Stormy Night Encounter

Alanna of Trebond, disguised as a boy, is caught in a storm while returning from an errand. Seeking shelter, she encounters a mysterious woman who reveals herself as the Great Mother Goddess. The Goddess acknowledges Alanna as one of her Chosen and warns her of three fears she must confront: the Ordeal of Knighthood, love, and Duke Roger of Conte. Alanna is given a magical ember-stone as a token of the Goddess's favor. This encounter sets the stage for Alanna's internal and external battles, as she grapples with her identity and the challenges ahead.

Secrets and Spies

Alanna continues her life at the palace, maintaining her disguise as a boy while training to become a knight. She navigates friendships and rivalries, particularly with Prince Jonathan and Duke Roger, who harbors dark ambitions. Alanna's brother Thom, a powerful sorcerer, warns her of Roger's potential threat. Alanna's secret is known to a few trusted friends, including George, the King of Thieves, who aids her with information and protection. The tension between Alanna's dual identities and her growing suspicions about Roger's intentions create a complex web of intrigue.

The Tusaine Threat

Tensions rise as Tusaine threatens war over the Drell River Valley. Alanna, now Prince Jonathan's squire, is thrust into the heart of political and military maneuvers. She proves her mettle in a duel against a Tusaine knight, showcasing her skills and courage. As the threat of war escalates, Alanna's loyalty to Jonathan and her determination to protect him become paramount. The looming conflict with Tusaine serves as a backdrop for Alanna's personal growth and the deepening of her relationships with those around her.

A Knight's Challenge

As the war with Tusaine unfolds, Alanna grapples with her fears and responsibilities. She is haunted by the upcoming Ordeal of Knighthood, a test that will determine her future as a knight. Her relationship with Jonathan becomes more complex, as they navigate their feelings for each other amidst the chaos of war. Alanna's courage and resourcefulness are tested in battle, and she must confront her own limitations and vulnerabilities. The chapter highlights Alanna's internal struggles and her unwavering commitment to her friends and her duty.

The Ordeal of Knighthood

Alanna prepares for the Ordeal of Knighthood, a rite of passage that will determine her fate. She faces her deepest fears in the Chamber of the Ordeal, including her fear of failure and her unresolved feelings for Jonathan. The Ordeal forces Alanna to confront her identity and the choices she has made. Emerging victorious, she is finally knighted, but the experience leaves her shaken and introspective. The chapter marks a turning point in Alanna's journey, as she gains a deeper understanding of herself and her place in the world.

Unveiling the Truth

Alanna discovers evidence of Duke Roger's treachery, including a magical doll used to harm Queen Lianne. She bravely confronts Roger in front of the court, revealing his plot to seize the throne. The revelation shocks the kingdom, and Roger challenges Alanna to a trial by combat. Alanna's courage and determination are put to the test as she fights to protect her friends and the realm. The chapter underscores Alanna's growth from a secretive squire to a formidable knight willing to stand against powerful enemies.

Duel with the Sorcerer

Alanna faces Duke Roger in a deadly duel, where magic and skill collide. Despite her exhaustion from the Ordeal, Alanna's resolve and the support of her friends give her the strength to prevail. She defeats Roger, ending his threat to the throne and securing her place as a hero of the realm. The duel is a culmination of Alanna's journey, showcasing her bravery and the power of her convictions. The chapter highlights the themes of loyalty, justice, and the triumph of good over evil.

A New Beginning

With Roger defeated and her identity revealed, Alanna decides to leave the palace to seek her own adventures. She bids farewell to her friends, including Jonathan, who confesses his love for her. Alanna's departure marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life, as she embraces her identity as a woman and a knight. The chapter concludes with Alanna riding into the unknown, confident in her abilities and ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. It is a fitting end to her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Characters

Alanna of Trebond

Alanna is a young noblewoman who disguises herself as a boy to become a knight. She is fiercely independent, brave, and loyal to her friends. Throughout the story, Alanna grapples with her identity and the expectations placed upon her. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to embrace her true self and confront her fears. Alanna's relationships with Jonathan, George, and her brother Thom are central to her development, as she navigates love, friendship, and betrayal.

Prince Jonathan of Conte

Jonathan is the heir to the throne of Tortall, a natural leader with a strong sense of duty. He shares a deep bond with Alanna, marked by friendship and romantic tension. Jonathan's relationship with Alanna is complicated by his responsibilities as a prince and the expectations of his position. He is protective of Alanna and values her counsel, but he must also navigate the political intrigues of the court. Jonathan's growth is intertwined with Alanna's, as they both learn to balance personal desires with their obligations to the realm.

Duke Roger of Conte

Roger is a powerful sorcerer and Jonathan's cousin, who harbors ambitions for the throne. He is charming and manipulative, using his magic to further his schemes. Roger's rivalry with Alanna is a central conflict in the story, as he seeks to eliminate those who stand in his way. His actions are driven by a desire for power and control, making him a formidable adversary. Roger's downfall is a result of his underestimation of Alanna and the strength of her convictions.

George Cooper

George is the King of Thieves, a charismatic and cunning figure who becomes one of Alanna's closest friends. He is protective of Alanna and provides her with valuable information and support. George's feelings for Alanna are complex, as he harbors romantic feelings for her but respects her independence. His loyalty and resourcefulness make him an invaluable ally in Alanna's fight against Roger. George's character embodies the themes of friendship and loyalty, as he stands by Alanna through her trials.

Thom of Trebond

Thom is Alanna's twin brother, a powerful sorcerer with a thirst for knowledge and recognition. He supports Alanna's quest to become a knight, while pursuing his own ambitions in the realm of magic. Thom's relationship with Alanna is marked by sibling rivalry and mutual respect. He is aware of the dangers posed by Roger and uses his abilities to aid Alanna in her quest for justice. Thom's character highlights the themes of ambition and the pursuit of power, as he navigates the complexities of magic and politics.

Myles of Olau

Myles is a knight and scholar who becomes a father figure to Alanna. He is perceptive and understanding, offering guidance and support to Alanna throughout her journey. Myles is aware of Alanna's secret and respects her decision to pursue her dreams. His wisdom and experience make him a trusted advisor, and his friendship with Alanna is a source of strength for her. Myles's character represents the themes of mentorship and the importance of having a guiding influence in one's life.

Coram Smythesson

Coram is Alanna's childhood friend and protector, who accompanies her on her journey to become a knight. He is practical and down-to-earth, providing Alanna with guidance and support. Coram's loyalty to Alanna is unwavering, and he is willing to follow her into danger to ensure her safety. His character embodies the themes of friendship and loyalty, as he stands by Alanna through her trials and triumphs.

Gary of Naxen

Gary is one of Alanna's closest friends at the palace, known for his humor and good nature. He is supportive of Alanna's quest to become a knight and is one of the first to accept her true identity. Gary's friendship with Alanna is marked by mutual respect and camaraderie, as they navigate the challenges of court life together. His character adds levity to the story, providing moments of humor and warmth amidst the tension and intrigue.

Raoul of Goldenlake

Raoul is another of Alanna's close friends, known for his strength and loyalty. He is supportive of Alanna's quest and is quick to defend her against those who doubt her abilities. Raoul's friendship with Alanna is characterized by mutual respect and a shared sense of duty. His character embodies the themes of loyalty and friendship, as he stands by Alanna through her trials and triumphs.

Faithful

Faithful is Alanna's black cat, who possesses an uncanny intelligence and seems to understand human speech. He is a constant companion to Alanna, offering guidance and support throughout her journey. Faithful's presence adds an element of mystery to the story, as he appears to have a deeper connection to the magical world. His character represents the themes of companionship and the bond between humans and animals.

Plot Devices

Disguise and Deception

Alanna's decision to disguise herself as a boy to become a knight is a central plot device that drives the story. Her secret identity creates tension and conflict, as she navigates the challenges of maintaining her disguise while pursuing her dreams. The theme of deception is explored through Alanna's interactions with other characters, as she grapples with the consequences of her choices and the impact of her deception on her relationships.

Magic and Sorcery

Magic is a pervasive element in the story, influencing the characters and the world they inhabit. Alanna's magical abilities, inherited from her mother, play a crucial role in her journey, as she learns to harness her powers and confront the dangers posed by Duke Roger's sorcery. The theme of magic is explored through the characters' interactions with the supernatural, as they navigate the complexities of power and the consequences of its misuse.

Trial by Combat

The trial by combat between Alanna and Duke Roger is a key plot device that serves as a climax to the story. It is a moment of truth and justice, as Alanna confronts Roger's treachery and fights to protect her friends and the realm. The trial by combat highlights the themes of honor and justice, as Alanna's courage and determination are put to the test in a battle for the kingdom's future.

The Ordeal of Knighthood

The Ordeal of Knighthood is a significant plot device that serves as a rite of passage for Alanna. It is a test of her courage, strength, and character, as she confronts her deepest fears and emerges as a knight. The Ordeal is a transformative experience that marks a turning point in Alanna's journey, as she gains a deeper understanding of herself and her place in the world. The theme of self-discovery is explored through Alanna's experiences in the Chamber of the Ordeal.

The Ember-Stone

The ember-stone, given to Alanna by the Great Mother Goddess, is a powerful plot device that symbolizes divine favor and guidance. It serves as a tool for Alanna to detect magic and navigate the challenges she faces. The ember-stone represents the theme of destiny and the influence of the divine in Alanna's journey, as she learns to trust in her abilities and the path laid out for her by the gods.

Analysis

"In the Hand of the Goddess" explores themes of identity, courage, and empowerment through Alanna's journey to become a knight. Alanna's struggle to maintain her disguise and pursue her dreams highlights the challenges of breaking societal norms and the importance of staying true to oneself. The story emphasizes the power of courage and determination in overcoming obstacles, as Alanna confronts her fears and stands against powerful enemies. The theme of empowerment is central to the narrative, as Alanna learns to embrace her identity and assert her place in a male-dominated world. The book also explores the complexities of friendship, love, and loyalty, as Alanna navigates her relationships with Jonathan, George, and her friends. Through Alanna's journey, the story conveys the message that true strength lies in embracing one's identity and standing up for what is right, regardless of the challenges faced.

Last updated: March 1, 2025