The Broken Swords
The Broken Swords is a fantasy novel by George MacDonald that follows the story of two young men who are drawn into a world of magic and adventure. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption as the characters navigate their way through a series of challenging situations.
By George MacDonald · First published 1954 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 10,288 words
First lines
The eyes of three, two sisters and a brother, gazed for the last time on a great pale-golden star, that followed the sun down the steep west. It went down to arise again; and the brother about to depart might return, but more than the usual doubt hung upon his future. For between the white dresses of the sisters, shone his scarlet coat and golden sword-knot, which he had put on for the first time, more to gratify their pride than his own vanity. The brightening moon, as if prophetic of a future memory, had already begun to dim the scarlet and the gold, and to give them a pale, ghostly hue. In her thoughtful light the whole group seemed more like a meeting in the land of shadows, than a parting in the substantial earth. But which should be called the land of realities? -- the region where appearance, and space, and time drive between, and stop the flowing currents of the soul's speech?
What this Textopian page supports
The Broken Swords is listed on Textopian as a novel by George MacDonald, dated 1954 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1954 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 10,288 words
- Structure: 1 section, 78 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Broken Swords by George MacDonald
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Broken Swords?
- How does this novel by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Last Hero by G. K. Chesterton
- The Blood Of Belshazzar by Robert E. Howard
- St George And St Michael Volume Ii by George Macdonald
- A Song Of Swords by G. K. Chesterton
- The Banished King by Frank R. Stockton
- Looranna by M. A. Mccarter
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative includes elements of the fantastical, such as the allegorical and symbolic use of swords and the exploration of otherworldly themes.
- Adventure — The plot follows a journey filled with challenges, battles, and personal quests, typical of adventure stories.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and events are reminiscent of historical periods, with detailed depictions of military life and societal norms.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text delves into deep philosophical questions about reality, morality, and the nature of existence.
Tags
fantasy · adventure · mythology · magic · heroism · quest · friendship · betrayal · courage · swordplay · good vs evil · imagination