The Moon of Gomrath facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Alan Garner |
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| Cover artist | George Adamson |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel, Fantasy |
| Publisher | William Collins, Sons |
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Publication date
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1963 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover & Paperback) |
| Preceded by | The Weirdstone of Brisingamen |
| Followed by | Boneland |
The Moon of Gomrath is a fantasy story by the author Alan Garner. It was published in 1963. This book is the exciting follow-up to The Weirdstone of Brisingamen.
Contents
What the Story Is About
This story is about two children, Colin and Susan. They get involved in a world of myths and magic again. This time, the story looks at old, wild magic. It shows how this magic can be both good and bad.
Susan's Magic Bracelet
In the first book, The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, Susan got a magic bracelet. Angharad Goldenhand gave it to her. When Susan put on this bracelet, she started a journey. This journey is linked to the moon and ancient magic.
The story starts when elves, called lios-alfar, borrow the bracelet. Susan agrees. They want to use its power to fight evil in their land, Sinadon. But without the bracelet, Susan is in danger. An old evil creature called the Brollachan takes over her. This happens after an old pit breaks open during building work.
Finding Susan's Spirit
The wizard Cadellin helped the children in the first book. He cannot bring Susan back after the Brollachan leaves her body. He realizes her spirit has gone to another dimension. It is a place that ordinary magic cannot reach.
Colin's strong love for his sister gives him the answer. He connects with the older powers of the world. He looks for a special plant called the Mothan at moonrise. This plant grows on the Old Straight Track. It is part of the Old Magic, which is different from Cadellin's High Magic. Susan is then brought back to her own body.
The Wild Hunt
After her journey, Susan becomes more sensitive to magic. The story takes a new turn. One evening, as they walk home, Colin and Susan build a fire to stay warm. Susan is very eager to build it. They use rowan and pine wood. This accidentally creates a wendfire. On this special night, a wendfire can call ancient spirits from their mounds.
Colin and Susan accidentally release the Wild Hunt. These ancient spirits return several times during the book.
Colin's Capture and the Final Battle
While they try to fix what they have done, the Morrigan captures Colin. She traps him in Errwood Hall. Her magic makes the hall teleport to a dark, magic realm. This sets up the big final battle.
The Morrigan's forces include goblin-like bodachs and wildcat palugs. Susan's allies are the lios-alfar elves, the dwarf Uthecar, and a man named Albanac. They fight a big battle. Colin is rescued, but Albanac is killed.
When the elves stop helping, the Morrigan releases the Brollachan again. She aims it at Susan to destroy her growing good power. But another gift from Angharad Goldenhand saves the day. The Old Magic is set free forever.
About the Book's Creation
Author Alan Garner included a list of books that inspired him. He also wrote a bit about how he uses myths in his stories.
Garner often said he would not write a third book in the series. He felt it would make the first two less special. He also said his interests had changed. However, Boneland, which finishes the story, was finally published in August 2012.
