Harpist in the Wind
| Company type | Fantasy novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Patricia A. McKillip |
| Products | Novel |
Harpist in the Wind is a 1979 fantasy novel penned by American writer Patricia A. McKillip. It serves as the final installment of the Riddle Master trilogy, which is also known under the title Riddle of Stars. Notably, the initial UK paperback edition was published prior to the US version.
Plot summary
Morgon of Hed and Raederle of An embark on a quest to identify the shapechangers chasing them and to find the High One, whose land-law maintains order across the realm. Their journey is supported by wizards recently liberated by Morgon from Ghisteslwchlohm’s influence, as well as by heirs to various lands. After a confrontation with Ghisteslwchlohm in Lungold, Morgon is captured by shapechangers inside Erlenstar Mountain, who require him to reach the High One and thwart their ultimate domination. With Raederle’s aid and help from a mysterious figure later disclosed as the High One in disguise, Morgon manages to escape.
Traveling to the distant north, Morgon studies the land-law governing each kingdom and realizes that the High One has accompanied him in the forms of both the harpist Deth and the wizard Yrth. The High One reveals Morgon as his rightful land-heir on Wind Plain. When Ghisteslwchlohm—under control of shapechangers—kills the High One using Morgon’s three-starred sword, Morgon masters command over the winds, enabling him to overcome the Earth-Masters and restore harmony, thereby fulfilling his destiny as heir.
Setting
Throughout the trilogy, each kingdom’s land-ruler holds land-law, granting them awareness of every being within their territory—including all creatures, plants, and stones. The High One exercises this authority over the entire realm, having first begun binding it when Earth-Master Eriel sought power for herself. Upon succession, a land-heir instantly acquires this all-encompassing perception of their domain or, in some cases, the entire realm.
Awards and recognition
- 1980: Harpist in the Wind received a nomination for the Hugo Award in the category of Best Novel
- 1980: Winner of the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel