Like the changing of seasons, there are many things that cannot be prevented. However, “that which is changed can be changed back in the fullness of time” (Ysabel, 504). In Guy Gavriel Kay’s novel Ysabel, the effect of change is a key element to the story as the main protagonist, 15 year old Ned marriner, experiences a myriad of dangerous and mystery-packed adventures that draws him in deeper into a story world; in search for his father, Edward Marriner’s, assistant Melanie who has been possessed by the spirit of Ysabel during the eve of Beltaine(201)—along with two other “reincarnated” men, Phelan(210) (the bald man[17]) and Cadell(211) (the stag man[131]), who have been deeply infatuated …show more content…
The love triangle between Ysabel, Cadell, and Phelan has led to bloodshed and massacre being played out over and over again; the two men continue on to shape history as they see fit in order to claim Ysabel, who they claim to be “worth it, always and ever” (103) and “[they] need her as [much as they] need air” (305). The three lay claim that “we are the tale for here” (304), however as they are continually re-experiencing these series of events, others are being affected by their story; “this is not just their story” (325). This corner of France is a serene and savage place (2) and “”[it] drips with history” (14), however, “the past doesn’t lie quietly” (304), it returns and reenacts the traumatic experiences to Ned Marriner, his family, and his father’s crew. These new experiences along with the weight of history (trauma), which they are unable to fully express or understand the way that the triad and Brys did, compelled them into changing: these changes are most evident in Ned, his family members, as well as the