The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance by Mona Black Chapter 11 – Selina

The provided text is an excerpt from a fantasy romance novel titled The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings). The excerpt focuses on a developing relationship between Selina, a human, and a merman king. Their interactions are filled with magical elements and romantic tension. Selina is presented with a marriage proposal, and the excerpt explores her internal conflict and reactions. The narrative includes descriptions of the merman’s physical appearance, magical abilities, and his kingdom. Underlying themes of love, fate, and the challenges of interspecies relationships are explored.

The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings) Study Guide

Quiz

1. What is Selina’s initial reaction when she realizes she’s trapped in what she describes as a “glass sphere” with Adar? Why does she feel this way?
2. What is the significance of the ribbon tied around Adar’s wrist? Where had Selina seen it before and what does Adar claim about it?
3. Describe the curse that affects Adar. What are some consequences he states about it and how does he try to work around it?
4. What is the political context of the arranged marriage between Selina and Prince Iason? Why does it feel like a matter of political convenience and not romance?
5. What are some of the reasons Lily gives for why she dislikes Iason? How do her feelings about him contribute to the plot?
6. Lily makes an observation about Selina’s behavior. Explain the two points that Lily makes about it?
7. What does Lily believe about the relationship between the Fae and “real” people and how does this affect her advice?
8. How did Adar’s family die? What is the significance of the bracelet in relation to their deaths?
9. How does Lily describe Adar’s appearance? How does it contrast with her view of the Fae?
10. In the final lines of the source material, Selina makes a comment about danger. Explain the point she is trying to make.

Answer Key

1. Selina feels that she belongs with Adar, even though she initially feels scared because she perceives him as wanting to devour her. She sees him as both sweet and spicy, creating a dangerous mixture that entices her.
2. The ribbon is a crimson tie and Selina finds a matching ribbon from her hair in the basket. Adar claims he found the ribbon on a beach after it had been a token for her that she had discarded.
3. Adar is cursed, with a need to physically consume a human. The curse makes it difficult for him to act without that need; he believes that kissing is a good substitute. He states that he is forced to hide and does not believe he is deserving of love.
4. Selina’s marriage is political; it is supposed to bring stability to the kingdom. The marriage also feels like the merging of two political houses to form a larger one.
5. Lily believes Iason to be boring, dull, and simply a man her family has presented her with. Lily is not convinced of the political value of the marriage and dislikes that her family sees marriage as a political commodity.
6. Lily states that Selina has given Adar gifts. She feels Selina is giving into attraction, even though she isn’t sure of who he is. Lily further suggests that this behavior is a sign of the attraction she is experiencing.
7. Lily believes that the Fae are dangerous and that any tales of them are “made-up” and “contrived.” She advises Selina not to trust them.
8. Adar’s family was killed by the Fae while hunting, and the bracelet on his hand is similar to the ones worn by his family members before they died. The bracelet acts as a constant reminder of his family’s fate.
9. Lily describes Adar as handsome, with a perfect face. His features and muscles are dream-like. Lily also notes his beauty to be a shock as she sees the Fae as bird-like and unappealing.
10. Selina believes that the Fae are dangerous, but she wonders if falling in love with a human could be more dangerous. She questions the established view of danger within her world, contrasting human love with the Fae.

Essay Questions

1. Discuss the theme of “fate versus choice” in the excerpt. How do the characters’ actions and circumstances challenge or reinforce the idea that their paths are predetermined?
2. Analyze the complex relationship between Selina and Adar. How do their desires, fears, and the limitations of their respective worlds shape the nature of their interactions?
3. Examine the role of court politics and arranged marriage in the narrative. How do these elements serve to emphasize the conflict between personal desire and social obligation?
4. Compare and contrast the characters of Selina and Lily. How do their different perspectives and personalities influence their actions and interactions within the story?
5. Explore the symbolism of the objects and settings within the excerpt. How do elements like the “glass sphere,” the ribbons, and the bracelet contribute to the deeper meaning of the narrative?

Glossary

• Fae: In this context, refers to beings from a mystical or supernatural realm, often depicted with magical abilities and dangerous tendencies.
• Cursed: Affected by a malevolent spell or affliction, leading to undesirable or painful consequences for the individual affected.
• Arranged Marriage: A marital union in which the choice of spouse is determined by families or others, rather than the couple’s individual preference.
• Political Convenience: A decision made primarily for strategic or power-based reasons, rather than personal or emotional considerations.
• Curse: An expression of a desire for misfortune, evil, or harm to befall someone. Often associated with magic or supernatural forces.
• Hopeless Romantic: A person who is naively or unrealistically optimistic about love, often idealizing relationships and romance.
• Tonic: Something with an invigorating effect. In this context, referring to a person or object that is pleasing or attractive.
• Melodramatic: Exaggerated and emotional, often for the sake of dramatic effect; overemotional.
• Imprudent: Not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash.
• Enthrall: To capture the fascinated attention of.

The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance

Okay, here is a detailed briefing document reviewing the provided excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”:

Briefing Document: “The Merman King’s Bride” Excerpts

Date: October 2nd, 2023

Source Material: Excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)” PDF. Pages 99, 101, 103, 105 and 107.

Overview:

These excerpts focus on key interactions and character development within a romantic fantasy setting, revolving around a human woman, Selina, and a cursed Fae king, Adar. The text explores themes of forbidden romance, duty, political maneuvering, and the dangerous nature of love and attraction. It also introduces secondary characters like Lily and hints at an overarching conflict between the Fae and human worlds. The excerpts reveal an inner conflict within the protagonist, Selina, as she struggles to reconcile her duty with her feelings for the Fae King and the secrets hidden about his past.

Key Themes and Ideas:

1. Forbidden Love & Compelling Attraction: The central tension revolves around the intense, almost magnetic attraction between Selina and Adar. This attraction is portrayed as both irresistible and dangerous, blurring the lines of rationality and defying societal norms.

• Quote: “My mouth waters. I want to lick his skin, see if it tastes the way he smells. I want to kiss him again.” – This highlights Selina’s raw, physical attraction to Adar.
• Quote: “The attraction is like lightning, going right through you! Are you attracted to him?” “Lightning. That was how it was with Adar.” This comparison underscores the powerful and uncontrollable nature of their connection.

1. The Curse & Hidden Identity: Adar is revealed to be a cursed Fae king, a fact that is initially concealed from Selina. The curse adds a layer of complexity and peril to their relationship. His connection to the water and his form as a merman are all results of the curse he carries.

• Quote: “He’s cursed. He’s not the one I should be kissing.” – Selina is aware of the danger.
• Quote: “What am I going to do? I have no idea. He’s Fae. He’s cursed. He’s not the one I should be kissing.”– Selina reiterates the danger she is in.
• Quote: “The bracelet with the swan. “I whisper.” Last time you told me you like swans. Swans and herons. . . .What happened to her brothers?” “They died. They were killed by the Fae on a hunting expedition.” I gape at her. “And despite knowing this, you took me and Mina into the haunted woods?” – This hints that Adar is associated with the Fae that murdered Selina’s family.

1. Political Intrigue and Duty: Selina is pressured into a political marriage and must reconcile with her duty to her family and her feelings. Adar is also revealed to have political motivations behind his interest in Selina.

• Quote: “And the ways of a palace and a kingdom aren’t always correctly reflected in such tales. Tales simplify the tedious to throw you right into the juicy heart of the matter. The matter of the heart. The matter of love.” – This statement highlights the conflict between political expediency and genuine emotions in the relationship.
• Quote: “He craved power. Wanted the throne for himself. To obtain it, he made a deal with the Empress, an evil creature who is trying to take over the world of Faerie. That deal was that she’d take me out, curse me, and leave him as successor to sit on the throne.” – This gives us insight into the larger political motivations within the Fae court.
• Quote: “My duty to myself. My duty is to be happy. I’m not a queen. I’m a lesser princess. Nothing will change if I marry someone else. Surely Iason’s kingdom can’t be that important.” – Selina struggles to accept a forced betrothal.
• Quote: “So what I want doesn’t matter?” “You will learn to be happy with him, daughter.” “Will I? Even if I loved him, his mother and sister dislike me and his father… I think he likes me a little too much.” – Selina expresses her unhappiness with an arranged marriage.

1. The Power of Choice and Agency: Despite external pressures, Selina shows an inner strength and a desire to control her own destiny. She challenges conventional expectations.

• Quote: “No, I am a woman about to hear a proposal I’m not sure I want to accept.” “Selina! What are you talking about? I thought you were interested in Prince Iason.” – This indicates Selina’s defiance of expectations and her willingness to consider alternatives.
• Quote: “Selina! Behave yourself for once. You’re not a child anymore.” – Others view Selina’s questioning of her role as impudent, but she continues to resist.

1. The Nature of Love & “Hopeless Romance”: The excerpts question the concept of love and explore the idea of the hopeless romantic. The narrative shows that love is a powerful force that can cause pain and confusion, even when it is real. The characters question whether love at first sight is real or simply a mirage.

• Quote: ““Now who’s the hopeless romantic? Maybe you should write some stories,” I whisper, but my heart is thumping hard because she’s describing everything I’ve felt with Adar. And nothing I’ve felt with Iason.” – This quote connects Selina’s feelings for Adar with the concept of a hopeless romance.
• Quote: ““I don’t know,” I whisper. “Maybe not as dangerous as human princes.” Maybe not as dangerous as falling in love.” – This quote implies that love with a Fae is not only dangerous, but also more dangerous than falling in love with a human, but that she would still prefer that love to a safe one.

Key Characters:

• Selina: The human protagonist, torn between her societal obligations and her strong feelings for the Fae king. She displays a rebellious spirit and inner conflict.
• Adar: The cursed Fae King, portrayed as both dangerous and alluring. His motives are complex, and he seems to be using Selina for his own political gain.
• Lily: A friend or confidante of Selina, who serves as a sounding board and perspective voice on Selina’s love life.
• Iason: The Prince Selina is being pressured to marry.

Points for Discussion/Consideration:

• The excerpts set up a classic “forbidden love” trope but with unique fantasy elements involving Fae and curses.
• The character of Adar is presented as morally grey, making the romance more complicated and less predictable.
• The political subplots add depth to the story and suggest that the relationship between Selina and Adar will have significant implications beyond their personal desires.
• The excerpts utilize strong imagery and sensory details to emphasize the powerful connection between the protagonists.

Conclusion:

The excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride” establish a captivating romantic fantasy with elements of political intrigue and a central forbidden love story. The narrative is engaging, and the themes of duty, choice, and the dangerous nature of attraction are compelling. The story leaves us with a sense of anticipation and a desire to see how Selina will navigate her complex situation. The excerpts also hint at larger conflicts between the Fae and human worlds, making the situation even more perilous.

Forbidden Magic & Fae Love

• What is the significance of the bracelet Adar gives to Selina, and what does it symbolize?

The bracelet Adar gives to Selina is a merman charm on a fitting, as Adar explains it. It symbolizes his intent to claim her, even though she has no true say in the matter. He says he’s “giving it to her,” implying it’s not simply a gift but a kind of ownership claim on her. He says that he found a similar charm in the lake, where it was originally stuck in stone, which ties into his nature as a merman/Fae. The bracelet is also a charm that is similar to the one the mermen use to throw jewelry in the water for good luck, and since he gave it to her he is now claiming her.

• What is the nature of the conflict between Adar and his brother, and how does this affect the overall story?

Adar’s brother is the current king, Gadar. Adar reveals that Gadar craves power and is willing to make deals with evil entities to get it. He explains that his brother even made a deal with the Empress to allow Gadar to become the king and his brother to be taken out. Adar does not want him to be king and for the evil Empress to take over. He considers his own actions to be something he must do to stop Gadar and the Empress, as evidenced by when he says, “The truth of it isn’t lost on me. I look down at the bracelet with the merman charm in my hand and I think my heart might break. He’s telling me he cares but that he’s stuck here, in this form.” The conflict provides a main source of tension, adding layers to the relationship between Selina and Adar by giving a reason for his actions. The royal succession is a main political plot element in the story.

• What is the meaning of “Blood ties aren’t always proof of love,” and how does this apply to the characters?

This statement, made by Selina, addresses a main theme in the story: love cannot be simply inherited or decided by family. It speaks to her own romantic quandary regarding being arranged to marry Prince Iason (for political purposes). Iason is described as being a good match by family but Selina states that “even if he loved his mother and father, she doesn’t love him,” as she is starting to love Adar. The statement also speaks to the complicated relationship Adar has with his brother and his distrust of familial love.

• What does Lily’s internal conflict about Selina’s marriage reveal about societal expectations and female agency?

Lily’s internal conflict highlights the limited agency women have in their society. While she may not want Selina to have a forced match, she struggles with her duty of enforcing the expectations of it being a political marriage. Lily comments that the way of the kingdom aren’t correct, and that love should be a main factor in marriage. When she states “My duty is to be happy,” it becomes clear that she sees that her own happiness is as important as her daughter’s happiness and the political expectations. It suggests the tension between personal desires and political and familial expectations of women.

• What are some notable differences between human and Fae love, as portrayed in the text?

The text portrays the differences between human and Fae love through the intensity and nature of Adar’s love compared to the human love that is considered normal. Adar states “Some parts of me remain the same in every form. You’ve seen how much I want you. Felt it?” He is very sensual and possessive in how he views Selina, even though she has no say in it. The text shows the more cautious approach that humans, such as Selina and Lily, view when deciding on love. Selina struggles with her feelings for him, and states that love “cannot begin with a bang” which is the opposite of how her attraction to Adar began. The contrast highlights the difference in intensity and impulsiveness between Fae and human ways of love. It also highlights the different aspects that human culture emphasizes in love.

• What are some of the magical elements in the story?

There are several magical elements in the story. There is the merman transformation that Adar takes (which he seems to be cursed with), the use of magical charms (such as the merman charm and the use of stones for luck), and general magic that is a part of the Fae culture. There is a mention of the “Fae gate” which seems to separate worlds. There are also other Fae people. It also hints at the existence of creatures such as swans and herons that the main character is suspicious of, and believes to be Fae. Adar’s ability to be both Fae and human in form also is a part of the magic within the story.

• What is significant about the statement “Maybe not as dangerous as human princes”?

This statement, uttered at the very end, reflects a realization that love and the Fae might not be as dangerous as human ambition and power. Throughout the text, the danger of the Fae and Adar is emphasized. The statement suggests that the human world, with its politics, betrayals, and power struggles, can be just as dangerous as any fantastical realm, if not more so. This realization is significant because it turns the perception of evil on its head and also may reveal the type of human prince that her family would be forcing her to be with.

• How is the theme of power explored throughout the narrative?

Power is a central theme in multiple layers of the story. There’s the political power struggle between Adar and his brother, Gadar, for the throne, the societal power structures dictating Selina’s marriage, and the power imbalance in the relationship between Adar and Selina, due to his Fae nature and his possession of her. The constant use of powerful language (such as “taking,” “claiming,” etc.) reveals how the main character has little power against outside sources. The idea of her being a pawn in a political game, shows the many ways that power is sought out. Ultimately, the story reveals the destructive nature of power.

The Merman King’s Bride

The “Merman King’s Bride” is a story that involves a number of characters, including Selina, Adar, Lily, and Prince Iason. It seems to revolve around a marriage proposal and the complexities of love and duty.

Here are some of the key plot points and character interactions:

• Selina and Adar: There is a strong attraction between Selina and Adar. Adar is a merman who gives Selina a bracelet with a merman charm, which he says is a gift. Adar also tells her that the charm belongs to her and he wants her to have it. They are drawn to each other with a powerful attraction, described as “lightning”. Selina is conflicted about her feelings for Adar, wondering if she is in love. She is also concerned that Adar may be dangerous.
• The Proposal: Selina is expected to marry Prince Iason. She is not enthusiastic about the match, but it is considered a good match. There is a discussion about the political reasons for the marriage, and that it is her duty.
• Lily: Lily is a character who seems to be giving Selina advice. She tells her that love sometimes comes slowly. Lily is also concerned about Selina’s behavior in regards to the proposal and thinks she should behave more appropriately. Lily tells Selina that she knows why the previous princess, Elena, was taken away by the Fae, who seem to be dangerous.
• Fae and Curses: The Fae are mentioned as dangerous. It appears that Adar is a cursed Fae king. There is a reference to bloodlines and their affect on love and duty. There is also a discussion of a deal made with the Empress who is trying to take over the world of Faerie.

Overall, the story seems to be a mix of romance and fantasy with elements of political intrigue, duty, and potentially dangerous supernatural forces.

The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance

The story, “The Merman King’s Bride,” presents a complex take on fairytale romance, incorporating elements of love, duty, political intrigue, and supernatural danger. Here’s a breakdown of the fairytale romance aspects based on the sources:

• Forbidden Love: A central theme is the attraction between Selina and Adar, which can be seen as a forbidden love. Adar is a merman and a cursed Fae King, which makes their relationship unconventional and potentially dangerous. This element of forbidden love is a classic trope in many fairytales.
• Love at First Sight: The connection between Selina and Adar is described as “lightning,” suggesting a powerful, instant attraction. This idea of love at first sight is a recurring theme in fairytale romances, where characters are often immediately drawn to each other. There is a strong physical attraction between them, with details of how their skin feels and the way they touch each other.
• Duty vs. Desire: Selina is engaged to Prince Iason, a politically advantageous match. This creates a conflict for Selina, who must choose between her duty to her family and kingdom, and her feelings for Adar. This conflict between duty and personal desire is a common theme in fairytale romances.
• The “Happily Ever After” Questioned: Unlike traditional fairytales that guarantee a happy ending, “The Merman King’s Bride” introduces uncertainty and potential danger. Adar is a cursed Fae, and the Fae are described as dangerous. This suggests that a relationship with Adar will not be easy. Additionally, Lily makes a comment that “not every love starts with a bang. Sometimes love comes more slowly”. This hints that love may not always manifest in the traditional “happily ever after” way.
• Gifts and Tokens: Adar gives Selina a bracelet with a merman charm, which he says belongs to her. This act of giving a special gift or token is a classic element of fairytale romance, where it often symbolizes a bond or promise.
• Supernatural Elements: The presence of mermen, Fae, and curses adds a supernatural dimension to the romance. This incorporates the fantasy elements often present in fairytales. The story also includes other supernatural elements that affect love, like bloodlines and their affect on love and duty.
• The Idea of Fate: The story seems to suggest that the connection between Selina and Adar may be more than just attraction, hinting at the possibility of fate guiding their relationship. This is another common trope in fairytale romance.

Overall, “The Merman King’s Bride” presents a nuanced view of fairytale romance. While incorporating typical elements like love at first sight and special tokens, it also introduces challenges and complexities, making the story more intricate and thought-provoking. The presence of danger and uncertainty regarding the “happily ever after” ending adds depth and a more modern perspective to the genre.

Adar: The Cursed Merman King

The “Merman King’s Bride” features the concept of cursed Fae kings, specifically focusing on Adar. Here’s a breakdown of what the sources reveal about this element:

• Adar is a Cursed Fae King: It is explicitly stated that Adar is a “cursed Fae King”. This is a significant aspect of his character and adds to the complexity of his relationship with Selina. The fact that he is cursed introduces a layer of danger and uncertainty to their romance.
• The Curse’s Origin: The source material mentions that Adar made a deal with the Empress, described as “an evil creature who is trying to take over the world of Faerie,” in order to obtain the throne. This deal is likely connected to the curse, although the specifics of the curse are not detailed in the source. The deal seems to have been made to get him onto the throne which he wanted to obtain.
• The Nature of the Curse: While the exact nature of the curse is not explicitly stated, its effects are evident. It is implied that the curse affects Adar’s ability to love and his freedom to act. The text also mentions “the weakness of that statement, the truth of it isn’t lost on me. I look down at the bracelet with the merman charm in my hand and I think my heart might break. He’s telling me he cares but that he’s stuck here, in this form”. This indicates that the curse is connected to his merman form and his ability to express or act on his feelings.
• Implications for Selina: Adar’s cursed status makes his relationship with Selina more complicated. Selina is aware of the potential dangers that come with being involved with a Fae, and especially a cursed one. She also states “Maybe not as dangerous as human princes. Maybe not as dangerous as falling in love”.
• Fae as Dangerous: The Fae are presented as dangerous in the sources, with mention of the previous princess, Elena, being taken by the Fae. This adds to the overall sense of unease and potential danger surrounding Adar and his kind. It is stated by Lily that Elena was “obsessed with swans and herons. She believes that her brothers were turned into birds”.
• A Potential Obstacle to “Happily Ever After”: The curse on Adar acts as a significant obstacle in the fairytale romance, as it puts his potential happiness with Selina into question. This differs from traditional fairytale romances, where the obstacles are usually overcome to guarantee a happy ending. Here, the curse introduces uncertainty and potential for complications.
• Contrast with Human Princes: There is a direct comparison in the source of the Fae and their danger level versus human princes, with the statement that the Fae may not be as dangerous as human princes.

In summary, the concept of cursed Fae kings is central to the plot of “The Merman King’s Bride.” Adar’s curse, stemming from a deal with an evil entity, makes his relationship with Selina risky and uncertain, while also adding a unique complexity to the classic fairytale romance.

Forbidden Love in The Merman King’s Bride

The theme of forbidden love is a significant aspect of “The Merman King’s Bride,” primarily revolving around the relationship between Selina and Adar. Their connection is complicated by several factors, making it a classic example of forbidden love within a fairytale context:

• Merman and Human: Adar is a merman, and a Fae, while Selina is human. This difference in species creates an immediate barrier to their relationship, making it unconventional from the start. Their love is not just socially unacceptable but also crosses the boundaries of the natural world.
• Cursed Fae King: Adar is not just a merman, but also a cursed Fae King, adding another layer of complexity to their relationship. His curse is tied to a deal with an evil creature, which makes him potentially dangerous and makes their love even more precarious. The fact that he’s a cursed Fae king adds to the forbidden aspect of the romance.
• Arranged Marriage: Selina is betrothed to Prince Iason, creating a conflict between her duty to her kingdom and her feelings for Adar. This element of an arranged marriage adds to the forbidden aspect of her love with Adar, as she is expected to marry someone else for political reasons, not for love.
• Potential Danger: The Fae are portrayed as dangerous, adding to the forbidden nature of their love. The previous princess, Elena, was taken by the Fae, which indicates the potential harm that could come to Selina if she pursues a relationship with Adar. This inherent danger associated with the Fae makes the love between Selina and Adar dangerous and therefore “forbidden”.
• Immediate Attraction: Despite the obstacles, Selina and Adar feel an instant, powerful attraction towards each other. This “lightning” connection makes their love feel unavoidable, despite its forbidden nature. The strong physical attraction between them, described in detail, adds to the intensity of the forbidden nature of their love.
• Emotional Conflict: Selina experiences conflict between her feelings for Adar and the knowledge that he might be dangerous. She also has a discussion with Lily where it is stated that “not every love starts with a bang, sometimes love comes more slowly”. This internal struggle further emphasizes the forbidden aspect of her feelings for Adar, as she is torn between her desires and her fears.

The forbidden love between Selina and Adar is a central theme of “The Merman King’s Bride”. It is a love that defies conventions, boundaries, and expectations. It is a love that is dangerous, difficult, and ultimately, uncertain.

Magical Realism in “The Merman King’s Bride”

The concept of magical realism is not explicitly discussed in the sources, but elements of it can be inferred through the blending of realistic and fantastical elements within “The Merman King’s Bride.” Here’s an analysis of how the story exhibits characteristics associated with magical realism, drawing from the details available in the sources:

• Integration of the Supernatural into the Mundane: A key feature of magical realism is the seamless integration of magical or fantastical elements into an otherwise ordinary, realistic setting. In “The Merman King’s Bride,” this is seen in the presence of mermen and Fae within a world that also includes human kingdoms and political arrangements. Adar, a merman and cursed Fae king, interacts with Selina and other human characters without the fantastical elements feeling out of place. This mingling of the ordinary and extraordinary is characteristic of magical realism.
• Acceptance of the Unusual: The characters in the story, while sometimes surprised by the magical occurrences, generally accept them as part of their reality. For example, Selina doesn’t question the existence of mermen or the Fae, even though she is aware of their potential danger. She treats Adar as both a potential love interest and a dangerous being without exhibiting extreme shock. This kind of acceptance of the unusual is a typical element of magical realism.
• Blending of Real-World Concerns with Fantasy: Magical realism often intertwines real-world social and political issues with fantastical elements. In this story, there are elements of political intrigue with the arranged marriage between Selina and Prince Iason. This political concern is combined with the fantastical elements of the Fae and their curses, to create a backdrop that is both realistic and fantastical.
• Symbolism and Metaphor: Magical realism often uses fantastical elements to symbolize real-world concerns or emotions. For example, the “lightning” connection between Selina and Adar might be seen as a magical expression of their intense attraction, which could be a metaphor for the power of love or fate. Similarly, the curse on Adar could symbolize the obstacles and challenges that real-world relationships can face.
• Ambiguity and Uncertainty: Magical realism often presents events without clear explanations or a distinct line between the real and the magical. “The Merman King’s Bride” maintains a certain level of ambiguity, particularly regarding the exact nature of Adar’s curse and the motivations of the Fae. This uncertainty is a common characteristic of magical realism, which avoids clear-cut answers in favor of a more open-ended and suggestive narrative.

While “The Merman King’s Bride” does not explicitly label itself as magical realism, it possesses many elements associated with the genre. The seamless blending of realistic and fantastical elements, the characters’ acceptance of the unusual, and the use of symbolism and metaphor, alongside the ambiguity, all contribute to a story that could be interpreted as having aspects of magical realism. It’s a story where the supernatural elements aren’t just fantastical, but are interwoven into the fabric of the everyday world and used to explore themes of love, duty, and danger.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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