Stolen and Chosen
The book reveals two primary ways human children are brought to Fairyland: they are either stolen by goblins or chosen by hobgoblins. Stolen children are taken by goblins who are not interested in the child’s name or history. They often target infants in cradles made of Elder wood, exploiting the tree’s “bad temper” or “thraw energy” to facilitate the abduction. This suggests a malicious intent, implying that the goblins might use the children for their own purposes.
Chosen children are taken by hobgoblins who are seen as rescuers. These children are selected because they are in danger of facing a catastrophic event in their human life. Bringing them to Fairyland is a “rescue in advance,” ensuring their safety and offering them a different fate. Hobgoblins are more likely to know and share information about the chosen child’s human origins.
The distinction between stolen and chosen children is crucial:
Stolen children lose their human identities. Their names are often changed, and their past remains a mystery. This is exemplified by Millie, whose real name is only known by Lady Emerald due to a chance encounter with Agnus Albus.
Chosen children have a chance of returning to the human world before their sixteenth birthday. Lucy, chosen by hobgoblins, is presented with this opportunity. Her connection to her human past is maintained through knowledge of her name and the existence of her brother Damien.
The circumstances surrounding a child’s arrival in Fairyland impact their future prospects:
Stolen children face a predetermined fate. They are raised by fairy guardians until they turn sixteen, at which point they transform into fairies and remain in Fairyland forever.
Chosen children have a potential for agency. While their initial arrival is orchestrated by the hobgoblins, they are presented with a choice to return to the human world, reclaiming their human identity and fulfilling their destiny.
This duality in how children are brought to Fairyland adds a layer of complexity to the setting and the narrative Janet’s story. Fairyland offers sanctuary and a different kind of life, but the circumstances of entry determine the path a human child will take.
-Harry Hickey, December 2024.
