The boy in The Girl Who Drank the Moon is named Antain.
Antain is a pivotal character in Kelly Barnhill's acclaimed novel, The Girl Who Drank the Moon. He is introduced as a young man deeply troubled by the long-standing, tragic traditions of his town, particularly the annual sacrifice of an infant to a perceived witch.
Antain's Role and Significance
Antain's narrative arc provides crucial insight into the moral complexities and internal struggles within the Protectorate. His experiences highlight the devastating impact of fear and superstition on the community and its members.
- Witness to Unjust Suffering: Antain is profoundly affected by the town's practice of sacrificing babies. He personally witnessed the harrowing despair and eventual madness of Luna's mother, who was forced to give up her infant, Luna, as an offering to Xan, whom the townspeople believed to be a malevolent witch. This traumatic event leaves a lasting impression on Antain, fueling his quiet dissent against the established order.
- Member of the Elder Council: Initially, Antain holds a respected position on the Elder Council, the governing body responsible for upholding the town's traditions, including the annual sacrifice. This placement puts him in a difficult moral predicament, torn between duty and conscience.
- Act of Defiance and Consequence: Despite his position, Antain cannot bring himself to continue participating in the ritual. His refusal to perform the sacrifice ceremony again is a significant act of defiance. As a direct consequence of this stand, he loses his place on the esteemed Elder Council. This act underscores his unwavering moral compass and growing disillusionment with the town's oppressive customs.
Antain embodies the potential for internal resistance and the power of individual morality to challenge deeply ingrained, harmful traditions. His storyline is integral to unraveling the true history of the Protectorate and understanding the compassionate nature of the "witch" they so fear.
Key Aspects of Antain's Character
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Antain |
| Affiliation | Initially a member of the Elder Council; later loses this position |
| Core Motivation | Deeply disturbed by the ritualistic sacrifice of babies and the resulting despair of the mothers (e.g., Luna's mother) |
| Key Action | Refuses to participate in or perform the baby sacrifice ceremony again |
| Impact | His actions contribute to the eventual unraveling of the town's traditions and play a role in the story's resolution |
| Symbolism | Represents conscience, quiet rebellion against injustice, and the hope for change within oppressive systems |
For further details about the novel and its rich cast of characters, you can consult resources such as the Wikipedia page for The Girl Who Drank the Moon.
