Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods
Chapter 13
by Suzanne, Collins,The chapter opens with Gregor and his companions encountering a massive, iridescent lizard in the jungle. Boots, Gregor’s young sister, fearlessly confronts the creature after it swallows her ball, while Temp, the cockroach, attempts to intervene but gets tangled in vines. The lizard reacts by hissing and expanding a colorful ruff, mirroring Boots’ own startled pose. Just as the situation escalates, a mysterious Underlander named Hamnet slides down the lizard’s tail, diffusing the tension with laughter. He retrieves Boots’ ball and engages her in playful conversation, revealing the lizard, Frill, as his companion.
Hamnet’s arrival triggers a sense of déjà vu for Gregor, who notices striking similarities between Hamnet and Luxa, a character from their past. The rest of the party, particularly Vikus and Solovet, react with shock and emotion, hinting at a deeper connection. Hamnet’s calm demeanor and unusual attire—made of reptile skin—set him apart from other Underlanders. Meanwhile, Boots and Temp resume their playful antics, seemingly unfazed by the encounter, while Gregor remains puzzled by Hamnet’s identity and purpose in the jungle.
The scene takes another twist when Hamnet introduces his son, Hazard, a boy with a unique appearance blending Overlander and Underlander traits. Ripred, the rat, sarcastically remarks on Hamnet’s unexpected survival and fatherhood, dubbing Hazard a “Halflander.” Vikus, visibly emotional, approaches Hazard and reveals himself as the boy’s grandfather, a revelation that surprises Hazard and adds to the mystery surrounding Hamnet’s past. The boy’s mixed heritage and unfamiliarity with Regalia further deepen the intrigue.
Gregor reflects on the situation, questioning why Hamnet’s existence was kept secret and whether he was banished for unknown reasons. The chapter ends with Vikus overcome by emotion, leaving Gregor and the readers to ponder the unresolved tensions and hidden histories within the group. The encounter with Hamnet and Hazard sets the stage for future revelations, blending curiosity, familial drama, and the ongoing adventure in the Underland.
FAQs
1. How does Boots’ reaction to the lizard (Frill) differ from the reactions of the other characters, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Boots reacts to the giant lizard with fearless curiosity rather than fear, immediately confronting it about swallowing her ball (“You eated my ball!”). Her mimicry of Frill’s ruff display and her quick forgiveness after getting the ball back highlight her innocence and adaptability. In contrast, Gregor and the others panic, with Gregor tripping over skeletons and Temp becoming entangled in vines. Boots’ lack of fear underscores her childlike perspective—she doesn’t perceive danger the way others do—and her openness to interaction, which later disarms Hamnet and facilitates a peaceful resolution.2. Analyze the significance of Gregor’s déjà vu moment when Hamnet returns Boots’ ball. How does this connect to broader themes in the story?
Answer:
Gregor experiences déjà vu when Hamnet kneels to return Boots’ ball, mirroring Luxa’s identical gesture when they first met. This parallel suggests cyclical patterns in relationships and fate within the Underland. The moment also hints at Hamnet’s possible familial ties to Luxa (later confirmed as her presumed-dead father) and foreshadows revelations about Regalia’s hidden history. The recurrence of this gesture underscores themes of legacy and repetition, emphasizing how past actions echo in the present—a motif throughout the series, particularly with characters grappling with family secrets and inherited conflicts.3. What clues suggest Hamnet’s unusual status in Underland society, and what might his existence imply about Regalia’s political dynamics?
Answer:
Hamnet’s reptile-skin clothing, isolation in the jungle, and the stunned reactions of Vikus and Solovet imply he was exiled or presumed dead. Ripred’s sarcastic remark (“He’s not dead”) and Vikus’ emotional breakdown reveal Hamnet was erased from official history, likely due to a “terrible” act (Gregor muses banishment is the usual punishment). His Halflander son, Hazard, further suggests Hamnet broke norms by partnering with an Overlander. This hints at Regalia’s rigid hierarchies and the consequences of defying them—themes of secrecy, rebellion, and the cost of dissent that recur in the series.4. How does the introduction of Hazard challenge traditional Underland-Overland divisions, and what symbolic role might he play?
Answer:
Hazard, as a Halflander with lime-green eyes and curly black hair, physically and culturally bridges the two worlds. His mixed heritage (an Underlander father and Overlander mother) defies the segregation seen in Regalia, symbolizing potential unity. His ignorance of Vikus (“I didn’t know I had two [grandfathers]”) highlights how Regalia’s secrecy perpetuates division. Hazard’s presence may foreshadow reconciliation between the groups, serving as a living reminder that coexistence is possible—a contrast to the prejudice faced by hybrids like Ripred or the distrust between humans and gnawers.5. Why might the author include the detail of Ripred gnawing on a human skull during Hamnet’s reunion with Vikus?
Answer:
Ripred’s macabre chewing serves multiple purposes: it undercuts the tension with dark humor (“The skull is a nice touch”), reinforces his irreverent personality, and subtly hints at mortality—a theme central to Hamnet’s “resurrection.” The skull also symbolizes the literal skeletons in Regalia’s closet (like Hamnet’s banishment), reminding readers that the Underland’s past is littered with violence and secrets. Ripred’s nonchalant attitude contrasts with the humans’ shock, emphasizing his role as a truth-teller who disrupts pretenses, even in emotional moments.
Quotes
1. “For a moment, the towering lizard and the tiny girl were mirror images of each other. Mouths open, ruffs up, eyes wide.”
This striking visual captures the unexpected connection between Boots and the giant lizard (Frill), highlighting a moment of shared innocence and curiosity amidst danger. It marks a turning point where tension shifts to wonder.
2. “Gregor was experiencing a very big one now. He flashed back to Luxa, down on one knee, holding out a ball to Boots in the arena, that very same half smile on her face … the first time they had met.”
This moment of déjà vu underscores the cyclical nature of encounters in the Underland and foreshadows Hamnet’s significance. The parallel between Luxa and Hamnet suggests hidden familial ties and themes of repetition in destiny.
3. “‘Not only alive but with a Halflander child,’ said Ripred. ‘You do know how to make an entrance.’”
Ripred’s sardonic remark reveals the bombshell revelation of Hamnet’s survival and his mixed-race son Hazard. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s central shock—the reappearance of a presumed-dead royal and the implications of his cross-world relationship.
4. “‘I didn’t know I had two [grandfathers],’ said Hazard. ‘Where do you live?’”
Hazard’s innocent question contrasts with the emotional weight of Vikus’ reunion with his lost family. This exchange highlights themes of identity, belonging, and the hidden histories that shape the Underland’s political landscape.