# Steelhead — The Sundering Flood character guide

> Steelhead in The Sundering Flood by William Morris.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** XIII Steelhead, Counsel of Steelhead

**First appearance:** 0013-xiii-steelhead-gives-osberne-the-sword-boardcleaver

## Snapshot

A mysterious warrior of old days who gives Osberne the sword Boardcleaver and, laying hands on the boy, takes a father's place.

## Who they are

Steelhead meets Osberne in a dale and, seeing the lad cannot yet wield Boardcleaver, promises him might within the hour. He bathes with the boy, lays hands on his head, shoulders, limbs, and breast, and blesses him as fathers once blessed sons, since Osberne's own father is dead and his kin are churlish. Unchanging while Osberne grows, he returns each quarter for converse, and his gift shapes the boy into the warrior the tale will need.

## Relationships

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

_friendship_

Osberne and Steelhead are close comrades-in-arms, fighting side by side with unwavering loyalty.

## In the story

### [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)

A mysterious, goodly warrior who appears in the waste, gives Osberne a magical bow and three arrows, and offers cryptic advice about his future by the Sundering Flood.

### [X: Osberne and Elfhild Hold Converse Together](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/x-osberne-and-elfhild-hold-converse-together)

Mentioned in Osberne's thoughts; Osberne deems he understands Steelhead's rede from this meeting.

### [XII: Of a Guest Called Waywearer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xii-of-a-guest-called-waywearer)

Arrives disguised as the ragged traveler Waywearer, is recognized by Osberne, and entrusts him with a sealed bundle.

### [XIII: Steelhead Gives Osberne the Sword Boardcleaver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xiii-steelhead-gives-osberne-the-sword-boardcleaver)

Reveals himself as Waywearer; gives Osberne the sword Boardcleaver and lays down conditions for its use.

### [XIV: The Gifts of Steelhead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xiv-the-gifts-of-steelhead)

Performs a fatherly blessing on Osberne, imparting strength, then departs after sharing a meal.

### [XXVI: They Bring the Baron Into Eastcheaping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxvi-they-bring-the-baron-into-eastcheaping)

Joins the mission, uses his mysterious power to keep the Baron in a sleepwalking state, and later departs with a promise to meet Osberne again.

### [Osberne Seeks Counsel of Steelhead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxxv-osberne-seeks-counsel-of-steelhead)

Meets Osberne in the dale, offers counsel and hope, advises him to either forget his love or wander the world.

### [LI: Osberne Is Beguiled by Felons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/li-osberne-is-beguiled-by-felons)

Appears mysteriously to rescue Osberne, staunches his blood, and delivers him to a hermit for leechdom, then departs.

### [The Knight of Longshaw Gathereth Force](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lxviii-the-knight-of-longshaw-gathereth-force)

Osberne visits him quarterly in the dale; he remains unchanged and maintains good love with Osberne.

## Links

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