# V: Banded Devil explained — Star Born

> Chapter companion for Star Born by Andre Norton.

## What happens

Dalgard and Sssuri track a snake-devil through the alien city, discovering that some of the creatures wear metal bands, suggesting they are controlled or owned by an unknown intelligence. They navigate a river, hide their boat, and follow the monster's trail into a prison-like underground passage, culminating in a confrontation with the banded devil.

## Themes in this chapter

### Colonization and Identity

Sssuri recounts the mermen's liberation from bondage, emphasizing their identity as free people after overthrowing 'Those Others'.

### Survival and Adaptation

Dalgard and Sssuri adapt to the alien environment, using their skills to track and prepare to kill the dangerous snake-devil.

## Character check-ins

### Dalgard Nordis

Tracks the snake-devil, uses a bow with poison arrows, and climbs walls to pursue the creature.

### Sssuri

Leads the hunt, expresses deep hatred for the city as a place of sorrow and separation, and uses his spear and thought-questing abilities.

## Key lines

> paid⁠—oh, how they paid⁠—after that day when the fire fell from the sky.

The oppressors suffered greatly after the celestial fire event.

_Sssuri describes the downfall of 'Those Others'._

> Then did our spears drink, and knives eat!

Our weapons were used to kill many enemies.

_Sssuri celebrates the mermen's victory in battle._

> This is the place of sorrow, the place of separation.

This location is associated with grief and division.

_Sssuri expresses his horror at the city's history._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se/chapters/v-banded-devil
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se/chapters