"The Blue Sword" by Robin McKinley is a coming-of-age fantasy adventure about an ordinary girl named Harry who is drawn into a world of magic, prophecy, and honor as she takes up the legendary Blue Sword to defend her newfound home in the desert kingdom of Damar.
Book Information
Title: The Blue Sword
Author: Robin McKinley
ISBN: 9780441068807
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure
Published Year: 1982
Overview of the Story
The Blue Sword is a richly crafted fantasy novel that introduces readers to Damar, a land with ancient traditions, powerful magic, and a fierce warrior culture. Robin McKinley weaves a story of transformation, courage, and destiny as she follows Angharad “Harry” Crewe, a young woman who unexpectedly becomes a hero. The novel blends elements of adventure and romance with a deep exploration of belonging and identity, as Harry learns to navigate a foreign world that quickly feels like home and takes on the mantle of a legendary warrior.
Plot Summary
1. Setting and Context: Damar and the Homelanders
The story begins in the land of Damar, a vast desert kingdom with a rich history and its own mysterious magic, known as the kelar. However, Damar has been partially colonized by the Homelanders—people from a distant kingdom who are uncomfortable with Damar’s customs and wary of its supernatural elements. The Homelanders, unfamiliar with Damar’s traditions, view it as a rugged and untamed frontier.
Harry, originally from the Homeland, finds herself transplanted into this foreign land after the death of her father. She moves in with her brother Richard, an officer stationed at a remote Homelander outpost. Although initially skeptical about Damar, Harry is drawn to the desert’s beauty and the stories she hears about the Damarians, particularly the legendary Hillfolk and their enigmatic king, Corlath.
2. Meeting Corlath and the Awakening of Harry’s Kelar
Soon after Harry’s arrival, she is introduced to King Corlath, the leader of the Damarians. Corlath possesses the mystical kelar, a force that is akin to intuition, foresight, and raw power. During a diplomatic visit to the Homelander compound, Corlath senses an undeniable power within Harry—one that she herself is unaware of.
Despite his intention to avoid any interaction with the Homelanders, Corlath’s kelar compels him to abduct Harry, feeling that she is somehow crucial to Damar’s survival. This event serves as the catalyst for Harry’s journey into the world of the Hillfolk and her awakening to her own latent powers. She learns that the kelar, the magic that pulses within Corlath, also runs through her veins, suggesting that she is meant for something far greater than an ordinary life.
3. Training and Transformation: Becoming Part of the Hillfolk
Once in Damar, Harry is introduced to Hillfolk culture and undergoes rigorous training as she adapts to life among the Damarians. Her transformation is a significant part of the novel, as Harry, initially an outsider, learns the customs, language, and combat techniques of her new people. Under the tutelage of Corlath and his close advisors, she becomes a warrior and forms close bonds with those around her, especially Corlath, who grows to trust and respect her.
Harry’s journey of self-discovery is marked by her resilience and adaptability. Although the process is challenging, she develops a deep affinity for the Damarian way of life and feels increasingly connected to her new home. Her training intensifies when Corlath grants her Gonturan, the titular Blue Sword, a legendary weapon that has not been wielded by a woman since the days of Lady Aerin, a revered warrior from Damarian legend. This moment is both symbolic and transformative, as it confirms Harry’s place in Damar’s destiny and her role as a protector of the kingdom.
4. The Prophecy and the Threat of the Northern Raiders
As Harry’s training progresses, she learns of a prophecy that foresees the arrival of a foreigner who will play a pivotal role in defending Damar against a great evil. This prophecy aligns with the growing threat from the Northerners, a ruthless group of marauders led by Thurd, a powerful warlord who seeks to conquer Damar and seize its magic.
The prophecy and the rise of the Northern threat cast a shadow over Damar, compelling Harry to take up the role of warrior in defense of her adopted land. She soon realizes that her powers and instincts are meant to fulfill this prophecy, positioning her not only as a warrior but as a vital leader in the impending conflict. Her connection with Corlath strengthens, and they prepare side by side to face the looming war.
5. The Battle for Damar: Testing Courage and Unity
The climax of the novel unfolds as Harry leads Damarian warriors into battle, wielding Gonturan with a combination of skill, bravery, and newfound purpose. Her acceptance by the Hillfolk is complete, as they recognize her as one of their own and place their trust in her leadership. The battles are fierce, and McKinley’s descriptions highlight both the intensity of the physical conflict and the personal growth Harry undergoes.
Through her determination, Harry embodies the spirit of Damar and comes to fully understand her place within its legacy. The battle against the Northerners is not only a test of strength but of loyalty, resilience, and faith in the bonds she has formed with her comrades. As the Northerners press their attack, Harry’s leadership and strategic prowess prove critical, uniting the Hillfolk and Homelanders against a common enemy.
6. Harry’s Destiny: Accepting Her Role as Damar’s Protector
The novel concludes with Harry emerging victorious, having driven back the Northerners and secured the future of Damar. Through her journey, she transforms from an uncertain, displaced young woman into a formidable warrior who commands respect and admiration. The kelar that led Corlath to her has now fully awakened, and Harry realizes that Damar has become her true home.
Despite the uncertainties she faced initially, Harry’s acceptance of her destiny brings a sense of peace and fulfillment. Her journey, from foreigner to warrior, exemplifies the themes of belonging and identity that McKinley emphasizes throughout the novel.
Key Themes and Symbolism
The Power of Identity and Belonging
Harry’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about heroism. Her initial sense of displacement in Damar is replaced by a profound connection to the land and its people, symbolizing the universal quest for identity and belonging. The kelar she possesses is a symbol of her latent strength, which only becomes fully realized when she accepts her role within Damar.
Destiny and Free Will
The novel raises questions about destiny and choice, especially through the prophecy that foretells Harry’s arrival. While she is seemingly fated to become Damar’s protector, it is her acceptance and actions that fulfill this destiny. The Blue Sword suggests that while destiny may guide one’s path, the choices made along the way are equally significant.
Magic and Transformation
The concept of kelar serves as both a magical element and a metaphor for inner potential. Harry’s transformation from an ordinary girl to a wielder of the Blue Sword illustrates that magic, much like inner strength, must be discovered and cultivated. Gonturan, the Blue Sword, symbolizes honor, courage, and the willingness to fight for what one believes in.
Important Quotes from the Novel
On Belonging and Home
- “The desert was a strange and lonely place, but it was alive, and it was beginning to feel like home.”
On Destiny and Courage
- “She had been thrust into this world of prophecy and power, but now she would make her own place within it.”
On Transformation and Strength
- “With Gonturan in her hand, she felt as if she were no longer the Harry of the Homeland, but someone new, someone worthy of the sword.”
Conclusion
The Blue Sword is a powerful tale of growth, self-discovery, and courage. Robin McKinley’s writing captures the stark beauty of the desert, the intensity of battle, and the complex emotions Harry faces as she learns to reconcile her past with her newfound identity. Through Harry’s journey, McKinley explores universal themes of identity, belonging, and purpose, showing that even the most unassuming individuals are capable of greatness.
This novel’s balance of adventure, romance, and personal growth has cemented its place as a classic in young adult fantasy. The Blue Sword is more than just a story of battles and prophecies; it is a journey into the heart of what it means to find one’s true self in the face of adversity and to forge a new life in a world that once seemed foreign.
Final Thought
Robin McKinley’s The Blue Sword offers readers a timeless tale that is as much about courage and honor as it is about discovering where one truly belongs.