41 pages 1 hour read

Nora Roberts

The Awakening

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Symbols & Motifs

The Dragon

The dragon symbolizes the mythical or legendary, everything with paranormal or supernatural properties that Breen’s earth world has classified as impossible. Early in the book, Breen dreams of a valley where she encounters a small dragon, a magical creature she’s always loved. The dream foreshadows her discovery of Talamh, the return of her memories, and her return to a world where magicks are possible and supernatural creatures abound.

The dragon is also a symbol of power and protection, two forces that Talamh stands for. Keegan’s dragon exhibits the strength, ferocity, and devotion of these creatures. In addition to power, the dragon exemplifies the theme of choice. The novel describes the bond between dragon and human as a mutual choosing—much as a human pairing might be described.

The dragon also symbolizes magic and power through the stone that Marg gives Breen. The dragon stone is a blend of two minerals, green epidote and red piemontite, and is believed to have healing properties that enhance heart energies and support a connection between mind, heart, and soul. The stone will lend its protective, healing properties to Breen, but also visibly represents her diverse heritage and bloodline.

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By Nora Roberts