The Blue Sword facts for kids
Cover of first edition
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| Author | Robin McKinley |
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| Cover artist | David McCall Johnston |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Publisher | Greenwillow Books |
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Publication date
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1982 |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| Pages | 320 |
| ISBN | 978-0-688-00938-0 |
| OCLC | 8243141 |
| LC Class | PZ7.M1988 Bl 1982k |
The Blue Sword is an exciting fantasy novel by American author Robin McKinley. It tells the story of Angharad "Harry" Crewe, a young woman who has recently lost her parents. She moves to a faraway desert military base called Istan in a land known as Damar. Her brother is a soldier there.
Harry's life changes when she meets Corlath, the special king of the Damarian Hillfolk people. Harry soon discovers she has her own magical powers. She learns about a special destiny that will lead her to help save Damar from an invasion.
The Blue Sword was first published in 1982 by Greenwillow Books. It won several important awards. These include the Newbery Honor Award and the ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults award.
Robin McKinley also wrote The Hero and the Crown in 1985. This book tells a story that happened before The Blue Sword.
Contents
What's the Story About?
This book is about Harry Crewe, a young orphan girl from a place called the Homeland. She becomes known as Harimad-sol. She also becomes one of the King's Riders. Harry is chosen to carry the Blue Sword, called Gonturan. No woman had used this sword in battle since the legendary Lady Aerin.
Harry's Adventure Begins
After her father passes away, Angharad "Harry" Crewe goes to live with her brother Richard. He is stationed at Istan, a military outpost in a land called Damar. This outpost belongs to the Homeland, a powerful colonial group.
Soon after Harry arrives, King Corlath of the Hillfolk people takes her. The Hillfolk are an independent group in Damar.
A King's Warning and a Special Power
King Corlath first wanted to warn the Homelanders about an attack. Dangerous tribes from the North were planning to invade. But when his warning was ignored, his special magical power, called "kelar," made him take Harry. Corlath didn't understand why he needed Harry. Still, he told his people to treat her like an honored guest.
Harry quickly gets used to living with the Damarians. She learns their language and their ways. She also starts training to be a warrior. During this time, her own hidden kelar begins to appear.
Becoming a Warrior
Harry shows off her amazing horseback riding and fighting skills in a tournament. Because of her bravery, she is made one of the King's Riders. King Corlath also gives her the blue sword. This sword once belonged to a famous Damarian hero named Lady Aerin.
As the Northern invasion gets closer, Harry feels pulled in two directions. She feels loyal to the Homeland, but she also loves Damar. She must go against King Corlath's wishes. She uses all her skills, including her own kelar, to bring the Homelanders and Damarians together. They must unite to defeat the Northerners.
Main Characters
- Angharad Crewe / Harry Crewe: She is the main character. Harry is a young orphan girl who is sent to a faraway colony called Damar. She is proud and strong-willed. Harry learns to fit in with the Hillfolk people. She uses her magical Gift and her willingness to learn.
- Corlath: He is the King of the Hillfolk of Damar. Corlath is one of the few people who still has the magical gift. His people love him. He is also very determined to do what he thinks is best for his people.
- Colonel Jack Dedham: He is a Homelander and the military leader at Istan. Colonel Dedham is one of the few Homelanders who tries to understand the Hillfolk. He grows to appreciate their culture.
- Mathin: He is one of King Corlath's Riders. Mathin teaches Harry how to fight. He also teaches her the Hillfolk's language and customs.
- Luthe: He is a sorcerer, which is a person with magical powers. Luthe gives advice to Corlath and the Hillfolk. This character also appears in the book The Hero and the Crown.
Awards and Recognition
- Newbery Honor Award
- ALA Best Book for Young Adults
- ALA Notable Book
