A Court of Frost and Starlight
Chapter 6: Morrigan
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens in the Hewn City, a place shrouded in perpetual darkness, distinct from the comforting shadows Morrigan associates with Rhys. The oppressive atmosphere is filled with decay, mirroring the malevolence of its inhabitants. Amidst Solstice decorations that fail to pierce the gloom, Morrigan stands with Rhysand, facing Keir and Eris in the throne room. The tension is palpable as Rhysand’s diplomatic words mask the underlying hostility, setting the stage for a confrontation steeped in centuries of animosity.
Morrigan’s internal monologue reveals her deep-seated resentment toward Keir, who dismisses her with deliberate indifference. Her voice, cold and controlled, reflects the persona she adopts in the Hewn City, a stark contrast to her true self. Rhysand intervenes, maintaining a facade of courtesy while subtly asserting their presence. The arrival of Eris, the High Lord of Autumn’s son, adds another layer of tension, as Morrigan’s memories of past trauma resurface, hinting at a painful history between them.
Flashbacks reveal the brutal suffering Morrigan endured centuries ago, pinned and nailed to the forest floor by unseen assailants. Eris’s cold detachment during her agony underscores his cruelty, as he refused to help her, leaving her to bleed and suffer. These memories fuel Morrigan’s present anger, as she struggles to maintain composure in his presence. The chapter vividly contrasts the beauty of the Autumn Court’s landscape with the horror of her past, emphasizing the depth of her trauma.
The chapter culminates in a tense standoff, with Morrigan’s hatred for Eris simmering beneath the surface. Her desire for vengeance is palpable, yet she remains restrained, relying on Rhysand’s leadership. The unresolved tension between the characters hints at deeper conflicts to come, as the Solstice gathering becomes a battleground of old wounds and unspoken threats. The dark, oppressive setting mirrors the emotional weight of the scene, leaving readers anticipating the next clash in this fraught dynamic.
FAQs
1. How does the darkness of the Hewn City differ from the darkness Morrigan associates with Rhysand?
Answer:
The darkness in the Hewn City is described as a “darkness of rotting things, of decay” that smothers and withers life, creating an oppressive and lifeless atmosphere. In contrast, the darkness Mor associates with Rhysand in Velaris is portrayed as natural and integral to his being—”as much a part of Rhys as his blood.” This distinction highlights the corruption of the Hewn City versus the organic, accepted darkness of Velaris. The chapter emphasizes this through Mor’s internal reflections, showing her disdain for the Hewn City’s decay and her appreciation for Rhys’s more nurturing darkness.2. Analyze the significance of Morrigan’s flashback to her encounter with Eris in the Autumn Court. What does this reveal about their relationship and her trauma?
Answer:
The flashback reveals deep-seated trauma and hostility between Morrigan and Eris. It recounts how Eris and his guards found her brutally injured—nailed to the ground with iron spikes—and chose to leave her to die rather than help, fearing responsibility. Eris’s cold indifference (“No one touches her”) and his smirk at her suffering underscore his cruelty and her lasting resentment. This memory explains Mor’s visceral reaction to seeing Eris in the present, as it embodies her physical and emotional scars. The flashback also contextualizes her hardened demeanor in the Hewn City, showing how past violence shapes her current defiance.3. How does Morrigan’s behavior in the Hewn City contrast with her true self, and why does she adopt this persona?
Answer:
In the Hewn City, Morrigan adopts a cold, unforgiving tone and mannerisms—her voice is “not her own,” and she deliberately flashes her teeth to intimidate. This contrasts with her true self, which readers infer is more vulnerable and compassionate (as seen in her love for Velaris’s darkness). She adopts this persona to survive in a hostile environment where she faces insults like “half-breed monstrosity” from Keir and others. The act is a defense mechanism against the Hewn City’s toxicity, allowing her to assert power and avoid showing weakness to those who have tormented her for centuries.4. What role does power dynamics play in the throne room scene between Rhysand, Morrigan, Keir, and Eris?
Answer:
Power dynamics are central to the scene. Rhysand asserts dominance by filling the room with his dark power, subtly reminding Keir and Eris of his authority as High Lord. Morrigan challenges Keir’s disrespect by correcting his lack of title (“High Lord”), asserting her place in the hierarchy despite his attempts to ignore her. Meanwhile, Eris and Keir’s alliance suggests political maneuvering, as Eris’s presence in the Night Court territory is unusual. The tension reflects ongoing power struggles: Rhysand’s control over the Hewn City, Mor’s defiance of Keir’s bigotry, and Eris’s potential scheming with a disgruntled subordinate.5. Why might the author have chosen to juxtapose the Solstice celebrations with the Hewn City’s darkness? What thematic purpose does this serve?
Answer:
The juxtaposition highlights the duality of the Night Court’s world. The Solstice, typically a time of light and joy, is overshadowed in the Hewn City by its inherent decay, emphasizing the Court’s fractured nature. This contrast reinforces themes of inequality and hidden corruption—while Velaris celebrates, the Hewn City remains trapped in its “eternal darkness.” It also mirrors Morrigan’s internal conflict: the warmth she associates with Rhysand versus the rot of her family’s legacy. The Solstice decorations’ failure to brighten the Hewn City symbolizes the limits of superficial change in a place steeped in cruelty.
Quotes
1. “It was not the sort of darkness that Mor had come to love in Velaris, the sort of darkness that was as much a part of Rhys as his blood. It was the darkness of rotting things, of decay. The smothering darkness that withered all life.”
This quote powerfully contrasts the nurturing darkness of Velaris with the oppressive darkness of the Hewn City, establishing the chapter’s central theme of corruption versus belonging. It introduces Mor’s perspective on her ancestral home’s toxic environment.
2. “‘Half-breed monstrosity. A disgrace to the bloodline.’”
This whispered insult reveals the deep-seated bigotry Mor faces from her own family, particularly Keir. The quote exemplifies the prejudice that has shaped Mor’s traumatic past and continues to haunt her in the present.
3. “‘No one touches her. The moment we do, she’s our responsibility.’”
Eris’s cold refusal to help Mor during her brutal assault centuries ago encapsulates the heartless political calculations of the Autumn Court. This flashback quote reveals the origins of Mor’s trauma and her enduring hatred for Eris.
4. “She would rather die here, bleed out here. She would rather die and return—return as something wicked and cruel, and shred them all apart.”
Mor’s internal monologue during her torture shows both her incredible resilience and the roots of her hardened exterior. This quote represents a pivotal moment in her backstory that continues to influence her present actions and relationships.