The Princess and Curdie · Chapter
The King's Army explained
The king awakens fully restored, and with Curdie and Sir Bronzebeard, prepares for battle.
What happens
The king awakens fully restored, and with Curdie and Sir Bronzebeard, prepares for battle. They gather a small, unconventional force, including the princess Irene, Lina and the Uglies, and a loyal housemaid. The army marches out to face the enemy, with the king's white charger miraculously returned and the princess riding her pony among the beasts.
Themes in this chapter
Sacrifice and Service
The colonel's willingness to die seven times for the king, the housemaid's loyal service, and the king's readiness to fight embody sacrifice and service.
Faith and Trust
The king's trust in Curdie and the colonel, and the princess's trust in her pony and the Uglies, highlight faith in allies.
Good vs. Evil
The king's army, though small and strange, stands against the enemy, symbolizing the fight of good against evil.
Characters to notice
- Curdie
Awakens refreshed, polishes his mattock, and prepares to lead the beasts into battle.
- The Colonel
Sir Bronzebeard, dressed in complete steel, ready to die for the king, and secures horses for the army.
- Princess Irene
Rides her white pony among the Uglies, ready to accompany the army into battle.
- Lina
Follows Curdie with the forty-nine Uglies, part of the strange force marching to battle.
- The Servants
The housemaid, loyal and brave, helps saddle the horses and follows the army on the great red horse.
- Derba
Carries Barbara and heads to the mountains as a refuge should the king's cause be lost.
Key passages
“He woke like a giant refreshed with wine.”
He woke up feeling extremely strong and full of energy, as if he had drunk a magical potion.
Describes Curdie's complete recovery and vigor.
“He who takes his life in his hand is the only soldier.”
Only those who are willing to risk their lives are true soldiers.
The king's definition of a true warrior.
“I will go and fright the varletry with my presence, and secure, I trust, a horse for your majesty, and one for myself.”
I will go and scare the rabble with my appearance, and hopefully get a horse for you and one for me.
The colonel's plan to obtain horses despite the mutiny.