The Ruins of Gorlan

Theme Analysis

Courage

Throughout the book, Will displays a great deal of courage. During the battle against the Kalkara, Will was terrified but instead of running away, he thought of an ingenious way to kill the monster. He stood up to a monster that could have possibly killed him and destroyed it. Also he jumped into the path of a livid boar to save his friend’s life. At that moment, Will only thought about his friend being in danger and decided that all he could do was to distract the boar. He accomplished this, but then the boar started chasing after him instead of Horace.

Loyalty

When Will’s craft master, Halt, is in danger, Will immediately tries to help him. When Will figures out that the Black Lord, Morgarath, is trying to kill Halt, Will redoubles his efforts to help Halt. He tries harder to bring in the knights that could help Halt instead of doing nothing. Also, Will himself puts his life in the line of danger fighting the Kalkara to save Halt. This shows how Will is ready to risk his life for his friends and his kingdom because if he does not kill the Kalkara, they will go on a killing rampage.  

Personal Identity

In the beginning, Will thinks to himself that a barn owl is lucky because they know who they are. Also Will is somewhat jealous that all his other wardmates knew their parents and know who they are going to be in life while he has no idea regarding both his future and his parents. By the end of the book, Will has a better idea of who he really is. Due to his bravery fighting the Kalkara, Will was given the choice of becoming a knight instead of a Ranger. However, Will chose to stay a Ranger’s apprentice. So, he now knows that he is a Ranger at heart. Plus, Halt told him more about his parents. Will feels like he now has a purpose in life, something he did not necessarily feel before as a ward.  

Triumph of Good over Evil

Halt, Will, Baron Arald, and Sir Rodney defeated the monstrous Kalkara. The beasts were the Black Lord’s minions who were helping him destroy and take over Araluen for himself. However, because of the bravery of four people Morgarath’s plans were destroyed. The good people of Araluen triumphed over the evilness of the Black Lord and his underlings.