend, recalls defending her in disguise at the market.

### [Face-of-God Cometh Home Again to Burgstead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/viii-face-of-god-cometh-home-again-to-burgstead)

Returns home from the wood, distracted by thoughts of the Fair Woman; dons fine raiment and deflects questions about his plans.

### [Those Brethren Fare to the Yew-Wood with the Bride](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/ix-those-brethren-fare-to-the-yew-wood-with-the-bride)

Struggles with his changed feelings for the Bride, wishing she were his sister; tries to be merry but is inwardly conflicted.

### [XI: Men Make Oath at Burgstead on the Holy Boar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xi-men-make-oath-at-burgstead-on-the-holy-boar)

Sits between his father and Stone-face at the feast; mistakes the Bride for the Woman of the Mountain; swears an oath to wed the fairest woman of the Earth.

### [They Fare to the Hunting of the Elk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xiii-they-fare-to-the-hunting-of-the-elk)

Separates from the hunting party during a snowstorm, returns home with a story about a broken skid-strap, and is met with jest and celebration.

### [XIV: Concerning Face-of-God and the Mountain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xiv-concerning-face-of-god-and-the-mountain)

Gold-mane deliberately turns toward the Mountain-hall after his skid-strap breaks, encounters Bow-may, receives a message from the Friend, and returns to Burgstead.

### [XV: Murder Amongst the Folk of the Woodlanders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xv-murder-amongst-the-folk-of-the-woodlanders)

Mentioned in the context of the Bride's thoughts; he seeks her company and thinks things are changing with her as they have with him, planning to speak with her when the time comes.

### [XVI: The Bride Speaketh with Face-of-God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xvi-the-bride-speaketh-with-face-of-god)

Resting in a meadow, he is confronted by the Bride and agrees to her request for a token and his second son, feeling shame and sorrow afterward.

### [XVII: The Token Cometh from the Mountain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xvii-the-token-cometh-from-the-mountain)

Receives the token from the Mountain, reads the scroll, and prepares for the journey to the Mountain Hall.

### [XVIII: Face-of-God Talketh with the Friend in Shadowy Vale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xviii-face-of-god-talketh-with-the-friend-in-shadowy-vale)

Returns to Shadowy Vale, meets the Friend, demonstrates spear-throwing, and shares a tender moment.

### [XIX: The Fair Woman Telleth Face-of-God of Her Kindred](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xix-the-fair-woman-telleth-face-of-god-of-her-kindred)

Listens to the Friend's tale, drinks a pledge to the Sons of the Wolf, and reaffirms his oath to wed the fairest woman.

### [XX: Those Two Together Hold the Ring of the Earth-God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xx-those-two-together-hold-the-ring-of-the-earth-god)

Discusses military strategy with Folk-might, then shares a tender and conflicted conversation with Sun-beam about love and duty.

### [Face-of-God Looketh on the Dusky Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxi-face-of-god-looketh-on-the-dusky-men)

Awakens, bathes in the Shivering Flood, arms for the road, and shares a heartfelt farewell with Sun-beam before the ambush.

### [XXII: Face-of-God Cometh Home to Burgstead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxii-face-of-god-cometh-home-to-burgstead)

Returns to Burgstead after journeying from Shadowy Vale; shares news of Silverdale and the Dusky Men; learns of the ambush in the woods.

### [Talk in the Hall of the House of the Face](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxiii-talk-in-the-hall-of-the-house-of-the-face)

Returns to Burgstead after slaying the runaways; sits beside the Bride on the dais, troubled by his love for the Sun-beam and the Bride's grief.

### [XXIV: Face-of-God Giveth That Token to the Bride](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxiv-face-of-god-giveth-that-token-to-the-bride)

Gives the Bride the ring from Sun-beam and swears the oath. He is abashed by her grief but remains resolved in his love for Sun-beam.

### [Of the Gate-Thing at Burgstead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxv-of-the-gate-thing-at-burgstead)

Reveals his battle with the Dusky Men and his alliance with the folk of Shadowy Vale; stands forth to answer the Alderman's questions.

### [The Ending of the Gate-Thing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxvi-the-ending-of-the-gate-thing)

Remains silent and calm as the Bride rejects him and his father rages.

### [XXVII: Face-of-God Leadeth a Band Through the Wood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxvii-face-of-god-leadeth-a-band-through-the-wood)

Leads the expedition northeast, organizes the scouting bands, and decides to wait for runaways after hearing Dallach's story.

### [XXVIII: The Men of Burgdale Meet the Runaways](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxviii-the-men-of-burgdale-meet-the-runaways)

Leads the Burgdale men, questions the runaways, and scouts the area with Stone-face.

### [XXIX: They Bring the Runaways to Burgstead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxix-they-bring-the-runaways-to-burgstead)

Leads the Runaways and Silverdale warriors into Burgstead; presents them to the Alderman and is praised for his success.

### [Hall-Face Goeth Toward Rosedale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxx-hall-face-goeth-toward-rosedale)

Takes counsel with Hall-face and Stone-face, decides against immediate attack on Rosedale, sends Hall-face on a reconnaissance mission, then travels to rally the Shepherds and Woodlanders.

### [Of the Weapon-Show of the Men of Burgdale and Their Neighbours](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxxi-of-the-weapon-show-of-the-men-of-burgdale-and-their-neighbours)

War-leader, leads the men of Burgdale with the banner of the Face.

### [XXXII: The Men of Shadowy Vale Come to the Spring Market at Burgstead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxxii-the-men-of-shadowy-vale-come-to-the-spring-market-at-burgstead)

Moves among the folk in glorious attire, then joins the Alderman and elders at the Gate, speaking proudly of the Dalesmen's resolve.

### [The Alderman Gives Gifts to Them of Shadowy Vale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-alderman-gives-gifts-to-them-of-shadowy-vale)

Moves among the guests, making much of them, and later observes the Bride's pallor with sympathy.

### [XXXIV: The Chieftains Take Counsel in the Hall of the Face](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-chieftains-take-counsel-in-the-hall-of-the-face)

War-leader of Burgdale; argues for a cautious strategy but ultimately agrees to the single-stroke plan; emphasizes secrecy and the urgency of the threat.

### [Face-of-God Talketh with the Sun-Beam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxxv-face-of-god-talketh-with-the-sun-beam)

Meets Sun-beam at the bridge, walks with her in the meadow, and engages in deep conversation about love, war, and his role as a chieftain.

### [Folk-Might Speaketh with the Bride](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxxvi-folk-might-speaketh-with-the-bride)

Mentioned as Gold-mane; the meadow is the old place of tryst between him and the Bride.

### [Of the Folk-Mote of the Dalesmen, the Shepherd-Folk, and the Woodland Carles: The Banner of the Wolf Displayed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxxvii-of-the-folk-mote-of-the-dalesmen-the-shepherd-folk-and-the-woodland-carles-the-banner-of-the-wolf-displayed)

Arrives in gleaming war-gear, sits on the Alderman's right, remains still and thoughtful amid the uproar.

### [Of the Great Folk-Mote: Men Take Rede of the War-Faring, the Fellowship, and the War-Leader. Folk-Might Telleth Whence His People Came. The Folk-Mote Sundered](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxxix-of-the-great-folk-mote-men-take-rede-of-the-war-faring-the-fellowship-and-the-war-leader-folk-might-telleth-whence-his-people-came-the-folk-mote-sundered)

Chosen as War-leader by all the kindreds.

### [Of the Hosting in Shadowy Vale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xl-of-the-hosting-in-shadowy-vale)

Stands with Sun-beam during the welcome of the Woodlanders, present at the feast and council.

### [The Host Departeth from Shadowy Vale: The First Day’s Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xli-the-host-departeth-from-shadowy-vale-the-first-day-s-journey)

Leads the vanward with Folk-might, sundered from his kindred.

### [The Host Cometh to the Edges of Silverdale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xlii-the-host-cometh-to-the-edges-of-silverdale)

Co-leads the host, recognizes the distant mountains of Silverdale, and shares a tense moment with Sun-beam.

### [XLIII: Face-of-God Looketh on Silverdale: The Bowmen’s Battle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xliii-face-of-god-looketh-on-silverdale-the-bowmen-s-battle)

Acts as war-leader, oversees watches, repositions the Host, views Silverdale, and returns to Sun-beam before battle.

### [XLIV: Of the Onslaught of the Men of the Steer, the Bridge, and the Bull](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xliv-of-the-onslaught-of-the-men-of-the-steer-the-bridge-and-the-bull)

Leads the charge down the bent between the two Banners of the Wolf, alongside Red-wolf and War-grove.

### [XLV: Of Face-of-God’s Onslaught](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xlv-of-face-of-god-s-onslaught)

Leads the onslaught, wielding Dale-warden, and coordinates with Bow-may; shows strategic awareness and personal bravery.

### [Men Meet in the Market of Silverstead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xlvi-men-meet-in-the-market-of-silverstead)

Leads the attack, makes strategic decisions, and is driven to fury by news of the Bride's wound.

### [XLVII: The Kindreds Win the Mote-House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xlvii-the-kindreds-win-the-mote-house)

War-leader who coordinates the assault on the Mote-house, taking the northern stair with Hall-face.

### [Men Sing in the Mote-House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xlviii-men-sing-in-the-mote-house)

Stands near Folk-might, rejoices at the news of the Bride's survival, and shares a loving exchange with Sun-beam.

### [XLIX: Dallach Fareth to Rosedale: Crow Telleth of His Errand: The Kindreds Eat Their Meat in Silverdale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xlix-dallach-fareth-to-rosedale-crow-telleth-of-his-errand-the-kindreds-eat-their-meat-in-silverdale)

Acts as War-leader, grants Dallach leave to pursue the enemy, receives Folk-might's homage, and orders the cleansing of the Hall and a feast for the host.

### [Folk-Might Seeth the Bride and Speaketh with Her](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/l-folk-might-seeth-the-bride-and-speaketh-with-her)

Sits at the altar of the Crooked Sword; Folk-might reports the Bride's condition to him.

### [Of the Word Which Hall-Ward of the Steer Had for Folk-Might](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/liii-of-the-word-which-hall-ward-of-the-steer-had-for-folk-might)

Present at the meeting; struggles with the delay of his wedding to the Sun-beam.

### [Tidings of Dallach: A Folk-Mote in Silverdale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/liv-tidings-of-dallach-a-folk-mote-in-silverdale)

Implied as War-leader who sets the departure day for the Host.

### [LV: Departure from Silverdale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/lv-departure-from-silverdale)

Bids farewell to Folk-might and the Bride, exchanges forgiveness and wisdom with Folk-might, and departs with the Host.

### [Talk Upon the Wildwood Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/lvi-talk-upon-the-wildwood-way)

Walks with the Sun-beam and Bow-may, discussing the future and the unlikelihood of returning to Silverdale except through war.

### [How the Host Came Home Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/lvii-how-the-host-came-home-again)

Speaks with Dallach, grants his request for men to stay in Rosedale, and later parts with Sun-beam at the door of the House of the Face.

### [How the Maiden Ward Was Held in Burgdale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/lviii-how-the-maiden-ward-was-held-in-burgdale)

Waits patiently for the Maiden Ward, holds his head high among the people, and finally claims Sun-beam as his bride, leading her through the meadows to the Hall.

### [LIX: The Behest of Face-of-God to the Bride Accomplished: A Motestead Appointed for the Three Folks, to Wit, the Men of Burgdale, the Shepherds, and the Children of the Wolf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/lix-the-behest-of-face-of-god-to-the-bride-accomplished-a-motestead-appointed-for-the-three-folks-to-wit-the-men-of-burgdale-the-shepherds-and-the-children-of-the-wolf)

Sends Bow-may with messages and his second son to the Bride; meets the others at Shadowy Vale.

## Links

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- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/characters