# Osberne Wulfgrimsson — The Sundering Flood character guide > Osberne Wulfgrimsson in The Sundering Flood by William Morris. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Earl Osberne, little Osberne, Captain Osberne, Master Osberne, Osberne Wulfgrim, bairn Osberne **First appearance:** 0002-ii-of-wethermel-and-the-child-osberne ## Snapshot A dalesman's son who becomes captain of the East Dale war-host, torn between the field of battle and a maiden he can only meet across the Sundering Flood. ## Who they are When the Dalesmen choose Osberne as their captain, he answers with a speech so wise and kind that hardened men are near weeping even as they laugh. He is a natural leader learning the lore of war from Sir Medard, yet his heart stays fixed on the far bank of the Flood, where Elfhild waits at their trysting-place. His double pull—duty to his people and longing for the woman he cannot reach—drives the whole early arc of the tale. ## Relationships ### [Elfhild](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/elfhild) _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_ Osberne and Sir Godrick are close companions and allies, with Godrick serving as a mentor and loyal friend in battle and counsel. ### [Stephen the Eater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/stephen_the_eater) _friendship_ Osberne and Stephen the Eater are steadfast friends and fellow warriors, sharing adventures and a deep mutual trust. ### [Goodman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/goodman) _family_ Goodman is Osberne's grandfather and guardian, raising him with care and authority in their village home. ### [Steelhead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/steelhead) _friendship_ Osberne and Steelhead are close comrades-in-arms, fighting side by side with unwavering loyalty. ### [The Red Lad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/the_red_lad) _friendship_ Osberne and the Red Lad are allies and friends, sharing a bond forged through common purpose and battles. ### [Hardcastle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/hardcastle) _rivalry_ Hardcastle is a bitter enemy of Osberne, representing a hostile and antagonistic force in his life. ### [Surly John](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/surly_john) _social_ Osberne and Surly John are acquaintances from the same village, with Surly John often acting as a grumpy but familiar presence. ### [The Baron of Deepdale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/the_baron_of_deepdale) _rivalry_ Osberne and the Baron of Deepdale are adversaries, with the Baron opposing Osberne's interests and actions. ### [Boardcleaver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/boardcleaver) _friendship_ Boardcleaver is a loyal companion and fellow warrior to Osberne, fighting alongside him in battles. ### [Sir Degore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/sir_degore) _friendship_ Osberne and Sir Degore are fellow knights and allies, sharing mutual respect and camaraderie in arms. ### [Stephen the Eater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/stephen_the_eater) _friendship_ Osberne and Stephen the Eater are steadfast friends and fellow warriors, sharing adventures and a deep mutual trust. ## In the story ### [The Sundering Flood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/the-sundering-flood) Introduced as a young boy living on the east side of the Sundering Flood. ### [Of Wethermel and the Child Osberne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/ii-of-wethermel-and-the-child-osberne) The twelve-year-old protagonist, strong and bold, who lives at Wethermel and has a fateful encounter with a Dwarf. ### [Wolves Harry the Flock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/iii-wolves-harry-the-flock) Now past twelve, he helps tend the sheep and shows bravery and cleverness, mocking the men's cowardice with a song. ### [Surly John Falls Out with the Goodman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/iv-surly-john-falls-out-with-the-goodman) Trips Surly John with his whittle drawn, laughs at him, and later takes the sheep up the bent alone, wearing scarlet. ### [Osberne Slays the Wolves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/v-osberne-slays-the-wolves) Returns from shepherding with all sheep accounted for, having slain three wolves with spear, shield, and knife. He presents the wolves' heads to his family. ### [VI: They Fare to the Cloven Mote](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/vi-they-fare-to-the-cloven-mote) Travels to the Cloven Mote for the first time, feels a premonition about Hartshaw Knolls, is celebrated for his wolf-slaying, and enjoys the feast with a young damsel. ### [VII: Of a Newcomer, and His Gift to Osberne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/vii-of-a-newcomer-and-his-gift-to-osberne) Now thirteen years old, Osberne is torn between his duty to shepherd and his longing to cross the Flood. He shows courage and discernment in meeting the stranger Steelhead. ### [VIII: The Goodman Gets a New Hired Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/viii-the-goodman-gets-a-new-hired-man) Returns home to Wethermel, shows his new bow, and becomes the household hunter, shooting game with perfect aim. ### [IX: The Bight of the Cloven Knoll](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/ix-the-bight-of-the-cloven-knoll) Explores the riverside in his scarlet coat, meets Elfhild at the Cloven Knoll, and is captivated by her. ### [X: Osberne and Elfhild Hold Converse Together](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/x-osberne-and-elfhild-hold-converse-together) Shares his dwarf-wrought whittle and wolf-slaying prowess; composes a love stave for Elfhild; reflects on Steelhead's counsel and Stephen the Eater's friendship. ### [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) Returns to the trysting-place in red-scarlet raiment, brings a gold penny gift, splits it with Elfhild, and shoots her half across the flood. ### [XII: Of a Guest Called Waywearer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xii-of-a-guest-called-waywearer) Continues his trysts with Elfhild, feels deep sorrow when they miss each other, and shows growing authority by welcoming the stranger Waywearer against the goodman's wishes. ### [XIII: Steelhead Gives Osberne the Sword Boardcleaver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xiii-steelhead-gives-osberne-the-sword-boardcleaver) Receives the sword Boardcleaver from Steelhead; feels the glow of praise and vows to be worthy. ### [XIV: The Gifts of Steelhead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xiv-the-gifts-of-steelhead) Receives Steelhead's blessing and gains new might; shows Boardcleaver to Elfhild and comforts her fears. ### [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) Remains composed after being slapped by Hardcastle, and later displays his strength by twisting and straightening Surly John's knife. ### [XVI: Hardcastle Would Seize Wethermel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xvi-hardcastle-would-seize-wethermel) Boldly confronts Hardcastle, offering three choices and accepting the duel. ### [XVII: The Slaying of Hardcastle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xvii-the-slaying-of-hardcastle) Slays Hardcastle in single combat, reclaims Wethermel for the goodman. ### [XVIII: Elfhild Hears of the Slaying](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xviii-elfhild-hears-of-the-slaying) Osberne tells Elfhild of his slaying of a man, defending his deed as just and necessary. ### [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) Attends the midwinter Cloven Mote, is paired with Gertrude, but longs for Elfhild. He expresses a deepening desire to cross the river and embrace her. ### [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) Travels to Eastcheaping, buys gifts for Elfhild, and meets her at the trysting-place. ### [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) Now fifteen years old, Osberne volunteers to ride with the Eastcheaping men-at-arms against the Baron of Deepdale, selecting six men and Stephen the Eater to accompany him. ### [XXII: Osberne Takes Leave of Elfhild](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxii-osberne-takes-leave-of-elfhild) Dons Hardcastle's byrny and basnet, girds Boardcleaver, and takes spear and shield; gives his bow and wonder-shafts to Stephen; bids farewell to Elfhild at the trysting-place, speaking of his need to seek fortune and find her beyond the Sundering Flood. ### [Osberne Is Chosen Captain of the Dalesmen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxiii-osberne-is-chosen-captain-of-the-dalesmen) Chosen captain of the Dalesmen against his initial reluctance; accepts the role and begins training under Sir Medard. ### [XXIV: A Skirmish with the Baron of Deepdale in the Marshes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxiv-a-skirmish-with-the-baron-of-deepdale-in-the-marshes) Captain of the Dalesmen; wields Boardcleaver in the skirmish, leading the defense on the causeway. ### [Stephen Tells of an Adventure in the Camp of the Foemen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxv-stephen-tells-of-an-adventure-in-the-camp-of-the-foemen) Recovering from a wound, he eagerly agrees to Stephen's plan to capture the Baron of Deepdale. ### [XXVI: They Bring the Baron Into Eastcheaping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxvi-they-bring-the-baron-into-eastcheaping) Leads the infiltration and capture of the Baron of Deepdale, showing his growing prowess and courage. ### [XXVII: They Parley from the Walls](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxvii-they-parley-from-the-walls) Present in the chamber with Sir Medard and the Baron; introduced to the Baron as the lad of Wethermel who slew Hardcastle and showed valiancy in the war. ### [The Baron of Deepdale Makes Peace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxviii-the-baron-of-deepdale-makes-peace) Refuses knighthood from Sir Medard, accepts only a suit of armor from the spoils, and expresses his desire to live and die in the Dale. ### [XXIX: Osberne and His Men Return to Wethermel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxix-osberne-and-his-men-return-to-wethermel) Returns to Wethermel as the captain of the warriors, sings a song of their war deeds, and is embraced by his family. ### [XXX: Osberne Goes to the Trysting-Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxx-osberne-goes-to-the-trysting-place) Returns to the trysting-place after the guests depart, filled with hope and fear; he is gaily clad and eager to see Elfhild. ### [XXXI: They Meet Through Autumn and Winter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxxi-they-meet-through-autumn-and-winter) Meets Elfhild frequently through autumn and winter, brings gifts, wears the armor from Deepdale, and struggles with longing and fear of losing her. ### [XXXII: Foemen Among the Westdalers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxxii-foemen-among-the-westdalers) Leads the defense of the Dale, fights fiercely at the Cloven Knoll, and is wounded three times but continues fighting. ### [XXXIII: Osberne Seeks Tidings of Elfhild](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxxiii-osberne-seeks-tidings-of-elfhild) Osberne speaks to Wulfstan, seeking tidings of Elfhild by asking which steads were wasted. ### [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) Grieves deeply for Elfhild, stands vigil alone at the Flood, and struggles with wild grief before returning to Wethermel. ### [Osberne Seeks Counsel of Steelhead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxxv-osberne-seeks-counsel-of-steelhead) Seeks counsel from Steelhead, still sorrowful over the battle and longing for Elfhild; decides to leave Wethermel after Midsummer. ### [The Staves Which Osberne Taught to the Dalesmen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-staves-which-osberne-taught-to-the-dalesmen) Osberne shows improvement in his mood and participates in the Midsummer Feast, composing and teaching the staves sung by the Dalesmen. ### [XXXVII: Osberne Takes Leave of Wethermel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxxvii-osberne-takes-leave-of-wethermel) Announces his departure from Wethermel, appoints Stephen as his deputy, and sings a song of hope for return. ### [XXXVIII: Osberne Parts from Stephen the Eater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxxviii-osberne-parts-from-stephen-the-eater) Departs Wethermel on a good horse, armed with Boardcleaver and the wonder-bow, leaving Hardcastle's Loom behind. ### [XXXIX: Osberne Gets Him a New Master](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxxix-osberne-gets-him-a-new-master) Osberne arrives at Eastcheaping and seeks Sir Medard, then questions Sir Godrick closely before swearing fealty. ### [XL: Osberne Rides with Sir Godrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xl-osberne-rides-with-sir-godrick) Rides with Sir Godrick, demonstrates keen eyesight and skill with his dwarf-wrought bow, saves Sir Godrick from a crossbowman. ### [They Joust with the Knight of the Fish](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xli-they-joust-with-the-knight-of-the-fish) Jousts against the tall champion of the Fish, wounding him grievously with a spear thrust. ### [XLII: They Deliver the Thorp-Dwellers from the Black Skinners](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xlii-they-deliver-the-thorp-dwellers-from-the-black-skinners) Leads the charge against the Black Skinners, feeling wrath as if Elfhild were threatened again. ### [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) Arrives at Woodneb with Sir Godrick; tells tales of his homeland and confides his sorrow over Elfhild's disappearance to Sir Godrick. ### [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) Travels to Longshaw, is renamed the Red Lad, and proves his valor as a captain. ### [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) Returns from a fruitless search for Elfhild; leads a successful attack on the Barons' northern host; praised as the Red Lad; embraced by Sir Godrick before the host. ### [XLVI: Osberne Enters the City of the Sundering Flood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xlvi-osberne-enters-the-city-of-the-sundering-flood) Leads fifteen hundred men from Longshaw to the City of the Sundering Flood, executes a successful night attack on the Porte's forces, and enters the City as the Red Lad. ### [The Battle in the Square](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xlvii-the-battle-in-the-square) Leads the council and the battle, wields Boardcleaver, spares a gilded knight who is then killed by a weaver, and is later ordered to rest by Sir Godrick. ### [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) Leads a surprise attack on the East Gate, capturing it with three hundred picked men and little loss. ### [Of the City King and the Outland King](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xlix-of-the-city-king-and-the-outland-king) Spends time at Longshaw and the Wood Masterless, still searching for Elfhild, growing ungleeful and few-spoken. ### [L: The Red Lad Speaks Privily with Sir Godrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/l-the-red-lad-speaks-privily-with-sir-godrick) Osberne speaks privately with Sir Godrick, expressing his weariness and longing to return to his homeland and seek Elfhild at the trysting-place. ### [LI: Osberne Is Beguiled by Felons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/li-osberne-is-beguiled-by-felons) Beguiled by a false messenger, ambushed and grievously wounded, rescued by Steelhead, and left to heal at a hermitage. ### [The Meeting of Osberne and Elfhild](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lii-the-meeting-of-osberne-and-elfhild) Recovering from his wounds, he is wary but ultimately follows the carline to find Elfhild, and defends her against the felons. ### [LIV: The Carline Beginneth Her Tale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/liv-the-carline-beginneth-her-tale) Implied as the maiden's beloved, separated by the river; she grieves for him as she is taken away. ### [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) Not physically present, but Elfhild inwardly longs for him and thinks of him as her beloved, wondering when she will meet him again. ### [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) Implied as the young captain serving Sir Godrick, described as tall, strong, wise, and lucky; Elfhild suspects he is her beloved. ### [LXIV: The Carline Endeth Her Tale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lxiv-the-carline-endeth-her-tale) The champion of the Knight of Longshaw, who is sought by Elfhild and is eventually reunited with her through the Carline's planning. ### [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) Reveals himself in glittering armor, declares his return after five years and presents Elfhild to the people. ### [The Lip of the Sundering Flood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lxvi-the-lip-of-the-sundering-flood) Walks hand in hand with Elfhild along the Sundering Flood, casts the pipe into the water, and listens to her tale. ### [A Friend at Need](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lxvii-a-friend-at-need) Leads the defense of the Knight of Longshaw, rallies the men of Wethermel, and uses his reputation as the Red Lad to rout the enemy. ### [The Knight of Longshaw Gathereth Force](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lxviii-the-knight-of-longshaw-gathereth-force) Offers to lead the Knight's host but is refused; returns home to Wethermel and continues visiting Steelhead quarterly. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/osberne_wulfgrimsson - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters