Curse of Shadows and Thorns

Spilling blood is a key motif within Curse of Shadows and Thorns, which often represents what one character is willing to give of themself. This motif is most related to Legion’s curse, which is accelerated when he spills the blood of another person. Though Legion is often careful when doing battle with others to avoid this and Halvar and Tor frequently warn him against it, Legion doesn’t think twice when he is protecting Elise, first when the Agitator attacks her, and then when one kills Mavie. The curse gives Legion an insatiable bloodlust, but Tor and Halvar have found a loophole that it can be somewhat calmed if Legion’s own blood is spilled, so he must continually give his own blood to prevent him from hurting others.

To break the curse, royal blood must be given to open the Black Tomb, and then further spilled when a willing royal sacrifices their life to save Legion. Elise is willing to make this sacrifice, literally cutting herself and spilling her royal blood on the tombs to open them. Elise’s willingness to spill her blood for Legion and his willingness to spill his blood to save others show their selflessness. However, other acts of violence and spilling blood highlight the selfishness of certain characters, such as the bloodthirsty nobles like Runa, Calder, Zyben, and Jarl, who kill others to maintain their power.