Phedre as a Christ-like figure
Phedre, the main character of Kushiel's Dart, demonstrates many Christ-like attributes. As a child, she was sold by her mother into indentured servitude. Only when she is under the care of Anafiel Deluaney do people realize her true nature. She plays the role of a pain bearer. For her, pain is pleasure. She is the darker side of love. She takes pain and makes it something better. Phedre does this sometimes for her own pleasure, but usually to help other people and save her country. Pain is also a way to be cleansed. Physical pain can lessen her emotional burdens.
Phedre journeys far in her quest to save her people. Many people place their hope in her and believe that she can make things better. In Skaldia, she is a slave, owned by the head tribesman. In Alba, she is the Queen's emissary. Everywhere she goes, she comes to love the people around her and they care for her. She convinces a prince to go to war, soldiers follow her. She gives them hope and something to fight for.
She leads an army across the ocean to fight for Terre D'Ange. The invaders have laid siege to the Queen and her troops. Phedre convinces the traitor that let the invaders in to Terre D'Ange to fight on their side again, as a way to redeem himself and his troops. He sees that he was misguided and helps Terre D'Ange in the battle by leading the way. He and most of his men are killed, but in the eyes of the D'Angelines they died redeemed heroes.
For the plan to attack the invaders and save the Queen to succeed, they must notify the Queen's troops of their mission. However, the whole invading army stands between them. Phedre knows that thousands of her people will die for every minute it takes the Queen's troops to figure it out. She takes it upon herself to deliver the message to the Queen, knowing it will cost her her life. She is willing to sacrifice herself for her people.
"That which yields is not always weak."
Phedre journeys far in her quest to save her people. Many people place their hope in her and believe that she can make things better. In Skaldia, she is a slave, owned by the head tribesman. In Alba, she is the Queen's emissary. Everywhere she goes, she comes to love the people around her and they care for her. She convinces a prince to go to war, soldiers follow her. She gives them hope and something to fight for.
She leads an army across the ocean to fight for Terre D'Ange. The invaders have laid siege to the Queen and her troops. Phedre convinces the traitor that let the invaders in to Terre D'Ange to fight on their side again, as a way to redeem himself and his troops. He sees that he was misguided and helps Terre D'Ange in the battle by leading the way. He and most of his men are killed, but in the eyes of the D'Angelines they died redeemed heroes.
For the plan to attack the invaders and save the Queen to succeed, they must notify the Queen's troops of their mission. However, the whole invading army stands between them. Phedre knows that thousands of her people will die for every minute it takes the Queen's troops to figure it out. She takes it upon herself to deliver the message to the Queen, knowing it will cost her her life. She is willing to sacrifice herself for her people.
"That which yields is not always weak."
