The Story of the Heritage
The narrative unfolds in 1399, centering on a hermit known as the Blessed Evrawc, formerly Edward Maudelain, who grapples with his past and the demons that haunt him. Despite his ascetic lifestyle, he is plagued by temptations and visions, including a spectral woman who claims kinship. One fateful day, a mysterious horseman arrives, delivering a lock of hair as a token from the dead, prompting Maudelain to abandon his hermitage and reclaim his identity. He embarks on a journey that leads him to impersonate his half-brother, Richard II, who has been dethroned. This deception is facilitated by the young queen, Isabel of Valois, and is intertwined with the political turmoil of the time, including the machinations of Owain Glyndŵr. The story explores themes of identity, power, and the consequences of ambition. As Maudelain assumes the role of king, he faces the inevitable clash with those who seek to eliminate him. The narrative culminates in a violent confrontation where Maudelain, despite his initial success, is ultimately betrayed and killed by Piers Exton, a soldier who strikes him down in a moment of treachery. The tale concludes with reflections on the nature of kingship, legacy, and the bloodline that defines one's fate, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of power and the human condition.
By James Branch Cabell · First published 1921 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Literary Fiction · 1,930 words
First lines
"Pour vous je suis en prison mise, En ceste chambre à voulte grise, Et traineray ma triste vie Sans que jamais mon cueur varie, Car toujours seray vostre amye. "
The seventh novel.
What this Textopian page supports
The Story of the Heritage is listed on Textopian as a novella by James Branch Cabell, dated 1921 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: James Branch Cabell
- Date: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Adventure, Tragedy
- Length: 1,930 words
- Structure: 1 section, 30 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Story of the Heritage by James Branch Cabell
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Story of the Heritage?
- How does this novella by James Branch Cabell fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The novel is set in a historical context, focusing on events and figures from the late 14th century, particularly the reign of Richard II.
- Fantasy — The presence of supernatural elements, such as spirits and phantoms, alongside the exploration of themes like identity and fate, aligns it with fantasy.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is rich and complex, emphasizing character development and thematic depth, typical of literary fiction.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey and the conflicts he faces provide an adventurous narrative arc.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Literary Novel · Philosophical Themes · Social Commentary · Satire · Fantasy Elements · Romance · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Morality Tales · Symbolism · Allegory