The King of Elfland’s Daughter · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The King of Elfland’s Daughter by Lord Dunsany.

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Chapter 1
Dedication
The chapter is a brief dedication of the book to Lady Dunsany.
Chapter 2
The King of Elfland’s Daughter
The Parliament of Erl requests a magic lord to rule over them, leading to Alveric being sent to wed the Elf King's daughter. Alveric obtains a magical sword, journeys to Elfland, and meets Lirazel on the elfin lawns. They return to Earth, but the Elf King writes a rune that forces Lirazel back to Elfland. Alveric searches for Elfland after it ebbs away, while their son Orion grows up and hunts mythical creatures. After years of wandering, Alveric returns to Erl, and the Elf King retreats Elfland further from Earth.
Chapter 3
I: The Plan of the Parliament of Erl
The Parliament of Erl requests a magic lord to rule them, and the old lord commands his son Alveric to journey to Elfland and wed the Elf King's daughter, Lirazel. Alveric seeks the aid of a local witch, who forges a magical sword from thunderbolts to protect him on his quest.
Chapter 4
II: Alveric Comes in Sight of the Elfin Mountains
Alveric awakens joyfully, remembering his magical sword, and decides to obey his father's command without delay. He sets out from the Vale of Erl, carrying the sword and minimal provisions. Traveling eastward, he sees the pale-blue mountains of Faery at evening, which remain unchanged by earthly light. He stops at a leatherworker's cottage to obtain a scabbard, then crosses the frontier of twilight into Elfland. There, he beholds the shimmering landscape, the silver spires of the palace, and a realm where colors are deeper, barriers between beings are down, and even trees seem aware of his presence. He strides onward toward the enchanted wood, ignoring warnings from the creatures around him.
Chapter 5
III: The Magical Sword Meets Some of the Swords of Elfland
Alveric ventures deep into Elfland and approaches the capital palace. He first faces enchanted ivy that attacks him from the pine trees, using his father's sword to defend himself. When the trees themselves begin to move and encircle him, he draws the magical sword, which disenchants the ivy and trees. He then encounters the Princess Lirazel on the elfin lawns, and they speak of Earth and the Vale of Erl. Four elvish knights of the guard appear, bound by an oath to prevent any man from speaking with the princess. Alveric fights them, first with his father's sword (which is knocked away), then with the magical sword. He defeats three knights, and the last, strengthened by the Elf King's earliest magic, is slain in a fierce battle. Lirazel urges Alveric to flee to the fields of Earth before her father uses his three master runes.

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Dedication

The King of Elfland’s Daughter

I: The Plan of the Parliament of Erl

II: Alveric Comes in Sight of the Elfin Mountains

III: The Magical Sword Meets Some of the Swords of Elfland