Alveric

Lirazel

Alveric is deeply in love with Lirazel, the ethereal daughter of the King of Elfland, and their relationship is marked by longing and separation across worlds.

Niv

Niv is a loyal retainer and companion to Alveric, accompanying him on his quests and offering steadfast support.

Oth

Oth serves as a huntsman and trusted servant to Alveric, carrying out his orders with dedication.

Zend

Zend is a loyal follower of Alveric, aiding him in his journeys and battles with unwavering loyalty.

Ziroonderel

Alveric interacts with Ziroonderel warily, as she possesses deep magical knowledge that both helps and complicates his quest.

Orion

Alveric is the father of Orion, but their relationship is strained by distance and Orion's dual heritage between Elfland and the mortal world.

Erl

Alveric is the son of Erl, and their relationship is defined by duty and the burden of ruling the mortal kingdom.

Vand

Vand is a loyal servant and huntsman to Alveric, carrying out his commands with quiet competence.

Oth

Oth serves as a huntsman and trusted servant to Alveric, carrying out his orders with dedication.

Lirazel

Alveric is deeply in love with Lirazel, the ethereal daughter of the King of Elfland, and their relationship is marked by longing and separation across worlds.

Orion

Alveric is the father of Orion, but their relationship is strained by distance and Orion's dual heritage between Elfland and the mortal world.

Orion

Alveric is the father of Orion, but their relationship is strained by distance and Orion's dual heritage between Elfland and the mortal world.

The King of Elfland’s Daughter

The mortal lord sent to wed the Elf King's daughter; he journeys to Elfland, marries Lirazel, and later searches for Elfland after its ebbing.

I: The Plan of the Parliament of Erl

The Lord of Erl's eldest son, sent to wed the Elf King's daughter; obtains a magical sword from the witch.

II: Alveric Comes in Sight of the Elfin Mountains

Alveric awakens with joy from the magical sword, leaves Erl without farewells, travels east, obtains a scabbard, and crosses into Elfland, heading toward the silver spires.

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

Alveric enters the enchanted wood, fights the ivy and moving trees, meets Lirazel, and battles the four elvish knights, using both his father's sword and the magical sword.

IV: Alveric Comes Back to Earth After Many Years

Returns from Elfland with Lirazel, learns ten years have passed, marries Lirazel, and returns to Erl.

V: The Wisdom of the Parliament of Erl

Weary with age, he seeks the witch Ziroonderel to nurse his son and grapples with the growing distance between him and Lirazel.

VI: The Rune of the Elf King

His passage through Elfland troubled the wood and slew the four knights of the guard.

The Arrival of the Rune

Troubled by Lirazel's whims, he tries to guide her to human customs and is pleased when she suggests naming the boy Orion.

IX: Lirazel Blows Away

Attempts to teach Lirazel the Freer's worship, condemns her stone-prayer as heathenism, and fails to reconcile with her.

X: The Ebbing of Elfland

Frantic and weary after Lirazel's disappearance, he searches all night and then follows the leaves southeast, only to find Elfland has ebbed away.

The Unenchanted Plain

Alveric searches for Elfland after its ebbing, traveling eastward across the desolate plain.

The Reticence of the Leather-Worker

Returns from his failed quest to find Elfland, exhausted and disillusioned, but begins planning a new northern route.

XIV: The Quest for the Elfin Mountains

Gathers a band of misfits and sets out on a quest to find the ebbed frontier of Elfland, leaving Orion in Ziroonderel's care.

XV: The Retreat of the Elf King

Sensed by the Elf King as he approaches across Earth with his sword of thunderbolt-iron.

XVI: Orion Hunts the Stag

Absent and presumed lost; his disappearance leads to Orion being accepted as lord.

The Grey Tent in the Evening

Leads the quest for Elfland for over eleven years, clinging to hope of reuniting with Lirazel; shows wisdom by turning back for provisions.

The Horn of Alveric

After twelve years of wandering, Alveric meets Ziroonderel and learns the Elf King's weakness. He disenchants his sword and attempts to enter Elfland, but is dragged back by Niv and Zend.

XXXII: Lirazel Yearns for Earth

Mentioned as wandering on Earth, lost to Lirazel unless the rune can bring him to Elfland.

The Shining Line

Wanders without hope, held captive by Niv and Zend, living in memories of Lirazel and Orion.

XXXIV: The Last Great Rune

Returns to Erl, freed from the burden of years and sorrow; stands with Lirazel.