The King of Elfland’s Daughter · Theme
Tradition vs. Desire
How The King of Elfland’s Daughter develops Tradition vs. Desire.
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.
Where it surfaces
- I: The Plan of the Parliament of Erl
The old lord follows ancient custom despite foreseeing potential calamity, while Alveric's personal desires and fears are subordinated to duty.
- The Arrival of the Rune
Alveric expects Lirazel to follow custom, while she follows her own whims and fancies from Elfland.
- XX: A Historical Fact
The Freer represents religious tradition and prohibition, while the men of Erl cling to their desire for magic and the unicorn's beauty.
- XXX: The Coming of Too Much Magic
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.
- XXXI: The Cursing of Elfin Things
The parliament and the Freer represent tradition and order, while Orion's wandering and the influx of elfin beings embody the pull of desire and the unknown.