A Mysterious Birth and Baptism

In the Old Kingdom, a woman dies giving birth near the Wall, leaving behind a seemingly lifeless baby. A necromancer named Abhorsen arrives, claiming the child is not yet dead. He performs a baptism, naming her Sabriel, and miraculously revives her. This event sets the stage for Sabriel's unique connection to life and death, hinting at her future role in the battle against the forces of the Dead.

Sabriel's School and Sudden Summons

Sabriel, now a young woman, attends Wyverley College in Ancelstierre, where she excels in magic. Her father, Abhorsen, visits her through magical means, but one night, he fails to appear. Instead, a Dead servant arrives with a message and Abhorsen's tools, indicating he is trapped in Death. Sabriel realizes she must cross into the Old Kingdom to save him, leaving her school life behind.

Crossing the Wall into Danger

Sabriel crosses the Wall into the Old Kingdom, a land where magic thrives and technology falters. She encounters the remnants of a patrol, slain by a Greater Dead creature. Determined to reach her father's house, she faces the dangers of the Borderlands, including a broken Charter Stone, a sign of dark magic at work.

The Dead and the Broken Stone

At Cloven Crest, Sabriel discovers a broken Charter Stone, tainted with blood, indicating a powerful necromancer's work. She is attacked by a Dead creature but manages to banish it using her father's sword and bells. The encounter reveals the growing threat of the Dead and the urgency of her mission.

Abhorsen's House and Mogget's Secret

Sabriel reaches Abhorsen's House, a sanctuary protected by powerful magic. There, she meets Mogget, a mysterious cat bound by a collar, who reveals that her father is likely dead. Mogget agrees to help Sabriel, but his true nature remains a mystery. Sabriel learns of the Paperwing, a magical craft that will aid her journey.

The Paperwing's Flight and Fall

Sabriel and Mogget take flight in the Paperwing, pursued by gore crows. Sabriel loses control of the wind, and they crash into a sinkhole. Mogget transforms into a powerful Free Magic creature, but Sabriel uses a ring to bind him back into his cat form. The crash leaves them stranded, but Sabriel's resolve to continue her quest is unshaken.

Touchstone's Awakening and Allegiance

In the sinkhole, Sabriel discovers a figurehead that transforms into a young man named Touchstone. He is a former royal guard, imprisoned for two hundred years. Though burdened by guilt and memory loss, he pledges to serve Sabriel. Together, they plan their next move, with Mogget's guidance, to find a way to Belisaere and confront the growing darkness.

Fog Descends, Darkness Approaches

As Sabriel and Touchstone land near the Wall, they are met by Colonel Horyse, who quickly realizes the gravity of the situation. Kerrigor, a powerful Dead spirit, is advancing with a fog that disrupts technology and heralds the rise of the Dead. Sabriel and Touchstone must act swiftly to prevent Kerrigor from retrieving his body hidden in Ancelstierre, which would grant him immense power. They plan to destroy the body before Kerrigor can reach it, but time is running out as the fog moves rapidly towards them.

The Cairn's Secret Revealed

Sabriel and her allies uncover Kerrigor's body hidden within a cairn at Docky Point. The sarcophagus is protected by powerful Free Magic, causing sickness to those who approach. Sabriel realizes they need more Charter Mages to break the spell and decides to enlist the help of her former school, Wyverley College. With the help of the students and teachers, they manage to open the sarcophagus, revealing Kerrigor's preserved body, but the danger is far from over.

Battle at Wyverley College

As night falls, Kerrigor's forces attack Wyverley College. The soldiers and students prepare to defend against the onslaught of the Dead. Sabriel and her allies use Charter Magic to hold back the tide, but the situation is dire. The guns fail as Kerrigor's power grows, and the defenders are forced to rely on older weapons and magic. The battle is fierce, with many casualties, but Sabriel remains determined to stop Kerrigor.

Kerrigor's Return and Sabriel's Struggle

Despite their efforts, Kerrigor's spirit returns to his body, gaining strength and power. Sabriel confronts him, using her bells to try and bind him, but Kerrigor is too strong. In a desperate move, Sabriel uses a silver ring to trap Kerrigor's spirit, but not before he wounds her severely. As she lies dying, Sabriel realizes the enormity of her task and the sacrifices required to defeat Kerrigor.

The Final Confrontation and Sacrifice

Sabriel, with the help of her father's spirit and the combined power of past Abhorsens, faces Kerrigor in a final showdown. The silver ring constricts around Kerrigor, forcing his spirit into a vulnerable state. Sabriel uses her remaining strength to bind him, but the effort leaves her on the brink of death. As Sabriel drifts towards death, the spirits of past Abhorsens appear, urging her to return to life. They remind her of her duty and the need for an Abhorsen in the world. With their support, Sabriel finds the strength to return to life, knowing that her journey is far from over. She awakens to a world changed by her actions, with new responsibilities and a future to shape.

Characters

Sabriel

Sabriel is the protagonist, a young woman raised in Ancelstierre but deeply connected to the Old Kingdom through her father, Abhorsen. She is skilled in Charter Magic and necromancy, tasked with rescuing her father from Death. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns about her heritage and the responsibilities of being Abhorsen.

Abhorsen

Abhorsen is Sabriel's father, a necromancer dedicated to binding the Dead. His disappearance sets the story in motion, and his tools and teachings guide Sabriel. Though absent, his influence is felt throughout Sabriel's journey, as she strives to uphold his legacy.

Mogget

Mogget appears as a white cat, bound by a collar that suppresses his true Free Magic nature. He serves the Abhorsen line, offering guidance and cryptic advice. His dual nature poses both a threat and an asset to Sabriel, as he aids her while harboring his own secrets.

Touchstone

Touchstone is a former royal guard, transformed into a figurehead and trapped for centuries. Rescued by Sabriel, he struggles with guilt and fragmented memories. Despite his self-doubt, he pledges to serve Sabriel, offering his skills and knowledge of the Old Kingdom.

Kerrigor

Kerrigor is a Dead spirit and former royal, seeking to reclaim his body and unleash chaos. His mastery of Free Magic makes him a formidable foe, and his return to life threatens the balance between the living and the Dead. Kerrigor's presence is a constant shadow over Sabriel's journey, representing the ultimate challenge she must overcome.

Colonel Horyse

Colonel Horyse is a seasoned military leader who aids Sabriel in her quest to stop Kerrigor. His experience and knowledge of the Perimeter are invaluable, and he is willing to sacrifice everything to protect Ancelstierre. Horyse's dedication to duty and his belief in Sabriel's mission make him a crucial ally in the battle against the Dead.

Plot Devices

Charter Magic

Charter Magic is a central element, representing the structured magic that maintains order in the Old Kingdom. It is used by Sabriel and other Charter Mages to combat the Dead and perform various spells. The Charter's symbols and marks are integral to Sabriel's journey and her ability to navigate the dangers she faces.

The Bells

The bells are a set of magical instruments used by necromancers to control the Dead. Each bell has a unique power, from binding spirits to banishing them. Sabriel inherits these from her father, and they become crucial in her battles against the Dead.

The Wall

The Wall separates Ancelstierre from the Old Kingdom, marking the boundary between technology and magic. It symbolizes the divide between Sabriel's past and her destiny, as she crosses it to embrace her role as Abhorsen.

The Paperwing

The Paperwing is a unique, enchanted vehicle that allows Sabriel to travel swiftly across the Old Kingdom. Its flight and subsequent crash highlight the challenges and unpredictability of her journey, as well as the necessity of relying on magic and allies.

The Silver Ring

The silver ring is a crucial plot device, used by Sabriel to trap Kerrigor's spirit. Its ability to constrict and bind Free Magic makes it a powerful weapon against the Dead. The ring symbolizes the connection between past and present Abhorsens, and its use is a turning point in the battle against Kerrigor.

Analysis

"Sabriel" by Garth Nix explores themes of duty, identity, and the balance between life and death. Sabriel's journey is one of self-discovery, as she embraces her role as Abhorsen and confronts the responsibilities that come with it. The novel highlights the importance of courage and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds, as Sabriel battles the forces of the Dead to protect the living. Through its rich world-building and complex characters, "Sabriel" offers a compelling narrative that examines the interplay between magic and technology, tradition and change, and the enduring struggle between good and evil.

Last updated: February 25, 2025