# What Tradition vs. Desire means in The King of Elfland’s Daughter

> The conflict between societal expectations and personal longing, seen in the parliament of Erl demanding a magic lord and in Lirazel's struggle between her duty to Elfland and her love for Earth.

## Explanation

The conflict between societal expectations and personal longing, seen in the parliament of Erl demanding a magic lord and in Lirazel's struggle between her duty to Elfland and her love for Earth.

The old lord follows ancient custom despite foreseeing potential calamity, while Alveric's personal desires and fears are subordinated to duty.

Alveric expects Lirazel to follow custom, while she follows her own whims and fancies from Elfland.

The Freer represents religious tradition and prohibition, while the men of Erl cling to their desire for magic and the unicorn's beauty.

The parliament's initial wish for magic contrasts with their later desire to return to traditional, non-magical ways, highlighting the conflict between youthful longing and aged conservatism.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_king_of_elfland_s_daughter_se/concepts/cos-tradition-vs-desire
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_king_of_elfland_s_daughter_se
- All concepts: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_king_of_elfland_s_daughter_se/concepts