The Blue Sword Study Guide

The Blue Sword

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley

The Blue Sword is a 1982 fantasy novel by Robin McKinley about an female orphan named Harry who helps to defend the Damarian and its allies' kingdoms from the invading Northerners. After defying the orders of King Corlath, Harry defends a narrow pass that the king had overlooked. In the end, they win the battle and Corlath and Harry are wedded. The novel deals with themes of fate, love and loyalty, employing a fantastical style and setting.

The Blue Sword Characters

Table of Contents
  • Harry Crewe (protagonist): A penniless orphan who is sent off to the remote colony of Daria to be near her brother Richard. Proud, stubborn, and willful, she clashes with many personalities around her. Because of her magical Gift and willingness to learn, she finds her place among the Hillfolk while still holding on to the culture of her homeland.
  • Corlath: King of the Hillfolk of Damar and one of the few who still possess the magical Gift. Though he is loved by his people, he too is proud and stubborn in acting in what he believes to be his people's best interests.
  • Colonel Jack Dedham: A Homelander and military commander of the outpost in Istan. He is one of the few Homelanders who bothers to learn about the Hillfolk and grows to love their culture.
  • Mathin: One of Corlath's Riders and Harry's teacher of warfare as well as the Hillfolk's language and culture.

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