Lord Weldon’s sword represents his power and position as the lord of the castle. This special sword belongs to whoever has the title of Lord Weldon, so Shan, the heir, knows that it will one day be his. Shan’s respect and admiration for the sword are representative of his serious attitude toward the obligations of being lord: “Long ago Shan had asked his father, ‘May I be the one to care for your sword?’ His father had told him, ‘Yes, my son, because some day it will be yours’” (25).

Uncle Lionel’s desire to own and use the sword is symbolic of his goal to wrench the lordship and castle away from his nephew. After faking his brother’s death, Lionel finds and claims the sword for his own, revealing his intentions to Shan: “‘Stop!’ he cried. ‘Why do you wear that sword?’ ‘Why should I not wear it?’ asked his uncle. ‘It was my father’s,’ said Shan. ‘Now it is mine’” (32).

This symbol is a key aspect of the story’s plot, as Shan protects the sword from his thieving uncle by hiding it in the hollow of an oak tree. When

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now