Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Chapter 25
by Suzanne, Collins,In Chapter 25, Gregor and Ares face the grim reality of being tried for treason after refusing to kill the Bane. Ares reveals that their fate rests in the hands of a tribunal and Queen Nerissa, whose current state of mind is uncertain. Overwhelmed by the prospect of execution, Gregor grapples with guilt and despair, while Ares blames himself for bringing Gregor back to Regalia. The bat devises a desperate plan to take full responsibility, hoping to save Gregor, but Gregor refuses to let Ares sacrifice himself, insisting on sharing the consequences of their actions.
The tension escalates as Ares describes their potential execution: being thrown off a cliff, a method that horrifies Gregor due to his recurring nightmares of falling. Despite their dire situation, they attempt to eat the meager food provided, clinging to hope for an escape or a fair hearing. Gregor questions Ares about Nerissa’s ability to spare them, learning of her troubled gift of foresight and her struggles with sanity. Their conversation is cut short when guards arrive to escort them to the tribunal, binding their hands and wings as if preparing for execution.
Upon entering the tribunal room, Gregor is shocked to see Howard and Andromeda also bound and accused of treason for abandoning their mission. Gregor feels responsible for their plight, but Howard insists he acted of his own free will. The formal setting, filled with hostile spectators, underscores the severity of their trial. Three judges take their seats, and the head judge inquires about Queen Nerissa’s presence, hinting at her potential role in determining their fate.
The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as the tribunal awaits Nerissa’s arrival, leaving Gregor and his allies in suspense. The stakes are unbearably high, with Gregor torn between his loyalty to Ares and his fear for his family. The Underlanders’ harsh justice system and the uncertainty of Nerissa’s decision create a palpable sense of dread, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in the story.
FAQs
1. What are Gregor and Ares accused of, and what potential consequences do they face?
Answer:
Gregor and Ares are accused of treason for refusing to kill the Bane and instead taking it to Ripred. According to Ares, a tribunal of judges will determine whether their actions were treasonous, and the final sentence must be approved by the queen (initially Nerissa, though her stance is uncertain). The punishment for treason is execution by being bound and dropped from a high cliff onto rocks below—a method Gregor finds particularly horrifying due to his recurring nightmares about falling. This reflects the Underland’s harsh justice system and the gravity of defying orders during wartime.2. How does Ares propose to save Gregor, and why does Gregor refuse?
Answer:
Ares offers to falsely confess that he alone orchestrated the plan to spare the Bane, claiming he forced Gregor to comply by stealing his sword and collaborating with the rats. He believes the Underlanders will accept this lie due to their existing distrust of him. Gregor refuses because it would mean letting Ares die for actions he chose. He argues that honesty is paramount, even at the cost of both their lives, and his family would not want him to sacrifice Ares dishonorably. This highlights their bond and Gregor’s moral integrity, even in dire circumstances.3. Analyze the significance of Howard and Andromeda’s inclusion in the treason trial.
Answer:
Howard and Andromeda are charged with treason for abandoning their mission to return with the injured Mareth instead of proceeding to kill the Bane. This reveals the inflexibility of Underland’s wartime protocols: failure to complete a mission is equated with betrayal, regardless of context (e.g., saving a comrade). Gregor’s shock underscores his growing realization that his decisions have unintended consequences for allies. The trial thus amplifies the theme of sacrifice and the brutal calculus of loyalty in conflict.4. How does the chapter develop the character of Nerissa, and what uncertainty surrounds her role?
Answer:
Nerissa’s character is developed through others’ perspectives: Ares mentions her prophetic abilities but also her youth and self-doubt, while Gregor recalls her saying Henry’s death was necessary to save others. Her current role as queen is fraught with uncertainty—Ares hasn’t faced her since Henry’s death, and her昏迷 (unconsciousness) delays her appearance at the trial. This ambiguity creates tension: will she uphold rigid justice or show mercy? Her potential to pardon the accused adds a layer of hope, but her instability leaves their fate unresolved.5. Evaluate the symbolism of the execution method (falling from a cliff) in relation to Gregor’s psyche.
Answer:
The execution method mirrors Gregor’s recurring nightmares of falling, which began after witnessing Henry and the rats die this way. The physical plunge symbolizes his psychological descent into guilt and helplessness. By confronting this fear literally, the chapter underscores Gregor’s trauma and the cyclical nature of violence in the Underland. His refusal to let Ares take the blame—despite his terror—shows his growth in facing consequences head-on, contrasting his earlier naivety about the costs of war.
Quotes
1. “If it is determined that it was a treasonous act… A tribunal of judges. The final sentence must be approved by the queen.”
This exchange between Gregor and Ares reveals the dire consequences they face for sparing the Bane, introducing the chapter’s central conflict about justice, loyalty, and the harsh laws of Regalia.
2. “I will tell them that this was all my idea… I am much hated and deeply distrusted here already!”
Ares’s desperate plan to sacrifice himself for Gregor demonstrates the depth of their bond and the bat’s guilt over Henry’s death, while also highlighting the prejudice against him in Regalian society.
3. “They will bind my wings and your hands and drop us off a very high cliff to the rocks below.”
This chilling description of their potential execution method connects back to Gregor’s recurring nightmares and Henry’s fate, emphasizing the psychological terror they’re facing.
4. “We, too, are on trial for treason… That is precisely the reason.”
Howard’s revelation that he and Andromeda are also being prosecuted expands the scope of injustice, showing how Gregor’s decision has endangered all his allies.
5. “They stared down at Gregor and Ares with undisguised hatred, but it was eerily quiet.”
This atmospheric description captures the tense mood of the trial scene, where silent condemnation replaces the earlier mob violence, making the situation feel even more ominous.