# The Sacrifice explained — The Princess and Curdie

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

## What happens

The palace is in a strange state with the king ill, guarded by Curdie and his animal companions. The city is hostile, and an enemy army approaches. Curdie plans to defend the kingdom, but during the night he witnesses a miraculous scene: the old princess uses a fire of roses to heal the king, sacrificing herself in the process. The king is restored, and Curdie is filled with joy and peace.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sacrifice and Service

The princess's selfless act of healing the king through the fire of roses embodies ultimate sacrifice and service.

### Faith and Trust

Curdie's unwavering trust in the princess and his willingness to act without instructions demonstrate deep faith.

### Good vs. Evil

The palace is seen as evil by the city, but true evil lies in the city's inhabitants, highlighting the inversion of appearances.

## Character check-ins

### Curdie

Stands guard over the king, plans to march against the enemy, and witnesses the princess's healing sacrifice.

### Lina

Hunts at night to provide food for the palace, showing her loyalty and resourcefulness.

### The Colonel

Attempts to rally his troops but is too weak and is ignored by the sentry.

### Queen Irene

Performs the sacrificial healing of the king using a fire of roses, revealing her divine power and love.

### The King

Lies ill and is healed through the princess's sacrifice, emerging with a shining face.

## Key lines

> None dared approach its gates, and seldom one issued from them. All the dwellers in the city were united in enmity to the palace.

The palace was isolated, with the city's people united in their hatred of it.

_Highlights the community's opposition to the palace._

> If he died, he died for the right, and there was a right end of it.

Curdie was willing to die for what was right, seeing that as a proper end.

_Shows Curdie's selflessness and commitment to duty._

> The room was lighted with the splendour of her face, of her blue eyes, of her sapphire crown.

The room was illuminated by the princess's radiant beauty and regal presence.

_Describes the princess's divine and majestic appearance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters/xxxi-the-sacrifice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters