Death's Deceptive Dance in Tuba

Atticus O'Sullivan, the last Druid, finds himself in a precarious situation after a deadly encounter with the Norse gods in Asgard. To evade their wrath, he orchestrates his own death in Tuba City, Arizona, with the help of Coyote, a trickster god. This elaborate ruse is essential for his survival, allowing him to vanish from the radar of vengeful deities. However, the aftermath of his supposed demise is fraught with complications, as Atticus must manage the suspicions of those who knew him and navigate the new challenges that arise from his disappearance.

Coyote's Cunning and Consequences

Coyote, ever the trickster, has his own agenda. In exchange for helping Atticus fake his death, he demands assistance in creating a gold mine on Navajo land, promising to use the wealth for renewable energy investments for the tribe. Atticus, wary of Coyote's motives, agrees, knowing he owes the god for saving his life. The task is complex, requiring Atticus to first shut down a coal mine to gain the cooperation of the land's elemental. This sets the stage for a delicate dance of trust and deception between the Druid and the trickster.

Skinwalkers' Sinister Shadows Loom

As Atticus works to fulfill his end of the bargain with Coyote, he encounters the terrifying presence of skinwalkers—Navajo witches capable of transforming into animals. These malevolent beings are drawn to the area by the disturbance caused by Atticus's activities and the curse of Famine, a knife wielded by Hel, the Norse goddess of death. The skinwalkers' presence adds a layer of danger, as they are compelled to consume Atticus due to the curse. This forces him to confront not only the physical threat they pose but also the magical implications of their existence.

Blessing Way's Protective Power

Frank Chischilly, a Navajo medicine man, performs the Blessing Way ceremony to protect the hogan where Atticus and his allies take refuge. This powerful ritual creates a magical barrier against the skinwalkers, utilizing the collective energy of those present. As the ceremony progresses, Atticus gains insight into the spiritual practices of the Navajo. The Blessing Way becomes a crucial defense, buying time for Atticus to devise a plan to deal with the skinwalkers and the looming threat of Hel's curse.

A Druid's Desperate Gamble

With the skinwalkers closing in and the curse of Famine still active, Atticus takes drastic measures. He enlists Coyote's help once more, using the trickster's ability to mimic his form to lure the skinwalkers away. This risky maneuver allows Atticus to escape to another plane, where he can heal and regroup. The gamble pays off, but it leaves Atticus indebted to Coyote and uncertain of the trickster's true intentions. As he recovers, Atticus reflects on the precarious balance of trust and betrayal that defines his relationship with Coyote.

Perilous Pursuit Across Dimensions

While searching for a place to bind his apprentice Granuaile to the earth, Atticus feels a shudder through his tattoos—a sign of trouble in the magical realms. The elemental Kaibab, representing the land they stand on, conveys fear and confusion, hinting at a disturbance across the ocean. Atticus learns that Perun, a Slavic thunder god, is seeking him urgently. This unexpected contact suggests a dire situation, prompting Atticus to prepare for a potential confrontation or escape.

Perun's Plea and Loki's Laughter

Perun arrives in a panic, urging Atticus to flee as Loki, the Norse god of mischief, has been freed and is wreaking havoc. The sky darkens as Loki approaches, trailing fire and chaos. His appearance is terrifying, with a scarred face and a manic demeanor. Perun's fear is palpable, and Atticus realizes the gravity of the situation. Despite the danger, Atticus attempts to deceive Loki by claiming to be a construct designed to destroy Loki's family, hoping to divert the god's attention and buy time for their escape.

A New Path for Granuaile

Amidst the chaos, Granuaile's training continues. Her bond with Atticus strengthens as they face these challenges together. The experience of confronting gods and navigating mystical realms accelerates her growth, pushing her closer to becoming a full Druid. Her resilience and adaptability are crucial as they prepare for the trials ahead. Granuaile's journey is not just about mastering magic but also about understanding the responsibilities that come with her new role. Together, they forge a path forward, determined to face whatever comes next.

Characters

Atticus O'Sullivan

Atticus is the last of the Druids, a master of ancient magic and modern wit. His survival depends on his ability to navigate the complexities of the supernatural world. In this story, he faces the challenge of Loki's escape and the potential destruction of the Slavic plane. Atticus's relationship with his apprentice, Granuaile, is central to his journey, as he balances her training with the need to protect her from the dangers they face.

Coyote

Coyote is a cunning and unpredictable figure, embodying the archetype of the trickster. He aids Atticus in faking his death and demands a favor in return, revealing his interest in the future of the Navajo people. Coyote's true intentions are shrouded in mystery, and his actions often leave Atticus questioning the nature of their alliance. Despite his playful demeanor, Coyote is a powerful and potentially dangerous ally.

Granuaile MacTiernan

Granuaile is Atticus's determined apprentice, eager to complete her training and become a full Druid. Her journey is marked by growth and self-discovery as she learns to wield magic and navigate the supernatural world. Her bond with Atticus is tested as they confront gods and unravel mysteries. Granuaile's strength and adaptability are crucial as she prepares to take on the responsibilities of a Druid.

Frank Chischilly

Frank is a Navajo medicine man, or hataałii, who possesses extraordinary abilities. He performs the Blessing Way ceremony to protect Atticus and his allies, demonstrating a deep understanding of Navajo spiritual practices. Frank's connection to the Holy People grants him unique insights and powers, making him a valuable ally in the fight against the skinwalkers. His wisdom and experience are crucial to the success of their mission.

Hel

Hel is a malevolent figure, driven by a desire to bring about Ragnarok. She wields the cursed knife Famine, which compels those it wounds to consume Atticus. Her presence in the story is a constant threat, as she seeks to manipulate events to her advantage. Hel's actions force Atticus to confront the consequences of his past decisions and the potential for destruction they hold.

Perun

Perun is a Slavic thunder god, powerful yet shaken by the destruction of his plane and the threat of Loki. His arrival signals the gravity of the situation, and his alliance with Atticus is vital. Perun's fear and uncertainty highlight the chaos unleashed by Loki's escape, and his presence underscores the interconnectedness of the divine realms.

Loki

Loki is the Norse god of mischief, recently freed and wreaking havoc across dimensions. His appearance is terrifying, marked by madness and a thirst for chaos. Loki's release signals the beginning of Ragnarok, and his presence poses a significant threat to the balance of the supernatural world. His unpredictable nature makes him a formidable adversary for Atticus and his allies.

Oberon

Oberon is Atticus's faithful Irish wolfhound, bound to him by a magical connection. He provides companionship and comic relief, often engaging in humorous banter with Atticus. Despite his playful nature, Oberon is fiercely protective of Atticus and plays a crucial role in their adventures. His keen senses and unwavering loyalty make him an invaluable ally.

Plot Devices

Faking Death

Atticus's decision to fake his own death is a pivotal plot device, allowing him to escape the vengeance of the Norse gods. This act of deception sets the stage for the events that follow, as Atticus navigates the complexities of his new identity and the consequences of his actions. The ruse is a testament to his cunning and resourcefulness, highlighting the lengths he will go to ensure his survival.

Famine's Curse

The cursed knife Famine, wielded by Hel, introduces a deadly compulsion for those it wounds to consume Atticus. This plot device heightens the tension and stakes, as Atticus must find a way to break the curse while evading the skinwalkers and Garm. Famine's curse serves as a constant reminder of the dangers Atticus faces and the lengths to which his enemies will go to destroy him.

Blessing Way Ceremony

The Blessing Way ceremony, performed by Frank Chischilly, is a powerful ritual that creates a magical barrier against the skinwalkers. This plot device showcases the rich spiritual traditions of the Navajo and their ability to protect against supernatural threats. The ceremony is a crucial element in the story, providing a temporary sanctuary for Atticus and his allies as they devise a plan to confront their enemies.

Tír na nÓg

Tír na nÓg serves as a safe haven for Atticus and his companions, allowing them to escape the immediate threat of Loki. This mystical realm is a crucial plot device, providing a temporary respite and a place to regroup. It highlights the interconnectedness of the divine realms and the importance of strategic retreats in the face of overwhelming danger.

Deception and Strategy

Atticus's use of deception to mislead Loki is a key plot device, showcasing his cunning and strategic thinking. By claiming to be a construct designed to destroy Loki's family, Atticus buys time for their escape. This device highlights the importance of wit and guile in navigating the complex world of gods and magic.

Analysis

"Tricked" by Kevin Hearne delves into themes of trust, survival, and the intricate dance between deception and truth. Atticus O'Sullivan's journey is a testament to the complexities of navigating a world filled with gods, magic, and ancient rivalries. The narrative explores the delicate balance between alliances and betrayals, as Atticus must rely on both his cunning and the support of his allies to survive. The story also highlights the importance of cultural understanding and respect, as seen through the integration of Navajo spiritual practices. Ultimately, "Tricked" is a tale of resilience and adaptability, where the past and present collide, and the future is shaped by the choices made in the face of overwhelming odds.

Last updated: March 26, 2025