Lirazel

Alveric

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.

The Freer

The Freer is a mysterious figure who influences Lirazel's fate, acting as a manipulative force that separates her from Alveric.

Orion

Lirazel is Orion's mother, but she is largely absent from his life due to her return to Elfland, creating a bond of longing and myth.

The Freer

The Freer is a mysterious figure who influences Lirazel's fate, acting as a manipulative force that separates her from Alveric.

Alveric

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

Lirazel is Orion's mother, but she is largely absent from his life due to her return to Elfland, creating a bond of longing and myth.

The King of Elfland’s Daughter

The Elf King's daughter who marries Alveric and returns to Earth, but is compelled by her father's rune to go back to Elfland.

I: The Plan of the Parliament of Erl

The Princess of Elfland, daughter of the Elf King, whom Alveric is commanded to wed.

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

Lirazel appears on the elfin lawns, speaks with Alveric about Earth and the Vale of Erl, and watches the battle with awe and love, finally urging Alveric to flee.

IV: Alveric Comes Back to Earth After Many Years

Marries Alveric using a mermaid rite, flees her father's rune, and joyfully discovers Earth's fields.

V: The Wisdom of the Parliament of Erl

Sings to her son songs from Elfland, marvels at his human ways, but remains alien to earthly life and fears the effects of Time on her beauty.

VI: The Rune of the Elf King

Has passed into the mortal world; the Elf King mourns her fate and seeks to bring her back with the rune.

VII: The Coming of the Troll

The Princess of Elfland; the troll carries the Elf King's rune for her, though she does not appear in this chapter.

The Arrival of the Rune

Receives the rune but locks it away; names her son Orion after the stars; struggles with human traditions and prays to the stars' reflections.

IX: Lirazel Blows Away

Struggles to learn human worship, prays to stones, reads the Elf King's rune, and is swept away by Elfland's call.

The Unenchanted Plain

Alveric thinks of Lirazel by his fire, refusing to give up hope.

XV: The Retreat of the Elf King

Returns to Elfland, carried by the rune, and is reunited with her father.

On the Verge of Earth

Orion's mother, who dwells in Elfland beyond the barrier, is remembered and called to by Orion.

XXII: Orion Appoints a Whip

Mentioned as Orion's mother, whose name he tells to Lurulu, prompting the troll's reverence.

XXV: Lirazel Remembers the Fields We Know

Sighs for Earth and her son Orion, feeling discontent despite Elfland's splendors.

The Horn of Alveric

Lirazel is mentioned as the object of Alveric's longing; she hears the long sad note of Alveric's horn as she speaks with her father in Elfland.

XXXII: Lirazel Yearns for Earth

Kneels before her father's throne, weeping and yearning for Alveric and Orion, beseeching the Elf King for a rune to bring them and a piece of Earth into Elfland.

XXXIV: The Last Great Rune

Returns to Erl with Elfland, bringing summer and roses to the withered garden; reunites with Orion and Alveric.