The quote describes a desolate landscape where dry weeds are whipped about by the wind, evoking a sense of timelessness and history. The imagery suggests that this barren land bears witness to countless forgotten battles, symbolized by the "lance and spear." McCarthy's choice of words highlights the connection between nature and the remnants of past human conflict, implying that the earth itself retains memories of these violent encounters, even if they have gone unchronicled.

This passage reflects McCarthy's themes of violence, nature, and memory. By likening the movement of the weeds to echoes of past wars, he illustrates how the scars of history are integrated into the natural world. The starkness of the setting and the suggestion of eternal struggle emphasize the bleakness of existence depicted in "Blood Meridian," ultimately inviting readers to consider the interplay between humanity's history and the unyielding landscape around them.