The Roots of the Mountains

"The Roots of the Mountains" by William Morris is a fantasy romance novel published in 1889. Set in the fictional Germanic settlement of Burgdale, the story follows interdependent communities of Dalemen, Woodlanders, and Shepherds whose peaceful existence faces disruption from invading Dusky Men and the arrival of the Sons of the Wolf—descendants of warriors driven from their homeland. As these refugees attempt to integrate while defending their new home, five lovers from both peoples navigate romance and survival. Recognized as pioneering work that influenced J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," Morris's novel helped establish modern fantasy literature.

The Roots of the Mountains, by William Morris. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #6050.