# Little Daylight explained — At the Back of the North Wind

> Chapter companion for At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald.

## What happens

This chapter tells the story of Princess Daylight, who is under a spell that causes her to wax and wane with the moon. A young prince, fleeing his own kingdom after a rebellion, disguises himself as a peasant and wanders into the forest. He encounters a good fairy who offers him shelter, and he becomes entranced by the princess as he watches her dance in the moonlight. The chapter explores the princess's cyclical enchantment and the prince's growing fascination.

## Themes in this chapter

### Duality of Nature

Princess Daylight's dual existence—radiant at full moon, withered at new moon—embodies the theme of duality.

### Suffering and Redemption

The princess endures a painful cycle of fading, with hope of eventual deliverance through the prince's quest.

### Faith and Trust

The prince trusts in the old fairy's guidance and continues his journey despite setbacks.

## Character check-ins

### Little Daylight

Princess under a moon-spell, beautiful at full moon and withered as it wanes.

### Princess Daylight

Alternate name for Little Daylight, the enchanted princess.

### Diamond

Not directly present in this embedded tale, but the chapter is part of Diamond's story.

### North Wind

Not directly present in this embedded tale.

## Key lines

> He would have been ashamed of watching her too, had he not become almost incapable of thinking of anything but how beautiful she was.

He would have felt guilty for spying on her, but he was so captivated by her beauty that he could think of nothing else.

_Highlights the prince's moral awareness and overwhelming admiration._

> The best thing that could happen under the circumstances,” remarked the prince. “What do you mean by that?” asked the cook. “Why, it stands to reason,” answered the prince “that if you wish to do anything wrong, the best thing for you is to be made to repent of it.”

The prince suggests that being made to regret a wrongdoing is actually beneficial, as it leads to moral improvement.

_Reflects the prince's virtuous character and the theme of moral growth._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxviii-little-daylight
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters