The King of Elfland's Daughter
The King of Elfland's Daughter
Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Elfland • Mythical Medieval Fantasy
1924
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
The King of Elfland’s Daughter by Lord Dunsany follows Alveric, who is sent to Elfland to marry Lirazel, the King of Elfland's daughter, to fulfill the request of his people for a "magic lord." Alveric succeeds but faces challenges as Lirazel struggles to adapt to life in Erl, ultimately leading to her return to Elfland. Alveric's quest to find her again intertwines the fates of both realms.
Fantastical
Mysterious
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
8,772 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany enchants with poetic prose, blending fantasy and myth. Critics praise its rich, imaginative world and lyrical style. However, some find its pacing slow and characters underdeveloped. Overall, it remains a seminal work in fantasy literature, celebrated for its dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere.
Who Should Read The King of Elfland's Daughter?
Readers who revel in lush, poetic prose and fantastical realms will find joy in Lord Dunsany's The King of Elfland's Daughter. Likely fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, these readers appreciate classic fantasy filled with ethereal beauty and mythic storytelling.
8,772 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany, published in 1924, is considered a pioneering work of modern fantasy literature, influencing later authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and Neil Gaiman.
The novel contains poetic and evocative language, showcasing Lord Dunsany’s background as an accomplished playwright and his skill in blending prose with lyrical cadence.
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The book is often praised for its exploration of the intersection between the magical and the mundane, highlighting themes of longing and the tension between different worlds.
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240
Novel • Fiction
Elfland • Mythical Medieval Fantasy
1924
Adult
14+ years
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