Elfhild

Osberne Wulfgrimsson

Elfhild and Osberne are deeply in love, their bond central to the story and marked by longing and devotion across the Sundering Flood.

The Blue Knight

Elfhild is pursued and threatened by the Blue Knight, who represents a menacing force attempting to claim her against her will.

Sir Godrick

Elfhild and Sir Godrick share a protective, respectful bond, with Godrick acting as a guardian figure on her behalf.

The Carline

Elfhild and the Carline have a close, supportive relationship, with the Carline acting as a wise and caring confidante.

Osberne Wulfgrimsson

Elfhild and Osberne are deeply in love, their bond central to the story and marked by longing and devotion across the Sundering Flood.

Osberne Wulfgrimsson

Elfhild and Osberne are deeply in love, their bond central to the story and marked by longing and devotion across the Sundering Flood.

Sir Godrick

Elfhild and Sir Godrick share a protective, respectful bond, with Godrick acting as a guardian figure on her behalf.

The Blue Knight

Elfhild is pursued and threatened by the Blue Knight, who represents a menacing force attempting to claim her against her will.

The Carline

Elfhild and the Carline have a close, supportive relationship, with the Carline acting as a wise and caring confidante.

The Carline

Elfhild and the Carline have a close, supportive relationship, with the Carline acting as a wise and caring confidante.

Sir Godrick

Elfhild and Sir Godrick share a protective, respectful bond, with Godrick acting as a guardian figure on her behalf.

The Blue Knight

Elfhild is pursued and threatened by the Blue Knight, who represents a menacing force attempting to claim her against her will.

The Sundering Flood

Introduced as a maiden living on the west side of the Sundering Flood, separated from Osberne.

IX: The Bight of the Cloven Knoll

First appears from the cave, converses with Osberne, and demonstrates her sheep-herding pipe.

X: Osberne and Elfhild Hold Converse Together

Reveals her secret gifts from the cave-folk: a pipe, a gold and gem necklace, and healing; shows her necklace to Osberne; weeps at his song and expresses mutual love.

XI: Osberne Shoots a Gift Across the Flood

Adorns herself with the Dwarfs' necklace and flower wreaths, receives half of the gold penny, tells a Faery tale, and exchanges names with Osberne.

XII: Of a Guest Called Waywearer

Osberne's beloved across the river; they meet regularly but sometimes miss each other due to illness or being kept at home.

XIV: The Gifts of Steelhead

Meets Osberne at the Bight of the Cloven Knoll; weeps at the sight of Boardcleaver and expresses fear for his future.

XVIII: Elfhild Hears of the Slaying

Elfhild hears of the slaying and expresses concern that Osberne will grow up and leave her behind.

XIX: The Winter Passes and Elfhild Tells of the Death of Her Kinswoman

Reports the death of a less kind kinswoman and the arrival of a carline who teaches her lore. She grows fairer and sleeker, and shares the carline's prophecy about their future meeting.

XX: Osberne Fares to Eastcheaping and Brings Gifts for Elfhild

Receives gifts from Osberne, tries them on, but weeps after he leaves.

XXI: Warriors from Eastcheaping Ride Into the Dale

Mentioned as still meeting happily with Osberne, now nearly fifteen years old.

XXII: Osberne Takes Leave of Elfhild

Comes to the trysting-place in the fair weed Osberne gave her, wearing a garland of May blossom; grieves at Osberne's departure, but is comforted by his words; asks him to bring back 'thou thyself' as a fairing; weeps bitterly as they part.

XXX: Osberne Goes to the Trysting-Place

Meets Osberne at the trysting-place after 511 days; she is clad in black and recounts a troubling visit from a stranger.

XXXI: They Meet Through Autumn and Winter

Asks Osberne for gifts and requests he wear his armor; comforts him when his sorrow breaks forth, and shares a deep, loving bond with him.

XXXII: Foemen Among the Westdalers

Osberne fears for her safety as the raiders move toward Hartshaw Knolls; she is not directly seen in this chapter.

XXXIV: Osberne Sorrows for the Loss of Elfhild

Her absence is the focus of Osberne's sorrow; her sheep remind him of her loss.

Osberne Seeks Counsel of Steelhead

Osberne longs for her and has no tidings; Steelhead speaks of hope that their paths may meet.

XLIII: They Come to the Edge of the Wood Masterless

Mentioned in Osberne's tale; he fears she was carried off by the Red Skinners across the Sundering Flood.

XLIV: They Reach Longshaw and Osberne Gets Him a New Name

Osberne inquires about her from chapmen but receives no tidings.

XLV: The Red Lad Scatters the Host of the Barons

Osberne's search for her yields only a rumor that she was sold by the Red Skinners to a thrall-cheapener; no further news is found.

LI: Osberne Is Beguiled by Felons

The maiden Osberne seeks; the false promise of news about her lures him into the trap.

The Meeting of Osberne and Elfhild

Living in the carline's cottage, she is reunited with Osberne after five years of faithful longing.

LIV: The Carline Beginneth Her Tale

The beautiful young maiden living with the Carline; longs for her love across the river; is captured by the Red Skinners' men.

LV: The Blue Knight Buys the Maiden of the Chapman

The Maiden, stolen and weary, is presented to the Blue Knight, declares her love for another, and agrees to go with the Knight under honorable terms.

LVI: The Blue Knight Talks with the Maiden by the Way

Rides with the Blue Knight, feeling delivered from captivity; she trusts him but keeps secret her love for Osberne, and declines his offer to return home.

They Come to Brookside

The Maiden travels with Sir Mark to Brookside, overhears talk of Sir Godrick, and inwardly reaffirms her love for Osberne.

Peaceful Days in the Castle of Brookside

Settles into Brookside Castle, enjoying peaceful days but still longing for Osberne.

LIX: Tidings of Longshaw and of the Hosting of the Barons’ League

Consents to the Carline selling gems from her collar; later speaks with the Blue Knight about the coming war and is stirred by news of the young captain.

LX: The Blue Knight Gathers Men and Departs from Brookside

The Maiden sorrows at the Blue Knight's departure, having prepared for it but feeling the loss of her friend.

LXI: The Maiden and the Carline Flee to the Grey Sisters

The Maiden is sorrowful at the news of Sir Godrick's supposed death and later weeps when the survivors confirm the disaster, but she is guided by the Carline to flee.

LXII: They Fall in with Three Chapmen

Travels with the Carline; fears being sold into thraldom and separated from her love.

LXIII: They Escape from the Chapmen by the Carline’s Wizardry

Referred to as the Maiden; follows the Carline's instructions and assists in the escape.

LXIV: The Carline Endeth Her Tale

The Maiden who longs for her champion; she travels with the Carline and shares her story of speaking across the Sundering Flood.

Osberne and Elfhild Make Themselves Known to Their People

Casts off her grey clothes to reveal fine gold and green attire, stunning the hall with her beauty.

The Lip of the Sundering Flood

Plays the shepherd's pipe that has lost its power, tells a sweet tale, and shares a peaceful afternoon with Osberne.

The Knight of Longshaw Gathereth Force

Mentioned as the fair wife of Osberne, whose beauty pleases the Knight of Longshaw.