The Sword in the Tree

In the novel’s opening chapters, the reader meets the protagonist, Shan. By showing his respectful and loving relationship with his parents, the author depicts Shan as a caring son, introducing the key theme of Chivalry Triumphing Over Brutality, as Shan has been raised in conformity with the chivalrous code of conduct (See: Background). Shan is eager to contribute to the family and eventually inherit his father’s title and role in the kingdom. When his mother is afraid of the ruckus at the castle gate, Shan assures her, “Don’t be afraid mother” (1), demonstrating concern for her well-being. 

Shan also admires his father and listens to his instructions, intent on becoming a good knight. For instance, he refuses to treat his horse too forcefully or roughly, telling Uncle Lionel, “I ride as my father taught me” (21), when Lionel urges him to be harsher. Shan is eager to take on tasks related to his role as the future Lord Weldon. When his father is away, Shan polishes his sword for him and carefully stores it, knowing that he will someday inherit it when he becomes Lord Weldon. The sword thus becomes an important symbol of his identity and rightful inheritance (See: Symbols & Motifs).

Shan’s good-natured demeanor is also evident through his interactions with Nappus, the healer. Even though Shan cannot communicate with Nappus very easily because he is deaf, Shan respects him, even believing that he may be magical. Shan tells his father that Nappus “is a man of magic” and is “the best of doctors” (4). Shan’s defense of Nappus from Lionel’s harassment also shows that Shan is a thoughtful, perceptive boy and a loyal friend. He tells his uncle, “You must do him no harm […] He is the one who cared for you and dressed your wound. He has a right to come to this garden” (17).

These chapters also introduce the novel’s villain, Uncle Lionel, who represents a direct threat to the chivalric code through his brutality and greed. The author uses both direct and indirect characterization to show that Lionel is a malicious man who should not be trusted. For instance, Lady Marian tells Shan that his uncle was “wild” in his youth, adding, “‘He was never a kind and gentle knight, and he was never as brave as your father” (8). Marian’s account of Lionel’s previous bad behavior foreshadows how Lionel will soon threaten the family’s peace.

Lionel’s quick temper and arrogance confirm that he is a villainous character. When he first wakes up and meets Shan, he yells at him, calling him a “young dog” and telling him that his brother “has no son” (10). Upon seeing Nappus in the garden, Lionel’s first instinct is to scare him away and punish him before he even knows who he is: “Lionel turned red with anger. ‘Bring me a stone to throw. I’ll have him out in a hurry’” (17). This scene shows Lionel’s cruel and violent personality, contrasting it sharply with Shan’s patience and friendliness. 

Since these incidents reveal Lionel’s cruelty, his claim that Lord Weldon’s death was due to a riding accident is very suspicious. This adds suspense to the story, as Marian and Shan struggle to understand the specifics of Lord Weldon’s death and how to respond to Lionel’s growing power. This plot line echoes other famous stories of sibling murder and usurpation, such as the ancient Norse legend Amleth and Shakespeare’s Hamlet. As in these stories, the main character, Shan, must assert his right to the throne and avoid becoming another victim of his uncle’s violent schemes.

Shan’s continued willingness to confront his uncle’s arrogant and unlawful behavior establishes the story’s theme of Finding Courage in Difficult Times. Despite his youth and vulnerability, Shan does his best to stand up for himself and his mother. When Shan is insulted by Lionel’s behavior after his father’s passing, he makes his feelings clear to Lionel: “‘Look you!’ he said. ‘This is a sad time for my mother and me. If you must make your noise, make it somewhere else’” (30). When Shan learns that his uncle has stolen his father’s sword, he confronts him and demands it back: “‘Why do you wear that sword? […] It was my father’s,’ said Shan. ‘Now it is mine’” (32). Even though his position as heir puts him in danger, Shan bravely plans to take the sword away from his uncle. He thinks, “The sword is not his. It is mine, and I’ll have it back” (32).

Shan’s defiance also connects to the story’s theme of The Importance of Fighting for Justice, as Shan is determined to inherit his father’s position as he was promised. Although Lionel ignores, belittles, and threatens him, Shan does not give up. He informs his uncle, “Now that my father is gone […] I am Lord Weldon. I am master of the castle” (32). When Lionel threatens to imprison Shan over the missing sword, Shan still refuses to give in to his cruel threats, replying, “You forget that I am master here” (35). Shan’s bravery and determination fuel his fight for justice as his uncle tightens his grip on power.