Figures of Earth · Chapter
XVI: Freydis explained
Manuel and Freydis live together on Upper Morven, enjoying a domestic life filled with magic and pleasure.
What happens
Manuel and Freydis live together on Upper Morven, enjoying a domestic life filled with magic and pleasure. Freydis urges Manuel to claim Bellegarde, but he prefers to delay. Their relationship is marked by Freydis's jealousy over Manuel's lingering devotion to the deceased Niafer, and Manuel's casual, evasive reassurances of love. Freydis reflects on the change in Manuel's ardor since their first encounter.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Disillusionment
Manuel's love for Freydis is tempered by his idealization of Niafer, and Freydis feels disillusioned by Manuel's lack of passionate devotion.
Appearances vs. Reality
Freydis appears as a powerful sorceress but is now a human woman seeking reassurance; Manuel's casual demeanor hides deeper feelings.
The Geas of Obligation
Manuel feels his geas is discharged and prefers idleness, but Freydis reminds him of his obligations to reclaim Bellegarde.
Characters to notice
- Dom Manuel
Lives with Freydis on Upper Morven, shows reluctance to pursue political ambitions, and struggles to express love in a way that satisfies Freydis, still comparing her unfavorably to Niafer.
- Freydis
Now a human woman living with Manuel, she is loving and tender but grows irritable over Manuel's lingering attachment to Niafer and his lack of passionate declarations.
- Niafer
Deceased; Manuel continues to idealize her, stating she was more beautiful and clever than Freydis, causing tension.
- Alianora
Mentioned as another woman Manuel loved after Niafer, now seen as a substitute.
- King Ferdinand
Referenced as the king who granted Poictesme to Manuel by his own handwriting.
- King Helmas
Not directly present; no relevant action in this chapter.
Key passages
“If ever she was irritable it was only when Manuel confessed, in reply to jealous questionings, that he did not find her quite so beautiful nor so clever as Niafer had been: but this, as Manuel pointed out, could not be helped.”
Freydis only became upset when Manuel admitted, in response to her jealous questions, that he thought Niafer was more beautiful and clever than her, which Manuel said was unavoidable.
Highlights the central tension in Manuel and Freydis's relationship.
“I speak as I feel. I love you, Freydis, and I tell you so, but I cannot be telling it over and over again every quarter of the hour.”
Manuel insists he expresses his love honestly but refuses to repeat it constantly.
Shows Manuel's reluctance to provide the constant reassurance Freydis craves.
“I know you are, big boy. But still, I wonder, and the wondering is a thin little far-off grief.”
Freydis acknowledges Manuel's claim to be straightforward but admits she still has doubts, which cause her a subtle, distant sorrow.
Captures Freydis's lingering uncertainty about Manuel's true feelings.