# The Little Ones — Lilith character guide > The Little Ones in Lilith by George MacDonald. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** XIII The Little Ones, Little Ones **First appearance:** 0014-xiii-the-little-ones ## Snapshot A forest community of childlike beings whose trust and fragility make them both the treasure and the test of every wanderer who passes through. ## Who they are The Little Ones live together in the forest as a kind of earthly innocence, small and dependent, quick to love and quick to be wounded. Their vulnerability draws out the protective and predatory instincts of everyone who encounters them, and their welfare becomes a measure of what the travelers truly are. In the story's moral geography they are the living stake: what happens to them reveals whether mercy, patience, and sacrifice are real or only spoken. ## Relationships ### [The Princess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/characters/the_princess) _social_ The Little Ones regard the Princess with childlike awe and dependency, often seeking her guidance or protection. ### [Lona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/characters/lona) _friendship_ Lona acts as a gentle caretaker and friend to the Little Ones, nurturing them with warmth and patience. ### [Mother of Sorrow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/characters/mother_of_sorrow) _psychological_ The Mother of Sorrow's presence overwhelms the Little Ones, who are both drawn to and frightened by her perpetual sadness. ### [Mr. Raven](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/characters/mr_raven) _friendship_ Mr. Raven acts as a wise, protective guide to the Little Ones, offering cryptic advice and gentle authority. ### [Lona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/characters/lona) _friendship_ Lona acts as a gentle caretaker and friend to the Little Ones, nurturing them with warmth and patience. ### [Mr. Raven](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/characters/mr_raven) _friendship_ Mr. Raven acts as a wise, protective guide to the Little Ones, offering cryptic advice and gentle authority. ## In the story ### [Friends and Foes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xii-friends-and-foes) A multitude of children appear, celebrating Vane as a 'good giant' and warning him of the hostile giant. ### [XIII: The Little Ones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xiii-the-little-ones) The Little Ones are a community of childlike beings who live in the wood, care for Vane, and fear growing into giants. ### [A Crisis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xiv-a-crisis) Show concern for Vane after his injury, feed him, and warn him of dangers; they express their fear of growing into bad giants. ### [XV: A Strange Hostess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xv-a-strange-hostess) Referred to as Lovers; Mara explains they will grow when they have water and will fill the land. ### [XXII: Bulika](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xxii-bulika) Vane is concerned for their safety, believing Lilith is their enemy. ### [The Silent Fountain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xxvii-the-silent-fountain) Referenced indirectly through the vision of the skull-headed dancers in the forest-hall. ### [XXVIII: I Am Silenced](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xxviii-i-am-silenced) Referenced as the children Vane tried to serve but failed; the raven argues they needed water and active aid, not passive worship. ### [XXXI: The Sexton’s Old Horse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xxxi-the-sexton-s-old-horse) The Little Ones are the stated reason for Vane's urgency, as he believes they are in peril due to his actions. ### [Lona's Narrative](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xxxiii-lona-s-narrative) Adapt to treetop living, befriend forest animals, and prepare to defend against giants. ### [Preparation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xxxiv-preparation) The children are drilled, armed, and inspired to fight for their mothers; they show fearless courage. ### [The Little Ones in Bulika](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xxxv-the-little-ones-in-bulika) The army of children, initially fearless but soon feeling fear for the first time; they trust Lona and Vane. ### [Mother and Daughter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xxxvi-mother-and-daughter) The Little Ones accompany Vane and Lona to the palace; they capture Lilith after Lona's death. ### [The Shadow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-shadow) The Little Ones are traumatized by the shadow, sobbing and showing haggard faces; they care for Lona's body and are guarded by Vane. ### [To the House of Bitterness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xxxviii-to-the-house-of-bitterness) Accompany Vane on elephants; befriend skeletons in the forest; express fear of the 'cat-woman' but are reassured by Vane. ### [XL: The House of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xl-the-house-of-death) Show compassion for Lilith, climb into her bed, and ask questions about her tears and journey. ### [The Waking](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xliv-the-waking) Awaken at the crow of the golden cock, embrace Lona, and Odu tries to wake the sleeping princess and companions. ### [The Journey Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xlv-the-journey-home) Gambol ahead, climb trees, chase squirrels, and interact joyfully with the beasts and birds along the journey. ### [XLVI: The City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xlvi-the-city) Climb trees to spot the city; lead the way; rush into the city and are carried off by angels. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/characters/the_little_ones - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lilith_se/characters