More from ‘The Chosen Child’ by Janet O’Leary (Book Hub Publishing, 2024).
Understanding Peadar: A Boy Caught Between Worlds.
Peadar is the central male character in the book, and his journey is deeply entwined with the world of Fairyland. He embodies a unique blend of ordinary human experiences and extraordinary encounters with the supernatural.
Peadar’s character is portrayed as sensitive, artistic, and deeply connected to nature. He finds solace and expression through art, particularly drawing and painting. His artistic talent is not merely a hobby but a conduit for his connection to Fairyland. He is described as “often lost to the outside world” when immersed in his art, suggesting a deep level of engagement and an almost trance-like state. This sensitivity extends to his interactions with animals, evident in his deep affection for Billy Bán, his magical goat companion.
Peadar’s life is significantly shaped by his experiences in Fairyland, beginning with the rescue of his parents, who were abducted by the evil wizard Duodecimus. This traumatic event instilled in him a deep understanding of the complexities and dangers of the fairy realm. His time in Fairyland also led to a profound connection with Lucy, a human girl stolen by fairies. This connection fuels his determination to bring her back to the human world. These experiences set him apart from his peers, leaving him with a sense of isolation and a secret he cannot share.
Peadar’s artistic talent becomes a bridge between the human and fairy realms. His drawing of Lucy acts as a portal, allowing communication and even travel between the worlds. This unique ability positions Peadar as a key player in Lucy’s fate, making him instrumental in her potential return to the human world. He acts as an intermediary, conveying messages and facilitating contact between Lucy and her family in the afterlife.
Throughout his journey, Peadar receives guidance from wise figures like Han Carty, the medicine woman with a deep understanding of fairies, and Billy Bán, his magical goat companion who acts as a mentor and protector. These figures teach him the importance of patience, trust, and aligning himself with the forces of good. The sources emphasise that Peadar often struggles with impulsiveness, wanting to control events and solve problems quickly. This inner conflict adds depth to his character, as he learns to surrender to the mysteries of Fairyland and trust the wisdom of those guiding him.
As Peadar navigates the complexities of his situation, he faces ethical dilemmas, particularly regarding honesty. He feels compelled to keep his experiences in Fairyland secret, leading to feelings of unease and a sense of separation from his peers. However, his desire to help Lucy and his growing trust in his friends, Ross and Fionn, encourage him to gradually reveal the truth, emphasising the importance of honesty and shared responsibility in his journey.
Peadar is not a passive observer of magical events but an active participant, constantly learning, evolving, and making choices that shape his destiny and that of those around him. He is portrayed as a complex character, balancing the innocence of youth with the weight of extraordinary experiences, driven by love, loyalty, and a deep-seated yearning to bridge the divide between the human and fairy worlds.
-Harry Hickey, December 2024.
