Figures of Earth · Chapter
XIV: They Duel on Morven explained
Manuel traps Queen Freydis in mortal flesh within an enclosure of buttered willow wands.
What happens
Manuel traps Queen Freydis in mortal flesh within an enclosure of buttered willow wands. He seeks the secret of giving life to his images, but Freydis defies him by animating the image of Alianora, which limps away. Manuel, overwhelmed by Freydis's beauty, destroys the enclosure's protections and declares his love. Freydis, moved but uncertain, gives him the recipe for the Tuyla incantation before returning to her own kingdom.
Themes in this chapter
The Geas of Obligation
Manuel is bound by his desire for Freydis, destroying his own power and accepting vulnerability.
The Illusion of Success
Manuel's goal of animating images is overshadowed by his obsession with Freydis, rendering his achievement hollow.
Love and Disillusionment
Manuel's love for Freydis leads to despair, as he realizes no earthly beauty can compare.
The Artist and the Creation
Manuel's images are imperfect (the limping Alianora), and his creative ambition is subsumed by his passion.
Characters to notice
- Dom Manuel
Traps Freydis, seeks the secret of animating images, destroys the enclosure's protections, and declares his love for Freydis.
- Freydis
Trapped in mortal flesh, defies Manuel by animating Alianora's image, gives Manuel the Tuyla incantation before returning to Audela.
- Alianora
Her clay image is animated by Freydis and limps away, a living creature more beautiful than human.
- King Helmas
Mentioned as having laid ready the magical pen used by Freydis.
Key passages
“I would be looking at them always, and not caring for any woman: and no woman anywhere would have the power to move me as your beauty moves me now, and I would not be valuing you the worth of an old onion.”
If my images were alive, I would be so captivated by them that I would lose interest in all women, including you.
Manuel expresses that his creative work could eclipse his desire for Freydis, but her beauty currently overrides that.
“He that has beheld the loveliness of Freydis must go henceforward as a hungry person, because of troubling memories: and his fellows deride him enviously.”
Anyone who has seen Freydis's beauty will forever be unsatisfied, haunted by the memory, and mocked by others.
Manuel laments the hopelessness of loving Freydis, as her beauty surpasses all worldly things.
“Then certainly I shall not waste any of my fine terrors on you!”
I won't bother using my powers to harm you.
Freydis decides not to punish Manuel for his audacity, showing her reluctant admiration.