Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 22
by J, Maas, SarahIn Chapter 22 of *Crown of Midnight*, Dorian spends hours immersed in his family’s genealogical records, contemplating the nature of his own magical heritage. As he examines ancient texts, he considers the possibility that he, like Hollin, might develop magic in the future. His concern extends to his brother, fearing that their father would resort to brutal measures if he discovered their latent powers. Dorian’s introspection reveals his struggle with his identity and the fear of what his bloodline might mean for his future and for those around him, especially given the brutal history of magic and power within his family.
The chapter delves into the history of the Havilliard and Galathynius bloodlines, emphasizing their significance in the kingdom’s history. Dorian reflects on how the Fae had fled the continent due to the military might and societal fears that arose from their power, which made the Fae and gifted mortals a target of suspicion and violence. He traces the lineage back to Gavin Havilliard, a mortal prince who fought bravely against the Dark Lord Erawan and married a half-Fae princess, Elena. This union brought a powerful bloodline into the family, yet no further Fae magic appeared in subsequent generations, raising questions about divine will and coincidence.
Dorian’s exploration takes him to an ancient, well-preserved record of the Galathynius line, revealing its once-mighty magic and its history of keeping peace despite their formidable power. He recognizes the tragic fall of this noble family, noting how their strength and wisdom were ultimately undermined by internal strife and external threats. The stark contrast between their peaceful rule and the violent demise of their house underscores the fragile nature of power and legacy, leaving Dorian pondering his own inheritance and the potential destiny he might face as heir to a fallen throne.
As the chapter concludes, Dorian reflects on the possibility of forming alliances with figures like Aelin Galathynius, whose lineage once held immense power. He considers her potential as an ally or friend, recalling their brief childhood encounter and her connection to Aedion Ashryver, a fierce warrior and her cousin. The chapter ends with a sudden, uncontrollable magical disruption—books flying off shelves as an invisible force causes chaos—symbolizing the tumult within Dorian and hinting at deeper, hidden forces at work. This incident leaves him questioning the true extent of his own power and the mysteries yet to be unraveled.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What does Dorian’s exploration of his family’s genealogical records reveal about his understanding of his own magical heritage and the history of the ruling bloodline?
Answer:
Dorian’s investigation into his family’s genealogical records uncovers that the Havilliard and Galathynius lines are historically powerful and blessed with magic, yet he finds no recent evidence of magic within his direct lineage. His search reveals a long drought of gifted individuals in his family, raising questions about divine will versus coincidence regarding magical inheritance. The discovery of the ancient family tree, especially the prominence of Gavin Havilliard and the powerful bloodline of the Galathynius family, emphasizes the significance of lineage and heritage. It also highlights Dorian’s uncertainty about his own magical potential and the possibility that his bloodline’s power has waned or been suppressed over generations, fueling his internal conflict about his identity and destiny.2. Question 2
How does the chapter explore the theme of power and its potential consequences through the history of the Galathynius family?
Answer:
The chapter portrays the Galathynius family as a formidable lineage blessed with immense magical power, which historically made other kingdoms fear them. Despite their strength, they maintained peace and kept to their borders, suggesting a sense of responsibility that came with their power. The downfall of the family, with many houses exterminated or sent into exile, illustrates the destructive potential of unchecked or misused power. Dorian reflects on how his father failed to uphold the same strength and wisdom, implying that the loss of power and moral integrity can lead to downfall. This exploration underscores that power, while a source of influence and security, also carries risks of destruction if not wielded wisely.3. Question 3
In what ways does Dorian’s perception of his own magical abilities and heritage influence his actions and internal conflict throughout this chapter?
Answer:
Dorian’s discovery of the long history of powerful magic within his bloodline, contrasted with the apparent absence of recent magic, fuels his uncertainty and internal conflict. He questions whether divine will has cursed his family with a drought of gifted individuals, and he worries about the implications of inheriting such a legacy. His exploration of the genealogical records reveals both pride and apprehension, especially when considering the potential power he might possess or have inherited. The chapter shows that this uncertainty affects his sense of identity and his fears about the responsibilities and dangers that come with magic. His internal struggle is intensified by the realization that his bloodline once held immense power, yet now seems diminished or hidden, leaving him to grapple with feelings of inadequacy and destiny.4. Question 4
What significance does the mention of Nehemia and the symbols she drew at the duel hold in relation to Dorian’s understanding of his magic?
Answer:
The chapter hints that Nehemia’s actions—drawing symbols in the air and fainting—are connected to Dorian’s mysterious magic and suggest that she might understand or sense what dwells within him better than he does himself. The burning mark on Celaena’s brow also implies a deeper, possibly magical or prophetic significance. These incidents indicate that Dorian’s magic might be linked to symbols and that others, like Nehemia, might have insight into its nature. This connection raises questions about whether Nehemia knows more about Dorian’s potential and the true extent of his powers, which could influence his understanding of himself and his role in the unfolding events. It also hints at a deeper, possibly spiritual or symbolic, layer to his magic that remains largely unexplored.5. Question 5
How does the chapter use the sudden books flying off the shelves as a narrative device, and what might this event symbolize in the context of Dorian’s internal journey?
Answer:
The sudden, uncontrollable flight of books symbolizes chaos and the awakening of hidden or suppressed forces within Dorian. It acts as a narrative device to illustrate that something powerful and unpredictable is stirring beneath the surface—possibly his magic or emotional turmoil. This event underscores the theme that secrets and inner truths can surface unexpectedly, reflecting Dorian’s internal conflict about his heritage and identity. It also foreshadows that his magical abilities might be more volatile or potent than he realizes, emphasizing that his journey toward understanding and mastering his power will involve confronting chaos and uncertainty. Symbolically, it marks a turning point where suppressed knowledge or energy begins to break free, aligning with his ongoing internal struggle with his destiny.
Quotes
1. “No wonder the Fae had fled the continent. They had been powerful and wise, but Adarlan had military might and a frantic public looking for any solution to the famine and poverty that had plagued the kingdom for decades.”
This quote underscores the political and military forces that drove the Fae to abandon the continent, highlighting the themes of power, fear, and survival that permeate the chapter.
2. “Despite all their power, though, the Galathynius family had fallen, and their noble lords with them. In the book he held, no one had bothered to mark the houses his father had exterminated, or the survivors sent into exile.”
This passage reflects on the decline of a once-powerful bloodline and raises questions about the nature of kingship, legacy, and the consequences of wielding immense power.
3. “When the time comes, I will help you.”
A cryptic statement hinting at hidden loyalties and future support, this quote encapsulates the chapter’s underlying tension about Dorian’s secret powers and the uncertain future that awaits him.
4. “Books flew from their shelves, dozens upon dozens bursting into flight… as if thrown by some invisible force.”
This dramatic moment signifies that unseen forces are at play, symbolizing the awakening or unleashing of magic or chaos, and serves as a turning point hinting at Dorian’s hidden powers.