# King Peter — The Well at the World’s End character guide

> King Peter in The Well at the World’s End by William Morris.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** King Peter of Upmeads, Peter

**First appearance:** 0000-book-i-the-road-unto-love

## Snapshot

Aging, kindly king of Upmeads who will not tax his folk, and who sends his four sons to draw cuts for their roads.

## Who they are

Peter rules a modest land hemmed by the debateable wood where his father and eldest son fell, and he keeps his youngest, Ralph, from riding there. Knowing his sons' mixed gifts, he refuses to choose by his own wit and lets luck decide who stays and who seeks a wider life. His measured, peaceable reign is the quiet hearth Ralph measures every later trial against.

## In the story

### [Book I: The Road Unto Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/book-i-the-road-unto-love)

Ralph's father, the king of Upmeads, who gives his blessing for Ralph's departure.

### [The Sundering of the Ways](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/i-the-sundering-of-the-ways)

The aging ruler of Upmeads who devises the drawing of cuts to decide his sons' fates, showing both kindness and a desire to keep Ralph near.

### [II: Ralph Goeth Back Home to the High House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/ii-ralph-goeth-back-home-to-the-high-house)

Walks home with Ralph and recounts a youthful encounter with outlaws, expressing a merciful view toward them.

### [Ralph Cometh to the Cheaping-Town](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/iii-ralph-cometh-to-the-cheaping-town)

Mentioned as Ralph's father and lord of Upmeads, with whom Clement Chapman often deals.

### [VI: The Lady Tells Somewhat of Her Doings After She Left the Wilderness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/vi-the-lady-tells-somewhat-of-her-doings-after-she-left-the-wilderness)

Mentioned as the father of the Lady's lord, who welcomes them at the king's chief city.

### [XXVI: Ralph Sees His Father and Mother Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/xxvi-ralph-sees-his-father-and-mother-again)

Found in the church with his wife; initially does not recognize Ralph, but joyfully embraces him upon revelation.

### [Ralph Brings His Father and Mother to Upmeads](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/xxx-ralph-brings-his-father-and-mother-to-upmeads)

Joyfully reunited with Ralph, blesses him, and acknowledges Ralph's mastery as they ride to Upmeads.

### [Ralph Brings Ursula Home to the High House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/xxxi-ralph-brings-ursula-home-to-the-high-house)

Abdicates his throne, kneels to Ralph and Ursula, and blesses their union.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/characters/king_peter
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/characters