A Court of Frost and Starlight
Chapter 24: Morrigan
by Maas, Sarah J.Morrigan reflects on her decision to delay her trip to the Winter Court, keeping her true destination—Athelwood, her private estate—a secret from even her closest friends. She cherishes the solitude and freedom of this hidden retreat, where she can ride her beloved horse, Ellia, across the snowy hills. The estate, purchased centuries ago for its tranquility and horses, offers her a rare sense of peace and connection to the land. Riding allows her to feel truly alive, contrasting with the instantaneous but detached experience of winnowing.
As Mor rides through Athelwood, she contemplates Rhysand’s request for her to embark on a dangerous mission to the continent. While the adventure calls to her adventurous spirit, she hesitates due to the implications of her father’s bargain with Eris. She wrestles with feelings of cowardice and guilt, particularly regarding Azriel, whose protective nature she knows would clash with her desire for independence. The weight of her unspoken decision lingers, casting a shadow over her otherwise rejuvenating retreat.
During her ride, Mor and Ellia sense an unsettling presence in the nearby woods—a mysterious, watchful darkness unlike Azriel’s shadows. Though her power warns her against approaching, she observes it from a distance, feeling an eerie familiarity. Choosing caution, she decides to return home, unsettled but intrigued by the encounter. The incident adds to her internal conflict, mirroring the unknown dangers she might face on her potential journey.
The chapter closes with Mor’s contemplation of the uncharted lands beyond the Night Court, her heart torn between the call of adventure and the comfort of home. The rhythmic gallop of Ellia echoes her restless spirit, as the unanswered question of whether to go or stay lingers in the air. The chapter captures Mor’s complex emotions, blending her love for freedom with the weight of duty and unresolved personal tensions.
FAQs
1. What is Athelwood, and why is it significant to Mor?
Answer:
Athelwood is Mor’s private estate located northwest of Velaris, consisting of 300 pristine acres with rolling hills, forests, and streams. She purchased it 300 years ago for solitude and kept it primarily for the horses that came with the property. The estate represents a personal sanctuary where Mor can rejuvenate her soul through riding and quiet reflection. It’s significant because it’s one of the few places she keeps secret from her inner circle, offering her both physical freedom (through horseback riding) and emotional respite from her complicated relationships and responsibilities.2. How does horseback riding differ from winnowing for Mor, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
While winnowing provides instant transportation, Mor prefers horseback riding because it allows her to experience the journey—feeling the wind, smelling the landscape, and witnessing the changing scenery. This contrast reveals Mor’s appreciation for tangible experiences and connection to the natural world. Her preference suggests she values process over immediacy, and that she seeks authentic, sensory-rich experiences rather than efficient but detached magical travel. This aligns with her characterization as someone who cherishes freedom and visceral living, as seen when she describes feeling “alive” during her rides.3. Analyze the internal conflict Mor faces regarding Rhys’s request for her to travel to the continent.
Answer:
Mor is torn between her innate desire for adventure (“Go as far and wide as you can”) and the political implications of appearing to yield to her father Keir’s manipulation through his bargain with Eris. She fears being perceived as a “coward” for leaving, yet feels the pull of exploration and diplomacy. The conflict is compounded by her concern for Azriel’s reaction—she anticipates his protective disapproval and doesn’t want to diminish his happiness. This highlights her complex position as both an independent woman and a member of a tightly knit circle where personal choices carry political weight.4. What is the significance of the mysterious shadow Mor observes in the woods, and how might it relate to broader themes in the story?
Answer:
The shadow represents an unknown, potentially supernatural threat that is “familiar yet foreign”—distinct from Azriel’s shadows but equally watchful. Its presence creates tension and foreshadows possible dangers beyond the Night Court’s borders, tying into Mor’s contemplation of venturing into uncharted territories. The shadow’s passive observation mirrors larger themes of surveillance and hidden threats in the series, while Mor’s decision to avoid it demonstrates her caution despite her bold nature. This encounter subtly reinforces the risks attached to her potential journey to the continent.5. How does the chapter use setting to reflect Mor’s emotional state?
Answer:
The wintry landscape of Athelwood—snowy hills, gray skies, and isolated woods—mirrors Mor’s internal conflict: serene yet unsettled. The open hills embody her love for freedom, while the encroaching woods with their hidden shadow reflect her unresolved fears about the future. The “crackling fire” and library symbolize comfort and introspection, contrasting with the wild ride that channels her restless energy. The setting thus becomes an extension of her psyche, blending tranquility with underlying tension as she weighs her next steps between safety and adventure.
Quotes
1. “She had always been drawn to the untamed, wild things of the world.”
This quote reveals Morrigan’s core personality and values, explaining her connection to her spirited horse Ellia and her private estate. It foreshadows her later internal conflict about venturing into unknown lands.
2. “Yes, her blood called to her. Go as far and wide as you can. Go on the wind.”
This powerful internal monologue captures Morrigan’s wanderlust and the tension between her desire for freedom and her responsibilities. It represents a key turning point in the chapter where she contemplates Rhys’s request to become an ambassador.
3. “Coward. Pathetic coward.”
This self-directed insult shows Morrigan’s internal struggle with her father’s bargain and her own perceived weaknesses. The harsh self-judgment reveals deeper character conflicts beneath her confident exterior.
4. “Something different. Something that stared back, watching her in turn.”
This mysterious encounter with an unknown shadow in the woods introduces an element of foreshadowing and potential danger. The passage stands out for its atmospheric tension and hints at future plot developments.
5. “Go. Go.”
This simple, repeated imperative perfectly concludes the chapter by echoing Morrigan’s internal conflict about whether to leave. The sparse language powerfully conveys both the call to adventure and the chapter’s central theme of choice.