# VI: The Emerald explained — The Princess and Curdie

> Chapter companion for The Princess and Curdie by George MacDonald.

## What happens

Curdie and his father Peter, while working in the mines, see a mysterious green light that leads them through old passages to a cavern. There they encounter the ancient princess, Irene's great-great-grandmother, who appears as a beautiful lady dressed in green with emeralds. She reveals that the light they followed came from her, and demonstrates that the cavern's brilliance depends on her presence, as it fades when she leaves.

## Themes in this chapter

### Perception vs. Reality

The light that seems distant is actually close, and the lady's appearance changes from a star to a face, challenging Curdie's perception.

### The Natural World and the Divine

The cavern's beauty and the lady's presence suggest a divine or supernatural element within the natural world.

## Character check-ins

### Curdie

Recognizes the ancient princess and is awed by her presence.

### Peter

Accompanies Curdie in following the mysterious light.

### Queen Irene

Appears as the beautiful lady in green, the ancient princess.

## Key lines

> It came flowing from under the edge of a coronet of gold, set with alternated pearls and emeralds.

Her hair streamed out from beneath a golden crown decorated with pearls and emeralds.

_Describes the lady's appearance._

> The moment she was out of their sight the place was black as night, save that now the smoky yellow-red of their lamps, which they thought had gone out long ago, cast a dusky glimmer around them.

As soon as she left, the cavern became pitch black, except for the dim, smoky light from their lanterns, which they had thought were extinguished.

_Shows that the light in the cavern came from the lady._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters/vi-the-emerald
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters