The Lady's Passage into the Blazing-World

This flow traces the abducted Lady's survival of a supernatural voyage and her passage from foreign captive to ruler.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Merchant's Abduction

The Merchant's Abduction A Violent Beginning A Merchant steals a young Lady from the shore, hoping to possess her despite their difference in rank and wealth. Consequences The crime launches her into danger and makes her journey a consequence of another person's ambition.

The Northern Storm

The Northern Storm A Vessel Driven North A fierce tempest drives the light boat toward the North Pole and into the Icy Sea, beyond the travelers' control. Isolation The storm turns a planned escape into an uncanny crossing between worlds and leaves the Lady dependent on forces she cannot command.

The Frozen Crew

The Frozen Crew Survival Alone The sailors freeze in the double cold where the worlds meet. The Lady alone remains alive, protected by youth, beauty, and divine favor. A Changed Future Their deaths end her former journey's human company and leave her to meet the strange world without allies.

The Bear-Men's Rescue

The Bear-Men's Rescue Unexpected Hospitality Bear-men retrieve the Lady from the boat, carry her across the ice, and receive her with civility rather than violence. Fear Gives Way Their care teaches her that frightening appearances need not predict cruelty, beginning her gradual adjustment to unfamiliar peoples.

A Passage Between Worlds

A Passage Between Worlds A Chain of Hosts Bear-men, Fox-men, Geese-men, Satyrs, and other inhabitants escort the Lady across islands and rivers toward imperial territory. Arrival Ahead Their shared language and courteous assistance carry her toward Paradise, where the strange passage will change her status completely.

At the beginning of the story

Immediately after the abduction

During the crossing of the Icy Sea

After the boat reaches the icy shore

After the Lady leaves the icy island