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

> Theme guide for The King of Elfland’s Daughter by Lord Dunsany.

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_king_of_elfland_s_daughter_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_king_of_elfland_s_daughter_se/chapters/viii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_king_of_elfland_s_daughter_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_king_of_elfland_s_daughter_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_king_of_elfland_s_daughter_se/chapters/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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_king_of_elfland_s_daughter_se/themes/tradition_vs_desire
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_king_of_elfland_s_daughter_se/themes