The Hero and the Crown summary

The Birth of a Heroine

In The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley, we witness the birth of Aerin, a princess whose mother was a witchwoman. Aerin's mother, unable to bear the disappointment of not having a son, dies soon after giving birth to her. Aerin, thus, grows up in the royal palace, but she is never truly accepted by the court as she is considered to be a disappointment due to her mother's background and her own lack of beauty.

Despite this, Aerin is determined to prove her worth. She starts by taking an interest in the art of fighting, something that is considered inappropriate for a princess. She learns about the use of weapons, and eventually, she creates a special ointment to protect herself from fire, a substance she calls kenet.

Confronting the Dragon

Aerin's opportunity to prove herself comes when her father's kingdom is threatened by a dragon. She uses her kenet to protect herself and goes on to confront the dragon, ultimately killing it. This act of bravery earns her the respect of the kingdom, and she is given the title of Dragon-killer.

However, her victory comes at a cost. She is severely injured in the battle, and it takes her years to fully recover. During this time, she forms a deep bond with Talat, her father's retired war-horse, and they become inseparable companions. Aerin also starts to explore her own abilities, discovering that she has inherited some of her mother's magical powers.

The Coming of the Hero

As Aerin heals, she realizes that the kingdom is still in danger. A mysterious evil force, known as the Black One, is threatening the land. Aerin decides to confront this new threat, and she sets out on a journey to find a way to defeat the Black One. Her only companions are Talat and Luthe, a mage who teaches her about her magical abilities.

During her journey, Aerin learns about the history of her kingdom and the truth about her mother, the witchwoman. She also discovers that the Black One is a powerful mage who was once defeated by her ancestors. Aerin realizes that she is the only one who can defeat the Black One, and she sets out to do so.

The Final Battle

In the final showdown, Aerin uses her magical abilities, her kenet, and her courage to confront the Black One. She is able to defeat him, but not without a high price. Aerin sacrifices herself in the process, but her actions save the kingdom and ensure its future prosperity.

In the end, Aerin is remembered as a heroine and a savior. Her story becomes a legend, and she is immortalized in the history of her kingdom. The Hero and the Crown is a tale of courage, determination, and the power of self-discovery. It is a story of a young woman who overcomes societal expectations and her own insecurities to become a true hero.