# IV: The Dragon-Slayer explained — The Magic City

> Chapter companion for The Magic City by E. Nesbit.

## What happens

Philip is tasked with killing the great green dragon to become the Deliverer. He discovers the dragon is actually his old clockwork lizard, now grown large and alive. Using a rope and the dragon's key, he defeats it, only to find the 'princess' he rescues is Lucy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Bravery and Selflessness

Philip overcomes his fear to face the dragon, acting as a hero despite his doubts.

### Imagination and Creativity

The dragon is revealed to be a clockwork toy from Philip's past, highlighting the power of imagination in the magic city.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Haldane

Accepts the role of Deliverer, devises a plan to slay the dragon using its clockwork key, and successfully defeats it.

### Lucy

Bound as the princess to be rescued; revealed to be Lucy when Philip lifts her veil.

### Noah

Gives Philip instructions and Roman candles, later knights him and presents the princess as a reward.

### Old Perrin

Encourages Philip to become the Deliverer and explains the seven deeds required.

### The Pretenderette

Makes a remark about the princess and is arrested by Noah for contempt.

## Key lines

> When you have arranged your plans and are quite sure that you will be able to kill the dragon, light one of these.

Noah instructs Philip to signal with a Roman candle when he is ready to slay the dragon.

_Noah provides the method for coordinating the dragon-slaying._

> It was the clockwork lizard that had been given him the Christmas before last.

Philip recognizes the dragon as his old clockwork toy from home.

_Reveals the dragon's true nature and connects to Philip's past._

> Why! it's only Lucy!

Philip exclaims in surprise that the princess is actually Lucy.

_Climactic reveal of the princess's identity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_magic_city_se/chapters/iv-the-dragon-slayer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_magic_city_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_magic_city_se/chapters