# VII: The Coming of the Troll explained — The King of Elfland’s Daughter

> Chapter companion for The King of Elfland’s Daughter by Lord Dunsany.

## What happens

A troll from Elfland crosses the twilight frontier into the fields of Earth, carrying a rune from the Elf King for Princess Lirazel. He encounters a hare and a fox, narrowly escapes a dog, and eventually arrives at the town of Erl, where he meets a child who declines his invitation to Elfland because of her mother's jam roll.

## Themes in this chapter

### Magic vs. Reality

The troll's journey from Elfland to the human world highlights the contrast between the enchantment of Elfland and the mundane reality of Earth, exemplified by the child's choice of jam roll over Elfland.

### Quest and Wandering

The troll's mission to deliver the Elf King's rune drives his journey across the fields, encountering various creatures and obstacles.

## Character check-ins

### Lurulu

The troll sent by the Elf King to deliver the rune to Lirazel; he travels through the fields of Earth, interacts with a hare and a fox, and reaches Erl.

### Lirazel

The Princess of Elfland; the troll carries the Elf King's rune for her, though she does not appear in this chapter.

### Erl

The town of Erl is the destination of the troll; he observes its smoke and towers from a distance.

## Key lines

> Had it not been for that chance jam roll she had gone to Elfland.

The child's decision to stay home was swayed by the simple pleasure of her mother's jam roll, illustrating how small earthly comforts can outweigh the allure of the magical unknown.

_Highlights the theme of magic vs. reality and the power of domesticity._

> The troll went on gaily over the tips of the buttercups.

The troll continued his journey cheerfully, skimming above the flowers with joy, even after escaping the dog.

_Shows the troll's playful and carefree nature despite his serious mission._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_king_of_elfland_s_daughter_se/chapters/vii-the-coming-of-the-troll
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_king_of_elfland_s_daughter_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_king_of_elfland_s_daughter_se/chapters