Sabriel
Fantasy Fiction
Sabriel is the protagonist of Garth Nix's 1995 fantasy novel of the same name, the first in the Old Kingdom series. She is the 53rd Abhorsen, a lineage tasked with using Charter Magic to keep the dead in Death and combat malevolent Free Magic. Sabriel must embrace her ancestral role to confront a rising evil and protect both the Old Kingdom and Ancelstierre.
Key Facts
- ›Sabriel is the 53rd Abhorsen, a hereditary role of Charter Magic necromancers.
- ›The Abhorsen bloodline has an affinity with Death and can cross into it to fight undead.
- ›Abhorsens use a bandolier of seven bells and a sword to put the dead to final rest.
- ›Sabriel's primary antagonist is Kerrigor, a powerful Free Magic necromancer seeking to break the Charter.
- ›Sabriel's journey involves traversing the border between the technologically advanced Ancelstierre and the magic-infused Old Kingdom.
- ›She is accompanied by Mogget, an ancient Free Magic construct bound to serve the Abhorsen.
Abhorsen, Necromancer
Death, Magic
Silver Key On Blue Background, Bells, Sword
Order, Protection
Terciel, Mogget, Kerrigor, Touchstone, the Clayr, the Royal Family, the Wallmakers
Fantasy Novel, Old Kingdom Series, Young Adult Fiction
About Sabriel
Sabriel is the titular protagonist of Garth Nix's 1995 fantasy novel, which launched the acclaimed Old Kingdom series. As the 53rd Abhorsen, Sabriel inherits a formidable and perilous ancestral role tasked with maintaining the balance between life and death. Her lineage, the Abhorsens, are Charter Magic necromancers with a unique connection to Death, wielding a bandolier of seven magical bells and a sword to put restless spirits to final rest and prevent the return of the Dead to the living world.
Life and Historical Context
The narrative unfolds in two distinct neighboring realms: Ancelstierre, a country mirroring early 20th-century Australia in technology and society, and the Old Kingdom, a land steeped in two opposing forms of magic – the malevolent Free Magic and the benevolent Charter Magic. A significant wall separates these regions, with Ancelstierre officially denying the existence of magic despite maintaining a military presence to monitor and combat magical threats from the Old Kingdom. Following the decline of the Royal Family, who were tasked with preserving the Charter, the integrity of Charter Magic has weakened, allowing dangerous entities to roam freely.
Major Contributions and Role
Sabriel's journey begins when her father, the current Abhorsen, is trapped beyond the Seventh Gate of Death. He sends his tools and a message to Sabriel, urging her to return to the Old Kingdom and assume the mantle of Abhorsen to confront Kerrigor, a powerful Free Magic necromancer intent on destroying the Charter. Sabriel must navigate the dangers of both the living and the dead, learning to master her inherited abilities and facing numerous challenges, including powerful undead creatures like Mordicants and Shadow Hands, and the enigmatic Free Magic construct, Mogget.
Important Relationships
Key figures in Sabriel's life and journey include her father, Terciel, the previous Abhorsen, who guides her from beyond Death. She also forms a significant bond with Touchstone, a prince trapped for two centuries as a figurehead, and Mogget, the ancient and often capricious Free Magic construct bound to serve the Abhorsen. Her family belongs to one of the three major Charter Magic bloodlines, the Abhorsens, alongside the Royal Family and the Clayr, all descended from the Nine Bright Shiners who created the Charter.
Legacy
Sabriel is celebrated for her bravery and determination in embracing her destiny as the Abhorsen. Her story explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the struggle against overwhelming evil, solidifying her as a central figure in modern fantasy literature. The novel and its sequels delve deeply into the intricate magical systems and rich history of the Old Kingdom, making Sabriel a compelling and enduring character.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sabriel's role in the Old Kingdom?
Sabriel is the Abhorsen, a Charter Magic necromancer responsible for keeping the dead in Death and protecting the Old Kingdom from Free Magic creatures. She is the 53rd in her bloodline to hold this dangerous and vital position.
Who is Sabriel's main enemy?
Sabriel's primary antagonist is Kerrigor, a powerful Free Magic necromancer and former member of the Royal Family. He seeks to break the Charter that governs the Old Kingdom, which would unleash chaos and destruction.
What magical tools does Sabriel use?
As the Abhorsen, Sabriel uses a bandolier of seven bells, each with a specific magical property to control the dead, and the Abhorsen's sword. These tools are essential for her necromantic duties.
What is the difference between Charter Magic and Free Magic?
Charter Magic is benevolent and aims to maintain order and peace in the Old Kingdom, represented by artifacts like the Charter Stones. Free Magic is malevolent and associated with dangerous entities and necromancy.
Who is Mogget and what is its role?
Mogget is an ancient Free Magic construct that takes the form of a white cat. It is bound by a Charter Magic collar to serve the Abhorsen and accompanies Sabriel on her quest.
Where does the story of Sabriel take place?
The story is set in two fictional countries: Ancelstierre, which has early 20th-century technology, and the Old Kingdom, where Free Magic and Charter Magic exist. An ancient wall separates them.