Thomas the Rhymer (novel)
 Cover of the first edition of Thomas the Rhymer. | |
| Author | Ellen Kushner |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Thomas Canty |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Speculative fiction |
| Publisher | William Morrow & Co |
Publication date | January 1, 1990 |
| Pages | 247 |
Thomas the Rhymer is a fantasy novel by American writer Ellen Kushner. It is based on the ballad of Thomas the Rhymer, a piece of folklore in which Thomas Learmonth's love of the Queen of Elfland was rewarded with the gift of prophecy. The novel won the 1991 World Fantasy Award[1] and Mythopoeic Award.
Plot summary[edit]
Thomas, a harper from court, befriends a humble farmer and his wife. As he begins a relationship with Elspeth, their neighbor, he is whisked to Elfland, ensnared by the Fairy Queen. After seven years he returns to Gavin, Meg, and Elspeth with a parting gift from the Queen: he can only speak the truth.[citation needed]
Characters[edit]
Thomas[edit]
A minstrel who sang in the king's court. Before he is captured by the Fairy Queen, he is a carefree young man.
Elspeth[edit]
A young woman who falls in love with Thomas. In the seven years of his absence, her hard life makes her cynical.
Gavin[edit]
A rather simple crofter who takes Thomas in.
The Queen of Elfland[edit]
Although powerful and beautiful, the Fairy Queen can be unmerciful. While she does release Thomas after seven years as her lover, she never truly lets him go.
Meg[edit]
Gavin's wife who sees value in Thomas and believes him when others do not.
Awards[edit]
- 1991 World Fantasy Award
- 1991 Mythopoeic Award
- 2009 Tähtifantasia Award for the best foreign fantasy novel released in Finland in 2008.
References[edit]
- ^ World Fantasy Convention. "Award Winners and Nominees". Retrieved 4 Feb 2011.
External links[edit]
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