The King of Elfland’s Daughter
What is The King of Elfland’s Daughter about?
The King of Elfland’s Daughter (1924) tells of a village that sends a young lord to bring back the king of Elfland’s daughter as his bride. He succeeds, but the collision between the magical and mundane worlds has devastating consequences. Widely considered Dunsany’s masterpiece and one of the greatest fantasy novels ever written.
Main themes in The King of Elfland’s Daughter
Elfland
The King of Elfland’s Daughter thoughtfully explores elfland through its central conflicts.
Magic vs. mundane
In The King of Elfland’s Daughter, magic vs. mundane provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Fairy bride
Fairy bride emerges as a defining element in The King of Elfland’s Daughter, shaping character development.
Poetic fantasy
Poetic fantasy emerges as a defining element in The King of Elfland’s Daughter, shaping character development.
Why The King of Elfland’s Daughter is still relevant today
One of the supreme achievements of fantasy literature. Its poetic prose and bittersweet vision of magic influenced every major fantasy writer who followed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The King of Elfland’s Daughter about?
A lord brings Elfland’s princess to the mortal world, but the collision of magic and reality has devastating consequences.
Where can I read it?
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