How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child abuse.

“‘I fear nothing,’ said the boy, for his heart of stone made any feeling impossible.”

This story introduces the symbolism of stone as stasis. The boy’s stone heart and subsequent lack of emotions prevent him from growing as a character. At the same time, child Cardan identifies with the stone-hearted boy, both for his wicked tongue and for his own desire to become numb to his hardships. The story of the stone-hearted boy also introduces the motif of the rule of three, as this is the first time (of three) that Aslog encounters Cardan and exchanges stories with him.

“[E]ver since he had been sent from the palace in disgrace, Cardan had felt like the boy in Aslog’s story. His heart was stone.”

While Cardan initially considers Aslog’s story meaningless, it remains with him, even as Aslog herself fades from memory. Cardan’s desire to turn his heart into stone reflects his choice of stasis and a refusal to transform and grow. It is a precursor to his decision to embrace the false reputation thrust upon him. This connection also reinforces how stories, though fictional, reflect universal truths. Though the fairy-tale boy is fiction, the sentiment is rooted in fact.

“‘Humans are like mice,’ Balekin went on. ‘Dead before they learn how to be canny. Why shouldn’t they serve us? It gives their short lives meaning.’”

This quote establishes Balekin’s bigotry and belief that faeries are superior to humans. The dividing line is clearly drawn. Balekin’s