Penguin Island · Chapter
XI: The Dragon of Alca explained
Kraken returns to his cavern frustrated by the Penguins' newfound courage to resist his dragon raids.
What happens
Kraken returns to his cavern frustrated by the Penguins' newfound courage to resist his dragon raids. He complains to Orberosia about being chased and injured, then swears off his dragon disguise. Orberosia devises a cunning plan: she will pose as the pure virgin destined to overthrow the dragon, allowing Kraken to be 'conquered' without loss of face. Together they construct a fake dragon skeleton for the scheme.
Themes in this chapter
Satire of Religion
The monks' teaching that a virgin can overcome the dragon is used by Orberosia for a deceptive scheme, mocking religious credulity.
Human Folly and Vanity
Kraken's pride in his fearsome disguise and his frustration at being outwitted by the Penguins highlight vanity and foolishness.
Characters to notice
- Kraken
Returns to his cavern, frustrated by the Penguins' resistance, and swears off his dragon helmet after being injured.
- Orberosia
Spins wool in the cavern, listens to Kraken's complaints, and devises a plan for her to pose as the virgin who will 'overthrow' the dragon.
- Saint Maël
Mentioned as the holy figure to whom Orberosia will present herself as the destined virgin.
Key passages
“There is no worse trade than a dragon’s.”
Being a dragon is the worst job imaginable.
Kraken laments the difficulties of his role as a dragon.
“I swear by all the demons of Armor that I will never bear you upon my head again.”
I swear by all the demons of Armor that I will never wear you on my head again.
Kraken swears off his dragon helmet after being humiliated.
“Orberosia, your cunning, is deep.”
Orberosia, your cunning is profound.
Kraken acknowledges the cleverness of Orberosia's plan.