The Hero and the Crown

Fire is a symbol that helps to develop the theme of Building Strength and Courage Through Disability. Fire causes many of Aerin’s injuries, and she must adapt to the effects of each interaction with fire, often by changing her approach and learning to persevere regardless of difficulty. Ultimately, fire is the thing that Aerin must defeat and conquer. While smaller flames are stymied by her use of kenet, she must find greater sources of protection and healing to combat the severe injuries of Maur’s fire. In this climactic battle scene, the specific image of fire going down her throat and burning off her hair represents her movement toward a new identity. Aerin’s many brushes with death and experiences with disability allow her to embody new versions of herself, and fire is a key part of these transformations, often literally destroying her so that she can remake herself from the ashes of her previous identity. In the end, Aerin harnesses the power of fire itself with Gonturan’s blue flame, showing that she can now use her fears and experiences as a weapon to defend herself. While fire can still harm her, Aerin has transcended the fear of being burned.