“It was her country, but it was not her country.”
— Angharad 'Harry' Crewe's initial feeling of being an outsider in Damar.
Archivist's Choice
The Blue Sword
Robin McKinley (2016)
Genre
Fantasy / Children's / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
360 min
Key Themes
See below
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An orphaned Homelander girl, drawn to the desert kingdom of Damar, discovers her destiny among the Free Hillfolk and rides into battle as a King's Rider, wielding the legendary Blue Sword.
Synopsis
Harry Crewe, a new Homelander orphan in the desert kingdom of Damar, feels a pull toward the mysterious Free Hillfolk. Her life changes when Corlath, the King of the Hillfolk and descendant of Lady Aerin, comes to her town to form an alliance against the Northerners. Corlath, seeing a power in Harry, takes her to live among his people. There, Harry's magic awakens, revealing her heritage and allowing her to wield Kelar, the ancient Blue Sword. She trains hard, becoming a warrior, a King's Rider, and a leader. As the Northerner threat grows, Harry joins Corlath and the united Damarian forces in battles, a siege, and a final fight. She accepts her destiny, proves herself worthy, and secures Damar's future. She finds her home and purpose with the Hillfolk and falls in love with Corlath.
Reading time
360 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Adventurous, Romantic, Heroic, Mythic
✓ Read this if...
You love classic, character-driven YA fantasy with a strong female protagonist, a touch of romance, and a richly imagined world.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer grimdark fantasy or stories with complex magic systems that are heavily explained rather than felt.
Plot Summary
Arrival in Damar
Harry Crewe, an orphan after her parents died in Homelander colonial service, arrives in Istan. This is a distant outpost in the Damarian Protectorate. She lives with her brother Richard and his wife, Lady Amelia. Richard is a military officer, and Amelia is kind but quiet. Harry finds fort life boring and restrictive. She wants adventure and is drawn to the wild desert and mountains. She often rides her horse, Sunshine, exploring the plains. Her guardians worry about her safety among the Damarians and the dangerous land. Her independent nature sets her apart from other Homelander women.
Corlath's Arrival and Harry's Kidnapping
King Corlath, the ruler of the Free Hillfolk, comes to the Homelander fort in Istan. He wants to discuss an alliance against the Northerners. During a dinner, Corlath notices something unusual about Harry. Later that night, Harry is drawn from her bed by an unseen force. She finds herself riding Sunshine, following Corlath and his Riders into the desert. She is not kidnapped but compelled by an ancient magic, the 'kelar,' which flows strongly through Corlath and is awakening in her. She is taken to Corlath's stronghold in the mountains.
Life Among the Hillfolk
At the Hillfolk stronghold, Harry is at first confused but quickly adapts. Corlath explains she was taken because the kelar in her responded to his. This marks her as touched by old magic. She is renamed Harimad-sol and begins training with Mathin, Corlath's sister, and other Hillfolk women. Harry learns their customs, language, and way of life. She finds a sense of belonging she never had with the Homelanders. She learns quickly, especially horsemanship and swordsmanship, skills that surprise her, showing an innate warrior spirit.
The Awakening of Kelar and the Blue Sword
Harry's kelar, an inherited magic, grows stronger. She has heightened senses, a deep bond with animals, and a natural talent for sword fighting. During training, she is drawn to a hidden room where the Blue Sword, Gonturan, rests. Gonturan, a powerful sword said to be wielded by Lady Aerin, chooses Harry. It glows blue in her presence. This confirms her destiny and her place among the Hillfolk. They recognize the sword's choice and the return of an ancient hero.
Training and Growing Pains
With Gonturan, Harry's training becomes more intense. She learns from Corlath himself and experienced Hillfolk warriors. She improves her combat skills and develops her kelar. Some Hillfolk are skeptical, doubting a Homelander girl can wield such a sacred weapon. But she earns their respect through her determination and skill. Her bond with Corlath deepens as he guides her. Harry struggles with her dual identity, not fully Homelander nor fully Hillfolk. She finds her place between two worlds.
The Threat of the Northerners
Reports of the Northerners' advance become more serious. These invaders are pillaging and conquering, threatening all of Damar, including Hillfolk lands and the Homelander Protectorate. The common enemy forces the Damarian tribes, who have been divided, to consider uniting. Corlath, as King of the Hillfolk, leads in forming this alliance. He knows their survival depends on collective action. Harry, now a skilled warrior and wielder of Gonturan, is ready to fight with her new people.
The Council of Kings
A grand council of Damarian kings and chieftains meets to plan their defense against the Northerners. Corlath presents a strategy for united resistance. Harry, as the wielder of Gonturan and a growing warrior, is present. Her presence symbolizes the ancient magic returning to Damar. Her unique position, between Homelander and Hillfolk worlds, gives her a distinct view. The council debates strategies and deals with internal rivalries. But the threat eventually makes them agree on a combined military effort, with Corlath leading.
First Battle and Vision
Harry rides into her first major battle as a King's Rider. She wields Gonturan with surprising skill. She proves herself a warrior, inspiring those around her. During the fighting, her kelar flares, and she has a powerful, mystical vision. She sees the ghost of Lady Aerin, Gonturan's original wielder. Aerin gives ancient wisdom and guidance. This confirms Harry's destiny and the sword's true power. The vision strengthens Harry's resolve and deepens her connection to Damar's history and magic.
The Siege of the Northern Stronghold
The combined Damarian forces, led by Corlath and Harry, attack a key Northern stronghold. The siege is long and hard, testing the Damarian warriors. Harry fights bravely. Her kelar boosts her abilities, and Gonturan is a beacon of hope. She leads charges and defends flanks, showing strategic insight and loyalty. The battle is a turning point. The Damarians gain the upper hand, pushing back the invaders and proving their combined strength.
The Final Confrontation
In the final fight, Harry and Corlath lead the charge against the remaining Northern forces. Harry confronts the Northern leader, a powerful warrior, in a duel. This tests her skill and resolve. Wielding Gonturan, guided by her kelar and Lady Aerin's wisdom, she defeats him. This victory breaks the Northerners' morale and ends their invasion. The battle is hard-won. But the courage and unity of the Damarians, greatly helped by Harry's actions, secure their homeland.
Aftermath and New Beginnings
With the Northerners defeated, Damar begins to heal and rebuild. Harry, now a hero, has found her home and purpose among the Hillfolk. She has fully embraced her identity as Harimad-sol, a King's Rider and wielder of Gonturan. She and Corlath have a deep bond of respect and love, leading to their marriage. Harry chooses to stay in Damar, dedicating her life to its protection. She becomes a link between the Hillfolk and the Homelanders, building a new future for the land she calls her own.
Principal Figures
Harry Crewe (Harimad-sol)
The Protagonist
Harry transforms from a displaced, ordinary Homelander girl into Harimad-sol, a legendary warrior and queen of Damar, embracing her magical heritage and finding her true home and purpose.
Corlath
The Supporting/Love Interest
Corlath, initially burdened by his solitary leadership, finds a partner and equal in Harry, sharing the responsibility of Damar's future and finding love.
Mathin
The Supporting
Mathin remains a steadfast and supportive figure, helping Harry integrate into Hillfolk society and grow into her role.
Richard Crewe
The Supporting
Richard moves from a position of concern and slight bewilderment regarding Harry's choices to one of acceptance and respect for her new path.
Lady Amelia
The Supporting
Lady Amelia remains a static character, representing the Homelander perspective, but she provides a contrast to Harry's evolving identity.
Lady Aerin
The Mentioned/Ancestral
Lady Aerin's legend serves as a guide and inspiration for Harry, influencing her path even centuries later.
The Northerners
The Antagonist
The Northerners serve as the primary external threat, unified in their goal of conquest, ultimately defeated by the combined Damarian forces.
Sunshine
The Supporting
Sunshine remains Harry's steadfast companion, symbolizing her connection to nature and her burgeoning magical abilities.
Themes & Insights
Identity and Belonging
The novel shows Harry's search for identity and belonging. An orphan feeling out of place with the Homelanders, she struggles with her dual background. Her change into Harimad-sol among the Hillfolk, embracing her kelar and the Blue Sword, shows where she truly belongs. The story highlights that identity is shaped by choices, actions, and connection to a community and purpose. This is clear when she chooses to stay in Damar and marry Corlath, fully committing to her new life.
““She was no longer Harry Crewe, Homelander girl, but Harimad-sol, daughter of the Damar, and the blue sword was hers.””
Destiny vs. Choice
A main theme is the balance between destiny and individual choice. Harry is marked by destiny—chosen by the kelar, taken by Corlath, and selected by Gonturan. Yet, her journey is also full of conscious choices: to learn Hillfolk ways, to train as a warrior, to fight for Damar, and to choose Corlath and her new life. The story suggests that destiny may open doors, but personal choice and effort create the path and define the hero. Harry actively shapes her fated role.
““It was not enough to be chosen; one must choose.””
Cultural Exchange and Understanding
The story explores the complexities of cultural exchange between the colonial Homelanders and the indigenous Damarian Hillfolk. Harry, from Homelander culture, bridges this gap by immersing herself in Damarian traditions. The novel shows initial misunderstandings and prejudices but ultimately promotes empathy, respect, and the benefits of combining strengths from different cultures, especially against a common enemy. Corlath's alliance with the Homelanders against the Northerners further illustrates this theme.
““She had left the world she knew behind, and stepped into another. It was a good step.””
The Power of Leadership and Responsibility
The novel explores different types of leadership through Corlath and Harry. Corlath is a traditional, wise leader, responsible for his people's survival. Harry's journey shows the development of a leader, from reluctant follower to inspiring warrior. Her leadership is not just about using a sword, but about earning respect, making tough decisions, and uniting people. Both characters show that true leadership comes with great responsibility and often requires personal sacrifice for the community.
““To be a king's rider was to be a shield for the people, and a sword for their enemies.””
Magic and the Ancient World
Magic, specifically the 'kelar,' is part of Damar and its people, connecting them to their land and history. The theme explores the awakening of ancient powers in a new generation, shown by Harry. It contrasts Damar's 'wild' and intuitive magic with the Homelanders' more structured, less magical world. Gonturan's return and the emergence of a wielder with strong kelar mean the resurgence of ancient power and a link to a rich, mythical past, which is important for Damar's survival.
““The kelar was a thing of the blood, a deep-seated magic that flowed through the true Damarian lines.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Blue Sword (Gonturan)
A legendary, magically endowed sword that chooses its wielder.
Gonturan is not merely a weapon but a sentient magical artifact, previously wielded by Lady Aerin. It serves as a symbol of power, destiny, and the ancient magic of Damar. Its choosing of Harry signifies her unique connection to the land and her fated role as a hero. The sword's glowing blue light and its ability to guide Harry in battle are crucial to her development as a warrior and her triumphs. It acts as a direct link to the past, bestowing legitimacy and power upon its chosen wielder.
Kelar
An inherent magical ability possessed by certain Damarians, particularly those of royal lineage.
Kelar is the innate magical power flowing through the bloodlines of the Hillfolk, especially the royal line of Damar. It manifests as heightened senses, telepathic communication with animals, and an intuitive understanding of the land and its people. For Harry, the awakening of her kelar is the catalyst for her transformation, allowing her to connect with Damar and wield Gonturan. It's a key element of world-building, explaining Harry's unusual abilities and her deep bond with Corlath and the land.
The Vision of Lady Aerin
A mystical experience where Harry encounters the spirit of the legendary Lady Aerin.
This vision serves as a direct connection to Damar's past and a powerful form of exposition and guidance for Harry. It not only confirms Harry's lineage and destiny but also provides her with crucial knowledge and reassurance from her spiritual predecessor. It solidifies her confidence and understanding of her role as the wielder of Gonturan, bridging the gap between myth and present reality. The vision reinforces the theme of destiny and the cyclical nature of heroism in Damar.
The Kidnapping/Summoning
Harry is mysteriously drawn from her bed and compelled to follow Corlath into the desert.
This event is a pivotal plot device that removes Harry from her familiar Homelander environment and thrusts her into the world of the Hillfolk. It's not a conventional kidnapping but rather a magical summoning driven by the kelar, highlighting Harry's latent powers and Corlath's ability to sense them. This abrupt transition forces Harry to adapt, learn, and grow, setting the stage for her transformation and her discovery of her true identity and purpose in Damar.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“There was a strength in her that she had not known, a quiet, fierce strength.”
— Harry discovering her inner resilience and courage during her training.
“The hills were alive with the sound of her own heart beating.”
— Harry's growing connection to the wild lands of Damar.
“She was not a lady, not a soldier, not a witch, but all of them, and none of them.”
— Harry grappling with her multifaceted identity and role.
“Some things, once broken, can never be truly mended, only carefully patched.”
— Reflecting on the enduring impact of past conflicts and losses.
“Magic was not a trick, or a game, but a deep, dangerous river that ran through the heart of the world.”
— Harry's understanding of the true nature of magic in Damar.
“He looked at her as if she were a new and interesting kind of problem to be solved.”
— Corlath's initial analytical observation of Harry.
“The wind was her oldest friend, and her newest teacher.”
— Harry learning to ride and fight in the Damarian wilderness.
“It was not a question of courage, but of necessity.”
— Harry's pragmatic approach to facing danger and challenges.
“The sword felt right in her hand, as if it had been waiting for her.”
— Harry's intuitive connection with the blue sword.
“To be a leader was to be a servant, first and always.”
— Corlath's philosophy on leadership and responsibility.
“She had found her own place, her own people, and her own name.”
— Harry's ultimate acceptance and belonging in Damar.
“Sometimes the right thing to do was also the hardest.”
— A realization about difficult choices and moral dilemmas.
“There was a wildness in her that matched the wildness of the land.”
— Harry's inherent spirit aligning with Damar's untamed nature.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The central conflict revolves around the impending invasion of the North, a powerful enemy threatening both the Homelanders and the Free Hillfolk of Damar. Corlath seeks to unite the disparate groups, while Harry Crewe's unexpected destiny as a warrior becomes crucial to their defense, particularly with the re-emergence of the legendary Blue Sword.
About the author
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.
