# Hardcastle — The Sundering Flood character guide

> Hardcastle in The Sundering Flood by William Morris.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** XVI Hardcastle Would Seize Wethermel

**First appearance:** 0016-xvi-hardcastle-would-seize-wethermel

## Who they are

An antagonist who tries to seize Wethermel.

## Relationships

### [Osberne Wulfgrimsson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/osberne_wulfgrimsson)

_rivalry_

Hardcastle is a bitter enemy of Osberne, representing a hostile and antagonistic force in his life.

### [Stephen the Eater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/stephen_the_eater)

_rivalry_

Hardcastle and Stephen the Eater are enemies, often in conflict due to their opposing allegiances.

### [Goodman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/goodman)

_rivalry_

Goodman and Hardcastle are adversaries, with Hardcastle representing a threat to Goodman's family and home.

### [Goodman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/goodman)

_rivalry_

Goodman and Hardcastle are adversaries, with Hardcastle representing a threat to Goodman's family and home.

### [Goodman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/goodman)

_rivalry_

Goodman and Hardcastle are adversaries, with Hardcastle representing a threat to Goodman's family and home.

### [Osberne Wulfgrimsson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/osberne_wulfgrimsson)

_rivalry_

Hardcastle is a bitter enemy of Osberne, representing a hostile and antagonistic force in his life.

### [Osberne Wulfgrimsson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/osberne_wulfgrimsson)

_rivalry_

Hardcastle is a bitter enemy of Osberne, representing a hostile and antagonistic force in his life.

## In the story

### [XV: Surly John Brings a Guest to Wethermel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xv-surly-john-brings-a-guest-to-wethermel)

Arrives as a guest, behaves insolently, strikes Osberne, and becomes drunk; his presence unsettles the household.

### [XVI: Hardcastle Would Seize Wethermel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xvi-hardcastle-would-seize-wethermel)

Attempts to seize Wethermel, claims ownership by his sword, and agrees to a hazelled field duel.

### [XVII: The Slaying of Hardcastle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xvii-the-slaying-of-hardcastle)

Killed by Osberne in the duel; buried in the hazel-garth.

### [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)

Referenced in Stephen's tale of how he sped at Osberne's hands, marveled at by the Knight captain.

### [XXII: Osberne Takes Leave of Elfhild](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxii-osberne-takes-leave-of-elfhild)

His long byrny and gilded basnet are worn by Osberne, indicating Osberne has taken them after their encounter.

### [XXXII: Foemen Among the Westdalers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxxii-foemen-among-the-westdalers)

Referenced indirectly: Osberne's byrny is made from Hardcastle's loom, which turns aside many shafts.

### [Sir Godrick Is Chosen Burgreve of the City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xlviii-sir-godrick-is-chosen-burgreve-of-the-city)

Not directly mentioned in this chapter.

### [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 chapman who stole the Maiden; he sells her under duress and later tries to shoot the Carline but fails.

### [LXII: They Fall in with Three Chapmen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lxii-they-fall-in-with-three-chapmen)

The Lady of Brookside, who sends men-at-arms to retrieve the Carline and the Maiden.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/hardcastle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters