Robin McKinley (1993)
Genre
Fantasy / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
9-10 hours
Key Themes
See below
Sign in to track this book
Haunted by her father's incestuous desire and stripped of her identity, a princess flees into the wilderness, finding solace only in her loyal dog and a chance at new love, unaware that her past is slowly catching up.
Princess Lissla Lissar grows up in the shadow of her beautiful, beloved mother, the Queen. The Queen dies giving birth to Lissla Lissar, leaving the King heartbroken and withdrawn. As Lissla Lissar grows, her beauty becomes extraordinary. Everyone agrees she is the exact image of her late mother. This resemblance is at first a source of pride and comfort for the King, who dotes on his daughter. However, as Lissla Lissar approaches womanhood, the King's affection becomes disturbing. His grief and isolation twist into a dangerous obsession, seeing her not as Lissla Lissar, but as his lost Queen reborn.
The King's madness deepens, fueled by his grief and Lissla Lissar's striking resemblance to his deceased Queen. He begins to treat Lissla Lissar as a replacement for his wife, not his daughter. The court whispers, but no one dares to intervene. The King eventually declares that Lissla Lissar must marry him, staging a bizarre royal hunt where she is to be the prize. He forces her to wear her mother's wedding gown, further blurring the lines between daughter and wife. Lissla Lissar is horrified and terrified, understanding the full extent of her father's derangement and the unspeakable fate awaiting her. She feels utterly alone and trapped.
On the eve of the forced wedding, Lissla Lissar, with help from her old nurse, flees the castle. The nurse gives her a magnificent, magically preserved deerskin cloak that can transform to hide her identity, and supplies for her journey. Her only companion is her beloved hound, Ash, a large, intelligent, and fiercely loyal dog who has been her protector since childhood. Lissla Lissar, overwhelmed by trauma, loses much of her memory and sense of self during her flight. She becomes 'Deerskin,' a creature of the forest, shedding her royal identity and the horrific events that drove her away. The deerskin cloak becomes both her disguise and a symbol of her lost innocence and new, wild existence.
For months, Lissla Lissar, now known only as 'Deerskin,' wanders through the vast forests, living off the land with Ash. Her memory is hazy, the trauma too great to face. She speaks little, her human identity almost entirely taken over by her wild existence. Ash is her constant companion and protector, hunting for them and providing silent comfort. The deerskin cloak, which magically adjusts to her needs, becomes her second skin, reinforcing her new identity. She avoids all human contact, deeply distrustful and fearful, her senses sharp to the rhythms of the forest. This time is one of deep isolation and a return to a more primal state.
One day, while foraging, Deerskin and Ash are discovered by an old woman named Halley. Halley is a wise and gentle soul who lives on the edges of society. She immediately senses Deerskin's deep distress and the unusualness of her situation. Halley does not pressure Deerskin for information but offers her food, warmth, and a safe place to rest, respecting her silence and fear. She recognizes the magic in the deerskin cloak and understands that Deerskin is not a common runaway. Halley's kindness is the first human warmth Deerskin has experienced since her escape, a tentative step towards healing and connection.
Realizing that Deerskin cannot live wild forever, Halley takes her to the castle of a neighboring kingdom, ruled by King Wellyn and Queen Corlath. Through her connections, Halley gets Deerskin a job as a kennel maid, a role where her skill with animals and quiet nature will be an asset. Deerskin, still mostly mute and withdrawn, adapts to her new life. She finds comfort in the routine and the company of the dogs, especially her own Ash. She learns the ways of the kennels, her hands becoming skilled, and her mind slowly beginning to process small parts of her past, though the core trauma remains buried.
Prince Pendar, the heir to the kingdom, is a kind and observant young man who often visits the kennels. He is intrigued by the new kennel maid, 'Deerskin,' who is very skilled with animals and has an unusual aura of quiet strength and sorrow. Pendar notices her special bond with Ash and her ability to communicate silently with the dogs. He is drawn to her mystery and the gentle sadness in her eyes, though she rarely speaks. He begins to seek her out, engaging her in quiet conversation, trying to understand the story behind her reserved manner and her beautiful, often hidden, face.
Under the patient and kind guidance of the head kennel master and the gentle persistence of Prince Pendar, Deerskin slowly begins to open up. She finds purpose and belonging in her work, and the consistent, undemanding kindness of those around her starts to mend the deep wounds of her past. Her memory remains broken, but her emotional state improves. She learns to smile again, though rarely, and her interactions become less guarded. Ash remains her anchor, but she also develops a quiet affection for Pendar, recognizing his genuine concern and respect, a strong contrast to the twisted affections of her father.
One day, while with Deerskin in the kennels, Prince Pendar tells a tragic story he heard from a traveling merchant. It is the tale of Princess Lissla Lissar, a princess of a neighboring kingdom, known for her beauty, who disappeared after her father, the King, went mad and tried to marry her. He describes the princess's beauty, her loyalty to her dog, Ash, and the horror of her situation. As Pendar speaks, details of the story deeply affect Deerskin. Broken memories begin to surface, causing her great distress and confusion. The story acts as a key, slowly unlocking the repressed trauma of her past.
Pendar's retelling of Lissla Lissar's story shatters the protective amnesia Deerskin had built around herself. The memories flood back: the King's twisted obsession, the forced wedding, the flight, the terror. The return of these memories is intensely painful, causing a severe emotional breakdown. Lissla Lissar relives the trauma, experiencing nightmares and periods of intense fear and withdrawal. She struggles to reconcile her present identity as 'Deerskin' with her past as Princess Lissla Lissar, and the sheer horror of her father's actions. Ash stays by her side, a constant, comforting presence during this agonizing time of recollection and emotional turmoil.
After a period of intense emotional distress, Lissla Lissar, with Ash by her side, finally tells Prince Pendar her true identity. She tells him the full, honest story of her father's madness, his attempt to marry her, and her desperate escape. The confession is difficult, filled with pain and shame, but also a deep act of trust. Pendar, at first shocked, listens with compassion and unwavering belief. He is horrified by what she has endured and deeply moved by her courage. This revelation strengthens their bond, turning his affection into deep understanding and commitment to her healing and protection.
With Pendar's support, Lissla Lissar seeks out the Witch of the Woods, a powerful and ancient magical being known for her wisdom and justice. Lissla Lissar tells her story, seeking not revenge, but understanding and closure regarding her father's actions. The Witch, after listening, reveals that Lissla Lissar's father was not merely mad, but under a dark, ancestral curse that twisted his love into something monstrous. The Witch offers a way to break the curse, but it requires Lissla Lissar to confront her past and participate in a ritual that will decide her father's ultimate fate, bringing justice and peace to the blighted kingdom.
Lissla Lissar, accompanied by Pendar and Ash, returns to her birth kingdom. With the Witch's guidance, a powerful ritual is performed. Lissla Lissar, facing her father, confronts the source of her trauma. The curse on the King is broken, revealing the broken, tormented man beneath the madness. The King is freed from the enchantment but must face the horrific consequences of his actions, though without magical compulsion. This act brings a difficult but necessary closure for Lissla Lissar, allowing her to acknowledge her past without being consumed by it. Her kingdom begins to heal, and a new, just rule is established.
Having faced her past and found healing, Lissla Lissar fully embraces her future. She accepts Prince Pendar's love, a love built on understanding, respect, and shared experience rather than twisted obsession. She sheds the deerskin cloak, symbolizing her complete reclaiming of her identity, free from trauma and disguise. Lissla Lissar and Pendar marry, uniting their kingdoms and promising a reign of justice and compassion. Ash remains a beloved member of their new family, a constant reminder of Lissla Lissar's journey and unwavering loyalty. Lissla Lissar, no longer 'Deerskin' or the cursed princess, becomes a strong and wise queen, embodying resilience and hope.
The Protagonist
From traumatized, amnesiac runaway to a queen who has faced her past and found love and self-acceptance.
The Supporting
Remains a constant, loyal presence, providing unwavering support throughout Lissla Lissar's entire journey.
The Antagonist
Descends into madness and obsession, ultimately freed from his curse but left to face the consequences of his actions.
The Supporting / Love Interest
From an intrigued observer to Lissla Lissar's devoted partner, offering unwavering support and love.
The Supporting
Provides crucial aid and guidance, helping Lissla Lissar transition from the wild back into a semblance of normalcy.
The Mentioned / Catalyst
Her death sets the entire tragic chain of events in motion.
The Supporting
Provides crucial exposition and magical aid, facilitating the final resolution of the King's curse.
The main theme is the deep trauma Lissla Lissar experiences due to her father's incestuous obsession and the long, difficult path to healing. Her amnesia, her transformation into 'Deerskin,' and her retreat into an animal-like existence are all direct results of this trauma. The story carefully details her slow return to society, the gradual return of her memories, and the emotional breakdown that comes with it. Her healing requires safety, unconditional kindness (from Pendar and Halley), and eventually, confronting the source of her pain. It shows that healing is not forgetting, but making the past part of a stronger self.
“She had forgotten so much, but not the terror. The terror was a part of her now, like her bones or her breath.”
Lissla Lissar undergoes a complete change of identity, from Princess Lissla Lissar to 'Deerskin' and finally to Queen Lissla Lissar. The deerskin cloak itself is a strong symbol of this theme, representing both her disguise and her temporary, wild identity. Her initial memory loss forces her to rebuild her sense of self from scratch, based on survival and her bond with Ash. Her journey is about reclaiming her true self, not just her name, but her inner worth and strength, separate from the trauma. The story explores how trauma can strip away identity and how resilience and love can painstakingly rebuild it.
“She was not Lissla Lissar, not anymore. She was Deerskin, and the forest was her home.”
The unwavering loyalty of Ash, Lissla Lissar's dog, is a core part of the story. His constant presence, protection, and unconditional affection provide her only comfort and stability during her most traumatic and isolated times. Similarly, Prince Pendar's love for 'Deerskin' is pure and unconditional, based on seeing and valuing her true self, not her beauty or status. This contrasts sharply with the King's twisted, conditional 'love.' The theme highlights how genuine love, whether from an animal or a human, can be a deep force for healing and recovery from deep psychological wounds.
“Ash was her shadow, her guard, her only friend. He was the one constant in a world that had turned itself inside out.”
The King's madness drives the plot. The story explores madness as both a psychological breakdown (grief) and a supernatural problem (an ancestral curse). This dual nature complicates the antagonist, making him both a perpetrator of horrific acts and a victim of forces beyond his control. The theme looks at the devastating impact of such madness on a family and a kingdom, and the moral complexities of how to deal with it. The ending, which breaks the curse but leaves the King to face the consequences, suggests that while outside forces can influence, personal responsibility still matters.
“His grief had eaten him hollow, and then something else had filled the emptiness, something old and dark and hungry.”
Lissla Lissar represses her traumatic memories as a coping mechanism.
Lissla Lissar's amnesia is a direct result of the profound trauma inflicted by her father. It serves as a psychological defense mechanism, allowing her to survive and function as 'Deerskin' without being overwhelmed by the horrific memories of her past. This device creates mystery around her identity and past, compelling the reader to uncover her story alongside her. It also underscores the severity of her abuse, as her mind literally erases the unbearable. The gradual return of her memories, triggered by Pendar's story, marks a pivotal turning point in her healing journey, forcing her to confront her past head-on.
A magical garment symbolizing Lissla Lissar's disguise and transformed identity.
The deerskin cloak is a powerful symbolic object. Initially given to Lissla Lissar by her nurse, it allows her to physically disguise herself and evade capture. However, it quickly becomes a symbol of her new identity as 'Deerskin' – feral, anonymous, and disconnected from her royal past. The cloak's magical ability to change and adapt to her needs reinforces her transformation into a creature of the wild. It represents both her protection from the world and her emotional withdrawal. When she finally sheds the cloak, it signifies her reclamation of her true identity and her healing from trauma.
A magical blight affecting the King, twisting his love into obsession.
The ancestral curse is revealed by the Witch of the Woods as the underlying cause of the King's extreme madness and his incestuous obsession with Lissla Lissar. This device adds a layer of fantasy to the psychological horror, offering an explanation for the King's actions that goes beyond mere human depravity. It introduces the possibility of a magical solution and allows for a resolution that addresses both the psychological and supernatural aspects of his madness. The curse also complicates the villain, making him a victim of circumstances while still accountable for his choices.
Ash provides unconditional love and protection, aiding Lissla Lissar's survival and healing.
Ash, Lissla Lissar's dog, is a classic example of the loyal animal companion device. He is not merely a pet but an active participant in her survival and healing. He provides physical protection, hunts for them in the wilderness, and, most importantly, offers unwavering emotional support and unconditional love. During Lissla Lissar's amnesia and withdrawal, Ash is her only constant, her anchor to reality and warmth. His presence highlights the profound bond between humans and animals and serves as a powerful symbol of fidelity and solace in the face of immense suffering.
“And the king's daughter, Lissar, was beautiful, and the king's son, Lissar's brother, was beautiful, and the king himself was beautiful, and the queen, Lissar's mother, was beautiful. And they were all beautiful, and they were all cruel.”
— Opening lines, establishing the beauty and cruelty of the royal family.
“There was a darkness in the house, Lissar thought, a darkness that had nothing to do with the sun going down.”
— Lissar's growing unease about her father's disturbing affection.
“She was not a person. She was a thing. A thing to be looked at, a thing to be touched, a thing to be broken.”
— Lissar's internal monologue after her father's first assault.
“The dogs were the only ones who knew. The dogs and the moon.”
— Lissar finding solace and unspoken understanding from the animals.
“She took the skin, and she took the head, and she took the hooves, and she took the heart. And she took herself.”
— Lissar preparing to flee the castle after her father's decree.
“The world was full of sharp, bright edges, and she was a blunt thing, a dull thing, bumping into them.”
— Lissar's initial disorientation and pain after leaving her home.
“It was not a dress of deerskin. It was a dress of sorrow and memory and the ghost of a king's madness.”
— Lissar reflecting on the true nature of her deerskin cloak.
“She had thought she was running away from him. But she was running away from herself, too, from the self that had been broken.”
— Lissar's realization about the deeper implications of her flight.
“He saw not a princess, but a woman. A woman who had been hurt, but a woman who was still strong.”
— Prince Piro's perception of Lissar, contrasting with her past.
“The stars were not kind. They watched, and they shone, and they did nothing.”
— Lissar's feeling of cosmic indifference during her suffering.
“She had known so little of healing, so little of kindness, so little of the world that did not hurt.”
— Lissar slowly beginning to experience compassion and care in her new life.
“The scars were there, on her heart, on her mind, on her body. But they were no longer bleeding.”
— Lissar acknowledging her past trauma but recognizing her progress in healing.
“She had learned that sometimes, the only way to save yourself was to run. And sometimes, the only way to truly live was to stop running.”
— Lissar's reflection on her journey and eventual decision to confront her past.
“Love was not a thing that broke you. Love was a thing that put you back together.”
— Lissar's understanding of true love, contrasting with her father's perversion of it.
“The deerskin was not a disguise anymore. It was a memory. A reminder of what she had survived.”
— Lissar's final understanding of the deerskin cloak, now a symbol of her triumph.
Ready to see how well you understood this book? Take our interactive quiz with 10 questions.
Robin McKinley is an American author best known for her fantasy novels and fairy tale retellings. Her 1984 novel The Hero and the Crown won the Newbery Medal as the year's best new American children's book. In 2022, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association named her the 39th Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master in recognition of her significant contributions to the literature of science fiction and fantasy.
