In Susan Cooper's "Over Sea, Under Stone," Great-Uncle Merry shares his insights on a past event, indicating that someone did not achieve victory. His words resonate with a deep sense of history, suggesting that the event he discusses has lasting significance and that its impact is felt even in the present. As he speaks, he seems to embody the weight of his experiences, becoming more distant as he recalls the ancient stories intertwined with the landscape around him.

This atmosphere emphasizes the connection between the present and the past, highlighting how history shapes identity. Great-Uncle Merry's voice serves as a bridge to an older world, filled with wisdom and reflections on battles fought long ago. The image of him growing more remote illustrates the profound bond between time and memory, making the story's themes more poignant and relevant to the characters' present journey.