Figures of Earth · Chapter
Deals with the Stork explained
Manuel and Niafer, exiled from Poictesme, seek refuge in Novogath under Queen Stultitia.
What happens
Manuel and Niafer, exiled from Poictesme, seek refuge in Novogath under Queen Stultitia. While awaiting her promised alliance, they decide to have children via the Philistine custom of the stork. Manuel summons the stork using magic and negotiates for five children, though the stork laments the inevitable corruption of innocence by time and life.
Themes in this chapter
The Geas of Obligation
Manuel calls in the stork's debt for saving its life, using obligation to secure children.
The Inevitability of Misery
The stork's lament about time and life corrupting children's innocence underscores the theme of inevitable suffering.
Appearances vs. Reality
The Philistines' insistence on the stork myth contrasts with the actual means of reproduction, highlighting societal hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- Dom Manuel
Manuel arranges for children via the stork, demonstrating his resourcefulness and adherence to Philistine customs.
- Niafer
Niafer desires children and negotiates with Manuel to increase the number from three to five.
- Stultitia
Queen Stultitia receives Manuel and Niafer in Novogath, promising an alliance against Duke Asmund.
- Freydis
Manuel plans to visit Freydis on Sargyll, though Niafer is wary of her.
- Alianora
Manuel declines to seek help from Alianora in England, citing their resemblance as a reason to avoid her.
Key passages
“I bring the children, stainless and dear and helpless, and I leave them to endure that which is fated.”
The stork delivers pure children only to have them corrupted by life's hardships.
The stork's speech reflects on the tragic cycle of innocence and decay.
“I can depend upon myself, and that is more important.”
Manuel trusts his own abilities over relying on others.
Manuel's self-reliance is a key character trait.