# The Carline — The Sundering Flood character guide > The Carline in The Sundering Flood by William Morris. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Carline, the said Carline, LIV The Carline **First appearance:** 0054-liv-the-carline-beginneth-her-tale ## Snapshot A wise woman of the dale whose counsel and stories shape how the young folk of Wethermel understand the world and their own fates. ## Who they are The Carline is the keeper of old knowledge in the dale, the figure whose rede and tales give shape to the days of those around her. She belongs to the household world of Wethermel, where her voice carries the weight of long memory and quiet authority. Her presence grounds the story's early chapters in the customs and wisdom of the Dalesmen, reminding readers that Osberne's world is one of inherited lore as much as of bows and byrnies. ## Relationships ### [Elfhild](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/elfhild) _friendship_ Elfhild and the Carline have a close, supportive relationship, with the Carline acting as a wise and caring confidante. ### [Elfhild](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/elfhild) _friendship_ Elfhild and the Carline have a close, supportive relationship, with the Carline acting as a wise and caring confidante. ### [Elfhild](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/elfhild) _friendship_ Elfhild and the Carline have a close, supportive relationship, with the Carline acting as a wise and caring confidante. ## In the story ### [Of Wethermel and the Child Osberne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/ii-of-wethermel-and-the-child-osberne) Bridget, the old kinswoman and foster-mother, who protects Osberne with a parchment charm against evil. ### [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) Mentioned as the old woman who taught Elfhild lore and tales. ### [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) An old woman taken into Elfhild's house, teaches her lore and ancient tales, supports her secret friendship with Osberne, and prophesies 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) Mentioned by Elfhild as having said that all women will love Osberne. ### [XXX: Osberne Goes to the Trysting-Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxx-osberne-goes-to-the-trysting-place) Mentioned as Elfhild's companion; she is wise and protective, but not present at the tryst. ### [XXXVII: Osberne Takes Leave of Wethermel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xxxvii-osberne-takes-leave-of-wethermel) Mentioned among the women moved to tears by Osberne's departure. ### [LI: Osberne Is Beguiled by Felons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/li-osberne-is-beguiled-by-felons) Not directly present, but the carle-messenger's master is implied to be connected to the earlier battle in the City. ### [The Meeting of Osberne and Elfhild](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lii-the-meeting-of-osberne-and-elfhild) The wise woman who brings Osberne to Elfhild, performing a protective ritual before they enter. ### [Strangers Come to Wethermel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/liii-strangers-come-to-wethermel) One of the three strangers; she is asked by the tall man to begin the storytelling. ### [LIV: The Carline Beginneth Her Tale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/liv-the-carline-beginneth-her-tale) Begins her tale; uses mysterious lore to protect the maiden and herself from the Red Skinners; comforts the maiden with hope of reunion. ### [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) Uses her cunning and perhaps wizardry to protect the Maiden, arranges her presentation to the Blue Knight, and escapes the chapman's arrow. ### [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) Mentioned as Elfhild's fosterer; she is present during the journey and shares a tent with Elfhild on one night. ### [They Come to Brookside](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lvii-they-come-to-brookside) Accompanies the Maiden, overhears Sir Alwyn's prophecy about his death, and reflects on foresight. ### [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) Stays watchful and listens closely, hoping to find a way for Elfhild to follow her true path. ### [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) Gathers intelligence at the Michaelmas market, using gems from Elfhild's dwarf-given collar to fund her inquiries. ### [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 Carline stands with the Maiden, sharing unspoken thoughts about the Blue Knight's mother's potential malice. ### [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 Carline questions the chapmen, comforts the Maiden, and orchestrates their escape from Brookside on horseback. ### [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 Maiden disguised as a lay-sister; overhears the chapmen's plot and resolves to deliver them. ### [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) Uses wizardry to put the chapmen to sleep and later performs a ritual to create a magical barrier; guides the Maiden to safety. ### [LXIV: The Carline Endeth Her Tale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lxiv-the-carline-endeth-her-tale) The wise foster-mother who orchestrates their journey, negotiates with the Sub-prior, and eventually brings the champion to Elfhild. ### [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) Sits down after her tale, setting the stage for the revelation. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/the_carline - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters