Fearless

The ring that Paedyn wears on her thumb, which once belonged to her father, Adam, is symbolic of loss and grief. She keeps it on her hand as a reminder of her late father. She is also constantly spinning and toying with the ring. This habit demonstrates her internal unrest, particularly as it relates to her loss and sorrow. She most often fidgets with the ring when she’s anxious. Her father was once a figure of stability in her life; without him, she feels alone and on edge. Her relationship with the ring conveys these facets of her internal experience.

The Trials that Paedyn must undergo to prove herself to the Ilya Elites are symbolic of life’s challenges and develop the theme of Personal Growth Through Challenge. When the Elites protest Paedyn’s right to the throne, Kitt decides to have her compete in the Trials—if she can survive them, he believes that the Elites will accept her. He tells her that the Trials are “structured around the three B’s” (bravery, benevolence, and brutality) “that make a great ruler. These events will test each of those qualities” (95).

While these Trials have been specifically designed for Paedyn, they also represent the physical and emotional trials of the human experience. During the Trials, Paedyn must brave dark caves, excavate buried treasure and information, combat creatures and bandits, cross tempestuous seas, communicate with foreign rulers, fight off monsters, and battle her own heart’s desires. At times, Paedyn is sure that the Trials will kill her, but she ultimately emerges stronger. The Trials echo the archetypal conflicts that Odysseus faces along his epic journey in Homer’s The Odyssey. When Odysseus overcomes these trials, he proves himself as a friend, a leader, and an individual. The same is true for Paedyn’s character in Fearless.

The scar on Paedyn’s chest is symbolic of trauma and self-doubt. The scar, which Edric carved into her chest during their final battle, is in the shape of an “O,” which stands for Ordinary. Edric did so to remind Paedyn of who she was and thus of her alleged inferiority. For most of the novel, Paedyn sees the scar as evidence of her weakness. She hides the scar because it’s a point of shame and a reminder of her suffering. She later reveals the scar in the presence of the entire court. In doing so, she reclaims her identity as a source of pride. This act of courage proves that she has worked toward Confronting Grief and Trauma to Move Forward.