The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany
Once more my local public library gave me a treasure. Like many other titles, I had heard about this book in online discussions, but I had never managed to find a physical copy – so this translated publication from a small house was truly a Godsend.
The King of Elfland’s Daughter is a 1924 high fantasy novel by the English author Lord Dunsany (or, to give his full government name, Edward John Moreton Drax Plunkett, 18th Baron Dunsany). Dunsany played an important role in the development of fantasy as we know it, and inspired many future authors, from H.P. Lovecraft and J.R.R. Tolkien to Ursula K. LeGuin.
Our story begins in the fictional country of Erl (which, from clues in the narrative, seems to be located in England, but a fictionalized version of it). One day, the parliament of Erl approaches their King, Alveric, asking him to fulfill the old traditions of the realm, and bring it a magical sovereign. So, Alveric begins a quest to find Elfland, and finally marries the titular daughter of the Elf King, Princess Lirazel, soon bringing into the world the magical heir his people wanted.
Despite what it may sound like, this is only the first part of the story. The narrative moves quickly through the years, as we see how the people of Erl, as well as its ruling elite, fares in the coming age. Many things change throughout the years, and many characters see their fates change dramatically, something that culminates in a grand finale, suiting for a classical fairytale.
I can see how this book inspired so many other creators throughout the years. It is basically the archetypal fairytale you see in movies or series, or parodied in other books. Like, If someone asked me to describe a stereotypical, Western-style fairy story, this book is basically what it is. The writing style is old-fashioned, similar to a medieval chronicle, as we go through the story of Erl and its inhabitants. Basically, all the traditional fairy creatures, from elves and dwarves to unicorns and witches make an appearance, one way or the other.
We also see, the changing attitudes of the characters, as the story progresses: although the parliament of Erl is at first eager to see their country transformed by magic, and ridicule the Freer, a Christian cleric who warns them against it, they finally turn around and, terrified by the magical power they wished for, congregate around the holy man for protection. Many other men, who follow King Alveric in his quest, also change their personalities as the journey goes one, some for better, and others, for worse.
If you aren’t used to that style of writing, which is clearly more about the story than the characters and their actions, you may find this book overwhelming, or boring. But I urge you to give it a chance, If not only in order to experience an older piece of fantasy, that inspired works like The Hobbit and The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath. The book is in the public domain, and can be found quite easily.