u/Locasoyyooo

I absolutely LOVED this book, it totally met my expectations for it.

I must admit I thought Saryon had the better storyline, idk if that's an unpopular opinion or not, but his chapters were far more entertaining and fast paced. Joram's obviously features deeper lore and all, which I highly appreciate, but his story feels somewhat slow, while as for Saryon, stuff is constantly happening to him, his story offers more action. I think he's also a much better character, more relatable, he's hilariously awkward.

The story itself is great, I loved the worldbuilding and the history of Thimhallan, and the book features really cool concepts such as the Duuk Tsarith.

Dead honest I find it really interesting that this is, and correct me if I'm wrong, the only (?) chapter told from another character's perspective, yk, having been told from Eilonwy and Gurgi's, without Taran being there.

It's a pretty dark chapter too, despite it's name "daylight". This is the most vulnerable we see Eilonwy, and, as it is said in the book, the first time she was truly afraid. It's also hinted that Dorath's intentions with her were... disturbing. No explanation needed, this chapter really just hurt to read, I had a huge stomach pain the first time I read it and rereading it, it was a pretty similar feeling.

I saw a while ago (maybe 1-2 yrs ago) here on reddit someone who used this chapter as one of the reasons to explain why they disliked Eilonwy, which is a pretty sad and weak argument. They said something about Eilonwy's fear being somewhat dissappointing considering she had maintained a valiant and strong attitude throughout the whole series. It's pretty low to be bothered that someone's limit is SA rather than beasts or evil lords.

Overall this particular chapter is very unpleasant to read but I do appreciate we get to see things from a different point of view, and I guess what happened to Eilonwy and seeing her fears add a bit more of realism to her character.

I'm genuinely interested in getting Australian perspectives on this topic, especially because the other day I watched a youtube video explaining the case, and saw lots of people saying that it was a ridiculous accusation and it cost a man's life.

To me, it's quite obvious they took the melody from that song. People claim not to hear it, but I think it's undeniable. However, I think it was more in the way of a tribute to their childhood. The Kookaburra song was, as far as I know, an Australian nursery rhyme, so Greg Ham and the other Men At Work had probably heard it as kids and included it in their song. Both songs are, in their own ways, a wink to Australia and the Australian culture, so the melody fitted perfectly with the Down Under's theme. Besides, huge proof that they indeed took the melody is that, in the Down Under music video, when he's playing the tune in the flute, he's sitting in a gum tree (sometimes referred to Eucalyptus?).

Well anyway I'd like to hear an Aussie's point of view regarding this.

In my opinion it's got to be Ellidyr. Achren as a close 2nd.

He was annoying as f*ck, I know, and, in fact, I hated him for most of the book, but his death just softened my heart. He learned and understood that after all his wrongs, the only way he would gain the honor he wanted was by sacrificing himself to destroy the cauldron.

I dont like him, he was unlikeable anyway, but we can't deny that he ended up becoming a hero. His character growth is just great. He's still far from being my favourite villain though, Achren is.

Achren probably as 2nd because she is interesting. I would love to know so much more of her, have more insights of her relationship with Eilonwy, her reign as High Queen of Prydain, her background, etc. She's close to being a perfect character.