Dragon Rider

The Rim of Heaven, the mythic home of the silver dragons hidden somewhere in the Himalayas is an important symbol throughout the novel that contributes to the theme of The Need for Home and The Human Impact on Nature. The Rim of Heaven represents several things, including home and safety for the silver dragons, Firedrake in particular. Finding this home is the driving force of Firedrake’s heroic quest, motivated by his need to reconnect the dragons with their origins. Additionally, the Rim of Heaven represents a natural sanctuary, a habitat untouched by human encroachment. This is a crucial element of the dragons’ desire to return, as their current home in the Scottish Highlands is under threat from human interference.

Though the dragons and the Rim of Heaven are fantasy elements, they symbolize the real-world animals and habitats endangered and destroyed by humans. Likewise, the Rim of Heaven symbolizes the need for safe havens in nature that can be protected from human interference, allowing animals to live in their natural environments undisturbed. Lastly, despite the many characters in the novel that insist the Rim of Heaven does not exist, Firedrake and his companions steadfastly continue their journey, both out of necessity, and because the Rim of Heaven represents hope, inspiring them to persevere despite the odds against them.