The Forgotten Beasts of Eld
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 19XX |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is a fantasy novel authored by American writer Patricia A. McKillip, initially released by Atheneum Books in 1974, featuring artwork by Peter Schaumann (1974) and later Alicia Austin (1981). This novel earned the 1975 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel. The narrative centers on Sybel, a solitary woman residing atop Eldwold mountain, who confronts challenges involving love and authority beyond her isolated existence.
Plot summary
At sixteen, Sybel dwells alone on a mountain surrounded by legendary creatures her deceased father Ogam had summoned, maintaining a telepathic connection with them. One evening, Coren of Sirle entrusts her with an infant believed to be the offspring of Sybel's niece Rianna, the former queen of Eld, and her consort Norrel—later unveiled as the son of Rianna and Drede, ruler of Eldwold. Sybel consents to raise the child, Tamlorn, aided by the witch Maelga.
After twelve years, Coren returns to reclaim Tamlorn. Sybel resists, worried that Coren and his brothers might manipulate the boy against King Drede. Ultimately, she hands Tamlorn over to Drede along with the mythical falcon Ter for his safeguard. This act plunges Sybel into despair and propels her on a mission to summon the fabled Liralen bird. Instead, she encounters the Blammor, a shadowy entity that instills terror, and Mithran, a sorcerer hired by Drede to subdue her will. Mithran covets Sybel, but she escapes by commanding the Blammor to annihilate him.
Upon returning home where Coren is healing from injuries inflicted by her creatures, Sybel convinces him to wed her—using his affection as part of her plan against Drede. They marry and transfer Sybel’s mythical beasts and books to Coren’s residence.
Sybel’s objective becomes inciting conflict between Coren’s faction in Sirle opposing Drede and Drede’s own forces. When Coren uncovers this plot, he confronts her. The Blammor reappears; Sybel envisions the Liralen with a broken neck. She flees Eld Mountain and releases all creatures, who divert both armies away from battle—averting war though their return remains uncertain except for Coren.
Tamlorn informs Sybel that Drede has died—likely meeting a fate similar to Mithran—and has now ascended as king of Eldwold. Following Maelga’s advice, Sybel concentrates on healing rather than guilt. When prepared, she summons the Liralen once more but finds Coren waiting at her gate. They reunite after she acknowledges that only he can bring her happiness. Trusting her intuition, Sybel calls forth the Blammor which reveals itself as the Liralen; she requests it to carry them home.
Characters
Sybel – Beginning at age sixteen, she raises Tamlorn with assistance from Maelga, the local witch. Daughter of Ogam, she restrains her emotions and pursues knowledge while seeking the elusive white bird known as the Liralen. Later in the story, she marries Coren. McKillip portrays her with long ivory hair, dark eyes, and very pale skin. Coren refers to her as "Ice-white lady."
Ogam – Sybel’s father responsible for summoning creatures such as Gules Lyon, Ter, and Moriah.
Myk – Ogam’s father who originally initiated the summoning of Eld’s mythical beasts.
Coren of Sirle – The man who delivers infant Tamlorn to Sybel for care and eventually falls in love with her. Recognized for his family’s characteristic red hair and his intuitive rapport with Sybel’s legendary beasts.
Tamlorn – The son of Rianna, former queen of Eld, and King Drede. Raised by Sybel and crowned king twelve years later.
Maelga – A nearby witch assisting in Tamlorn’s upbringing in exchange for onions. She is depicted as a slender elderly woman with curly white hair and iron-grey eyes.
Drede – Monarch of Eldwold.
Mithran – A deceitful wizard who attempts to assault Sybel but is slain by the Blammor. Despite sharing etymological roots with Tolkien’s Gandalf name Mithrandir (Mithran), this character is dishonorable in nature.
Beasts of Eld
Black Swan of Tirlith – A magnificent swan with golden eyes and expansive wings, cared for by Sybel. This creature is summoned by Myk.
Blammor – An enigmatic black fog containing five eyes, representing the primal fear that leads to death. Called forth by Sybel, Blammor is ultimately revealed as the shadowy counterpart of the Liralen bird Sybel seeks.
Cyrin – A sagacious boar distinguished by red eyes and white tusks, possessing knowledge of every riddle except one. Brought forth by Myk, Cyrin is capable of speech and cautions both Coren and Sybel about the perils of pursuing vengeance.
Gules Lyon – A lion formerly residing in regal courts, known for dispensing wisdom and choosing his own bonds. Ogam summons him from the southern deserts of Eld.
Gyld – A dragon with green wings who has a penchant for hoarding treasure. Initially called upon by Myk, Gyld is later freed by Sybel.
Moriah – An enormous black feline with green eyes, profound magical expertise, a "soft silken voice," and "teeth like sharpened polished stones." Coren refers to her as the "Lady of the Night."
Ter – A falcon renowned for avenging his former master by eliminating seven murderers. Summoned by Ogam, Ter accompanies Tam to Drede’s court.
Literary significance and reception
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld earned praise from Locus, which described it as "a mythical kingdom fantasy featuring a marvelous heroine, intriguing strange beasts, and chilling sorcery." Publishers Weekly commended the novel for its combination of dignity, romance, suspense, adventure, and eloquent prose. Lester del Rey emphasized McKillip’s "wonderful subtlety" and noted the story’s resolution as both "inevitable yet surprising."
The book was awarded the 1975 World Fantasy Award, received a nomination for the 1975 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award, and ranked 13th in the 1975 Locus Poll Award for Best Novel.
Additionally, Fantastic Literature: A Critical Reader highlights the novel’s symbolic reinterpretation of Blammor—from a terrifying monster into the Liralen bird—as an expression of creative and destructive impulses.