Black Trillium by Marion Zimmer Bradley
"Black Trillium" is a collaborative fantasy novel written by three notable authors: Marion Zimmer Bradley, Andre Norton, and Julian May. The story unfolds in the kingdom of Ruwenda, a prosperous trading hub ruled by the peaceful King Krain and Queen Kalanthe. When their realm is threatened by the aggressive neighboring kingdom of Labornok, the royal family faces dire circumstances. The narrative centers around the adventures of three princesses—Haramis, Kadiya, and Anigel—each embarking on a personal quest to reclaim their throne after their parents are killed.
Haramis is a scholar grappling with her thirst for knowledge, while Kadiya, the fierce huntress, must learn wisdom amid her impulsive nature. The youngest, Anigel, is timid and must develop courage with the help of a herbalist. Each princess is aided by a member of a mystical group known as the Folk and must master their individual challenges while seeking a magical talisman. Central to the story is the Black Trillium, a rare plant symbolizing the royal house, and the amulets the princesses carry, which serve as guides on their journeys. The tale weaves themes of personal growth, bravery, and the quest for identity against a backdrop of conflict and loss.
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Black Trillium
First published: 1990
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Fantasy—medieval future
Time of work: Undefined
Locale: The kingdom of Ruwenda and its environs
The Plot
This novel represents a collaboration between three renowned science-fiction and fantasy authors. Each wrote one of the three princesses’ adventures. The tale of Haramis is by Marion Zimmer Bradley, author of the Darkover novels; the story of Kadiya is by Andre Norton, author of the Witch World series; and the narrative of Anigel is by Julian May, author of the Pliocene Exile saga.
The kingdom of Ruwenda is a major center of trade for all the surrounding countries and territories. King Krain and Queen Kalanthe have no imperialist impulses toward their neighbors and allow their subjects a large degree of freedom. Unfortunately, the neighboring kingdom of Labornok is ill-placed for trade, so its king, Voltrik, resorts to conquest of the affluent Ruwenda.
Although brave, King Krain is no soldier. He instructs his wife and daughters to hide, then attempts to bargain with Voltrik, offering to die if his wife and daughters are allowed to live. Meanwhile, in their hiding place, the daughters react to their situation according to their natures. Haramis, the scholar, can see no rational solution to their dilemma. She knows that her father, as head of their army, will most likely be killed in battle and that she will (if left alive) have to submit to marriage to Voltrik. Kadiya, the huntress, fiercely vows to use her hunting knife to defend her mother and sisters against any attackers. Anigel, the youngest, is timid. She sobs helplessly and cries in supplication to the White Lady, a legendary protectress of their land who either has lost her powers or perhaps never really existed.
Their parents killed, the princesses are each aided by a member of the Folk to escape capture. To reclaim their lost throne, each must master her own nature as well as succeed in her quest for a talisman. Haramis, assisted by Uzun, a musician and raconteur, must resist her thirst for knowledge and her attraction to a mage who could be both tutor and mate. Impetuous Kadiya, accompanied by Jagun, Master of Animals, must learn wisdom and restraint. Timid Anigel, assisted by the herbalist Immu, must acquire self-reliance, strength, and courage.
The Black Trillium is a rare plant, the badge of the royal house of Ruwenda, having a single, three-lobed blossom. The princesses are referred to as the Petals of the Living Trillium. The most prized of the Ruwendan Crown Jewels is an egg-sized piece of amber, within which is a small, fossil Black Trillium, and each princess bears a similar blossom in amber as an amulet. These amulets function as guides on their quests and eventually activate and empower the princesses’ talismans.