The King of Elfland’s Daughter · Character

Erl

The lord of Erl, father of Alveric.

minor

First appearance: I: The Plan of the Parliament of Erl

Erl's tie to Alveric is one of the pressures that moves The King of Elfland’s Daughter—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

The lord of Erl, father of Alveric, who presides over the Parliament's request for a magic lord.

In the storyThe King of Elfland’s DaughterOpen this moment free

Erl first appears in 0003 i the plan of the parliament of erl.

With Alveric (family): Alveric is the son of Erl, and their relationship is defined by duty and the burden of ruling the mortal kingdom. With Narl (professional): Narl serves as a counselor or retainer to Erl, advising him on matters of rule and magic.

In The King of Elfland’s Daughter: The lord of Erl, father of Alveric, who presides over the Parliament's request for a magic lord.

See Erl in The King of Elfland’s Daughter Book page

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Character Web

13 connections

A slice of how Erl sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Family
Professional
Other

Character groups

Erl Parliament and Family
Protagonist

+8 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Lirazel’s sigh marks the emotional and psychological peak because her long contentment in Elfland is suddenly…

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Relationships

Alveric
family · ambivalent
Alveric is the son of Erl, and their relationship is defined by duty and the burden of… How this plays out →
Narl
professional · positive

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Erl in I: The Plan of the Parliament of Erl

In the story

Erl appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The King of Elfland’s Daughter
The lord of Erl, father of Alveric, who presides over the Parliament's request for a magic lord.
I: The Plan of the Parliament of Erl
The old white-haired lord who receives the parliament's request and commands his son to go to Elfland.
II: Alveric Comes in Sight of the Elfin Mountains
Alveric's father, the Lord of Erl, is mentioned as having given Alveric a command to go on an adventure, though Alveric chooses to take the magical sword instead of his father's favored one.
III: The Magical Sword Meets Some of the Swords of Elfland
The Vale of Erl is mentioned as Alveric's home, and he tells Lirazel tales of its folk and their wisdom.
IV: Alveric Comes Back to Earth After Many Years
Alveric's father, now deceased, died trusting Alveric to fulfill his quest.
VII: The Coming of the Troll
The town of Erl is the destination of the troll; he observes its smoke and towers from a distance.
The Arrival of the Rune
The folk of Erl attend the naming ceremony and rejoice at the boy's strength.
XV: The Retreat of the Elf King
The Elf King, who sorrowed for Lirazel and chants the spell to retreat Elfland.
XX: A Historical Fact
The parliament of Erl meets to debate the unicorn and ultimately celebrates the magic that has come to their valley.
On the Verge of Earth
Erl is mentioned as Orion's former home, which he considers leaving behind for Elfland.
XXV: Lirazel Remembers the Fields We Know
The Elf King, grave and calm, feels sorrow for his daughter's longing and uses his magic to try to content her.
XXXI: The Cursing of Elfin Things
The twelve old men of the parliament run down the hill into the dusk and witness the Freer's curse, weary of magic.
XXXII: Lirazel Yearns for Earth
The Elf King, who refuses to use the last potent rune, fearing the future without it, and tries to soothe Lirazel's earthward fancies.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Erl unlock in the free preview.

See Erl in I: The Plan of the Parliament of Erl

See Erl in The King of Elfland’s Daughter