In the Hand of the Goddess
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
In the Hand of the Goddess is a 1984 fantasy novel authored by Tamora Pierce, serving as the second installment in the The Song of the Lioness series. The narrative continues to follow Alanna of Trebond as she progresses from a squire to a knight while keeping her true gender hidden.[1]
Plot introduction
Alanna, acting as squire to Prince Jonathan of Conte, pursues her goal of knighthood amid ongoing conflict with Tusaine. She hones her magical healing abilities, conceals her female identity, and navigates the affections of both George and Jon, all while safeguarding Jon from his ambitious cousin Roger.[2]
Plot summary
On her journey back to Corus, Alanna encounters Faithful, a black cat with purple eyes that reflect her own. The Great Mother Goddess then appears before her, bestowing an amulet that unlocks her magical potential.
During her knighthood preparation, Alanna explores her femininity with the help of Eleni Cooper, who instructs her in courtly etiquette and attire. This change draws the attention of George and Jonathan, both aware of her secret. After Jonathan rescues her from nobles of Tusaine, they share a kiss and become romantically involved, despite George having previously declared his love.
Alanna successfully undergoes the Ordeal of Knighthood and receives a shield adorned with the Trebond family crest from her twin brother Thom. He explains that when she publicly reveals her gender, the crest will transform into a golden lioness on a red background.
She uncovers a conspiracy led by Duke Roger of Conte aimed at assassinating the royal family and herself. Upon publicly accusing him, Roger demands a duel during which he inadvertently exposes Alanna’s gender by slashing through her corset. Friends including Jonathan and Myles confirm they have long known her secret. Enraged, Roger employs illusions in combat; however, Alanna’s amulet enables her to see through these tricks and ultimately triumph.
After the duel, Alanna departs to avoid repercussions stemming from the revelation of her gender. Accompanied by Faithful, Coram, and her horse Moonlight, she bids farewell to Jonathan and sets off southward in search of new challenges.[2][3]
Principal characters
- King Ain – Sovereign of Tusaine
- Sir Alanna of Trebond – Former squire who becomes knight
- Sir Alex – Once Alanna's friend; later becomes Roger's squire and knight; attempts to kill Alanna
- Duke Baird – Head healer at the palace
- Coram Smythesson
- Delia of Eldorne – Lady-in-waiting to the Queen; sent by Roger to pursue Jonathan
- Faithful – Alanna’s black cat with purple eyes, gifted by the Goddess
- Duke Gareth of Naxen – Father of Gary
- Gareth (Gary) of Naxen – Son of Duke Gareth; friend to Jon and Alanna; assists Alanna before her Ordeal
- George Cooper – King of the Rogue; ally to Alanna
- Duke Hilam – Prime Minister and brother to King Ain
- Jonathan of Conté – Crown prince of Tortall; friend and lover to Alanna
- Moonlight – Alanna’s faithful horse
- Myles of Olau – Knight who mentors and instructs Alanna
- Raoul of Goldenlake – Knight; friend to both Alanna and Jon
- Duke Roger of Contè – Jonathan’s cousin and primary antagonist; plots to usurp Tortall’s throne by eliminating the royal family
- Thom of Trebond – Alanna's twin brother; sorcery student who attains Mastery at an unusually young age (17)
References
- ↑ Pierce, Tamora (1984). In the Hand of the Goddess. Atheneum.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs named:0 - ↑ "In the Hand of the Goddess (Song of the Lioness #2) - Forever Young Adult". 2016-08-17.