# Elfhild — The Sundering Flood character guide > Elfhild in The Sundering Flood by William Morris. **Role:** major **Also known as:** the Maiden, The maiden, the maiden **First appearance:** 0010-x-osberne-and-elfhild-hold-converse-together ## Snapshot The maiden across the Sundering Flood, whose stolen meetings with Osberne turn each season into a small festival of gifts, armour, and half-confessed longing. ## Who they are Elfhild meets Osberne secretly through autumn, winter, and spring, asking him for small boons—to see the spoils of Deepdale, to watch him stride the bank like glittering ice at Candlemas. She is tender and quick to comfort, yet she feels his hidden grief so keenly she tells him it is almost as bad as watching him die before her. Her presence gives the tale its ache: love that must be stolen in hours, never lived in days. ## Relationships ### [Osberne Wulfgrimsson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/osberne_wulfgrimsson) _romantic_ 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/the_blue_knight) _rivalry_ Elfhild is pursued and threatened by the Blue Knight, who represents a menacing force attempting to claim her against her will. ### [Sir Godrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/sir_godrick) _friendship_ Elfhild and Sir Godrick share a protective, respectful bond, with Godrick acting as a guardian figure on her behalf. ### [The Carline](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/the_carline) _friendship_ Elfhild and the Carline have a close, supportive relationship, with the Carline acting as a wise and caring confidante. ### [Osberne Wulfgrimsson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/osberne_wulfgrimsson) _romantic_ 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/osberne_wulfgrimsson) _romantic_ 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/sir_godrick) _friendship_ Elfhild and Sir Godrick share a protective, respectful bond, with Godrick acting as a guardian figure on her behalf. ### [The Blue Knight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/the_blue_knight) _rivalry_ Elfhild is pursued and threatened by the Blue Knight, who represents a menacing force attempting to claim her against her will. ### [The Carline](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/the_carline) _friendship_ Elfhild and the Carline have a close, supportive relationship, with the Carline acting as a wise and caring confidante. ### [The Carline](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/the_carline) _friendship_ Elfhild and the Carline have a close, supportive relationship, with the Carline acting as a wise and caring confidante. ### [Sir Godrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/sir_godrick) _friendship_ Elfhild and Sir Godrick share a protective, respectful bond, with Godrick acting as a guardian figure on her behalf. ### [The Blue Knight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/the_blue_knight) _rivalry_ Elfhild is pursued and threatened by the Blue Knight, who represents a menacing force attempting to claim her against her will. ## In the story ### [The Sundering Flood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxxv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lxv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lxvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lxviii-the-knight-of-longshaw-gathereth-force) Mentioned as the fair wife of Osberne, whose beauty pleases the Knight of Longshaw. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/elfhild - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters