One Dark Window

Trees are a recurrent symbol in One Dark Window, representing Blunder’s magical origins. They surround the kingdom, serving as the god-like Spirit of the Wood’s misty domain. In an homage to the Spirit, Blunder’s citizens choose a tree to serve as both family name and house insignia—and with them, social power. For example, Elspeth’s family, the Spindles (named after trees with pink fruit), have high standing in court due to being one of Blunder’s oldest noble houses. The Rowans (trees with red fruit, often associated with magic) are the royal family, while the Hawthorns (other trees with red fruit) are a lesser noble house. According to Emory Yaw, “If the Shepherd King did live here [in the Yew estate], he would have taken the name of the trees [in proximity], the way everyone did” (271). Plants are also used as names, as Ravyn’s team members, Wik and Petyr, have “Ivy” as their family name.

In the novel, historical documents are a motif used to other and fearmonger. The ancient text, The Old Book of Alders, was allegedly left behind by the Shepherd King. It is meant to be a history of him and the Spirit, an instruction manual on how to use the former’s Providence Cards and lift the latter’s mist.