# Habundia — The Water of the Wondrous Isles character guide > Habundia in The Water of the Wondrous Isles by William Morris. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Habundia, the wood woman, the wood mother, the wood wife **First appearance:** 0013-xiii-birdalone-meeteth-the-wood-woman-again ## Snapshot A wood-wife of faery kindness who mothers Birdalone, listens to her griefs, and promises help in winning back her lost love. ## Who they are Habundia dwells apart in the woodland, feared and avoided by the violent men now drifting through it, and looks on Birdalone with the fond exasperation of a parent watching a child weep over a broken toy. Her power is real but bounded: she can promise to search out Birdalone's enemies, not to command the Sending Boat or undo the witch. Her steady, unsentimental tenderness gives Birdalone a refuge and a promise of aid, making her the quiet counterweight to the isle's cruelty. ## Relationships ### [Birdalone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/characters/birdalone) _friendship_ Habundia is Birdalone's wise and nurturing fairy mentor, guiding her with magical knowledge and maternal care. ### [Arthur the Black Squire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/characters/arthur_the_black_squire) _friendship_ Arthur and Habundia interact as allies, with Habundia providing magical aid that Arthur respects. ### [The Broiderers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/characters/the_broiderers) _professional_ Habundia oversees the Broiderers as their magical mistress, directing their craft and service. ### [Birdalone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/characters/birdalone) _friendship_ Habundia is Birdalone's wise and nurturing fairy mentor, guiding her with magical knowledge and maternal care. ### [The Broiderers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/characters/the_broiderers) _professional_ Habundia oversees the Broiderers as their magical mistress, directing their craft and service. ### [Arthur the Black Squire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/characters/arthur_the_black_squire) _friendship_ Arthur and Habundia interact as allies, with Habundia providing magical aid that Arthur respects. ### [Birdalone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/characters/birdalone) _friendship_ Habundia is Birdalone's wise and nurturing fairy mentor, guiding her with magical knowledge and maternal care. ### [Arthur the Black Squire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/characters/arthur_the_black_squire) _friendship_ Arthur and Habundia interact as allies, with Habundia providing magical aid that Arthur respects. ## In the story ### [The First Part: Of the House of Captivity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/the-first-part-of-the-house-of-captivity) The wood woman who teaches Birdalone the Sending Boat magic. ### [VII: Birdalone Hath an Adventure in the Wood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/vii-birdalone-hath-an-adventure-in-the-wood) Habundia appears as a naked wood-woman with an oak wreath, comforts Birdalone, describes her appearance, and gives her a tress of hair for summoning. ### [VIII: Of Birdalone and the Witch-Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/viii-of-birdalone-and-the-witch-wife) Referenced as the wood-woman who foretold Birdalone's return and is the kind friend Birdalone has gained. ### [X: Birdalone Comes on New Tidings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/x-birdalone-comes-on-new-tidings) Mentioned as the wood woman who hinted at escape by water; Birdalone hopes to consult her again. ### [XIII: Birdalone Meeteth the Wood-Woman Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xiii-birdalone-meeteth-the-wood-woman-again) Meets Birdalone at the Oak of Tryst, now closely resembling her; she comforts Birdalone, advises patience, and gives her a ring of invisibility to spy on the witch's use of the Sending Boat. ### [XV: Birdalone Weareth Her Serpent-Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xv-birdalone-weareth-her-serpent-ring) Birdalone visits Habundia in the wood, spending a happy hour with her and receiving a fawn. ### [XVI: Birdalone Meeteth Habundia Again; and Learneth Her First Wisdom of Her](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xvi-birdalone-meeteth-habundia-again-and-learneth-her-first-wisdom-of-her) Meets Birdalone at the Oak of Tryst, warns her of peril, and begins teaching her the wisdom of the earth. ### [XVII: The Passing of the Year Into Winter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xvii-the-passing-of-the-year-into-winter) The wood-mother teaches Birdalone wisdom at the Trysting Tree, advising her and confirming her choices. ### [XVIII: Of Spring-Tide and the Mind of Birdalone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xviii-of-spring-tide-and-the-mind-of-birdalone) The wood-mother is sorrowful and fearful for Birdalone's safety, but ultimately accepts Birdalone's choice, acknowledging that Birdalone is no longer like the wood-folk. ### [XIX: They Bid Farewell, Birdalone and the Wood-Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xix-they-bid-farewell-birdalone-and-the-wood-mother) Habundia sorrowfully acknowledges the hour of sundering and accepts the tress of hair to know how Birdalone has sped. ### [The Second Part: Of the Wondrous Isles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/the-second-part-of-the-wondrous-isles) Wood woman who aids Birdalone. ### [I: The First Isle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/i-the-first-isle) The wood-mother, whose tress of hair Birdalone kisses and whose promise gives her courage. ### [XI: And Now She Comes to the Isle of the Kings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xi-and-now-she-comes-to-the-isle-of-the-kings) Birdalone recalls Habundia's words, which give her renewed hope and strength. ### [XII: Of Birdalone, How She Came Unto the Isle of Nothing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xii-of-birdalone-how-she-came-unto-the-isle-of-nothing) Habundia sends a shadowy semblance to guide Birdalone out of the mist. ### [XIV: The Sending Boat Disappeareth from the Isle of Increase Unsought, and Birdalone Seeketh to Escape Thence by Swimming](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xiv-the-sending-boat-disappeareth-from-the-isle-of-increase-unsought-and-birdalone-seeketh-to-escape-thence-by-swimming) Invoked by Birdalone through the burning of hairs from the tress she gave her years ago. ### [XV: Birdalone Lacketh Little of Drowning, but Cometh Latterly to the Green Eyot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xv-birdalone-lacketh-little-of-drowning-but-cometh-latterly-to-the-green-eyot) Implied as the wood-mother who may have guided the tree bole to shore. ### [XVII: Birdalone Layeth to Earth the Body of the Witch, and Findeth the Sending Boat Broken Up](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xvii-birdalone-layeth-to-earth-the-body-of-the-witch-and-findeth-the-sending-boat-broken-up) Birdalone decides not to go to the Oak of Tryst to meet the wood-mother that day. ### [XVIII: The Wood-Mother Cometh to Birdalone and Heareth Her Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xviii-the-wood-mother-cometh-to-birdalone-and-heareth-her-story) Habundia, the wood-mother, appears to Birdalone, embraces her, and listens to her tale. She notes Birdalone's growth and sorrow, and promises to provide raiment and protection. ### [XIX: Habundia Hideth Birdalone’s Nakedness with Faery Raiment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xix-habundia-hideth-birdalone-s-nakedness-with-faery-raiment) Gifts Birdalone with faery clothing and listens to her tale. ### [XX: Birdalone Telleth Habundia of Her Love for Arthur, and Getteth from Her Promise of Help Therein](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xx-birdalone-telleth-habundia-of-her-love-for-arthur-and-getteth-from-her-promise-of-help-therein) Listens kindly to Birdalone's tale, promises help, and plans to investigate the men in the woodland. ### [XXI: How the Wood-Wife Entered the Cot, and a Wonder That Befell Thereon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xxi-how-the-wood-wife-entered-the-cot-and-a-wonder-that-befell-thereon) Habundia visits Birdalone's cottage, undergoes a wondrous shrinking and restoration due to Birdalone's love, and then leads Birdalone into the depths of the wildwood. ### [XXII: Birdalone Wendeth the Wildwood in Fellowship with Habundia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xxii-birdalone-wendeth-the-wildwood-in-fellowship-with-habundia) Leads the journey, questions Birdalone about the ring, and teases about the mysterious quarry. ### [XXIII: The Wood-Wife Bringeth Birdalone to the Sight of Arthur in the Wildwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xxiii-the-wood-wife-bringeth-birdalone-to-the-sight-of-arthur-in-the-wildwood) Habundia guides Birdalone stealthily, intervenes to protect her from Arthur's attack, and carries Arthur to a cave, promising to care for him. ### [XXIV: The Wood-Mother Changeth Her Form to That of a Woman Stricken in Years](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xxiv-the-wood-mother-changeth-her-form-to-that-of-a-woman-stricken-in-years) Appears as an aged woman, explains her transformation, tends to Arthur, and sends Birdalone away. ### [XXV: The Wood-Wife Healeth and Tendeth the Black Squire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xxv-the-wood-wife-healeth-and-tendeth-the-black-squire) Acts as a healer and leech, tending to Arthur's physical and emotional wounds; she reveals her power and knowledge of the woodland, and her friendship with Birdalone. ### [XXVI: The Black Squire Telleth the Wood-Wife of His Doings Since Birdalone Went from the Castle of the Quest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xxvi-the-black-squire-telleth-the-wood-wife-of-his-doings-since-birdalone-went-from-the-castle-of-the-quest) The wood-wife who questions Arthur, learns his tale, and leads him to the Oak of Tryst before vanishing. ### [XXVII: Sir Arthur Cometh to the House Under the Wood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xxvii-sir-arthur-cometh-to-the-house-under-the-wood) Mentioned as the wood-wife who guided Arthur and told Birdalone to expect him the next day. ### [XXIX: Those Twain Will Seek the Wisdom of the Wood-Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xxix-those-twain-will-seek-the-wisdom-of-the-wood-wife) The wood-wife whom Birdalone and Arthur plan to visit for guidance on finding their lost friends. ### [XXX: They Have Speech with Habundia Concerning the Green Knight and His Fellows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xxx-they-have-speech-with-habundia-concerning-the-green-knight-and-his-fellows) Appears as Birdalone's image; accepts Arthur's allegiance, promises help to find the lost friends, and instructs them to wait fourteen days. ### [XXXI: Habundia Cometh with Tidings of Those Dear Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xxxi-habundia-cometh-with-tidings-of-those-dear-friends) Brings tidings of the friends' peril, extracts an oath of yearly meeting, and provides magical armor and a horn to aid the ambush. ### [The Seventh Part: The Days of Returning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/the-seventh-part-the-days-of-returning) Mentioned in the context of the wild and nature. ### [I: Sir Hugh Asketh Birdalone Where She Would Have the Abode of Their Fellowship to Be](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/i-sir-hugh-asketh-birdalone-where-she-would-have-the-abode-of-their-fellowship-to-be) Habundia is the wood-woman who helped Birdalone and to whom Birdalone swore she would never wholly sunder herself. ### [II: Birdalone Taketh Counsel with Her Wood-Mother Concerning the Matter of Sir Hugh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/ii-birdalone-taketh-counsel-with-her-wood-mother-concerning-the-matter-of-sir-hugh) The wood-mother who offers guidance and magical aid, providing three armed men to guard Hugh through the wood. ### [Of the Journeying Through the Forest of Evilshaw Unto the Town of Utterhay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/iii-of-the-journeying-through-the-forest-of-evilshaw-unto-the-town-of-utterhay) Meets Birdalone's three friends, teaches Atra earth-lore, and provides way-leaders to guide the company through Evilshaw. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/characters/habundia - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/characters