# The King's Army explained — The Princess and Curdie

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters/xxxii-the-king-s-army
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters