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Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Skellig, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Weakness, Strength, and Hardship
Curiosity, Nature, and Transformation
Love, Empathy, and Caregiving
Imagination, Magic, and Faith
Summary
Analysis
Late that night, Michael and Mina go to the “Danger” house, bringing 27 and 53 and beer. On the way, Michael tells Mina Mum’s dream. Mina says that the dream proves that Skellig will always protect them. Whisper appears. Mina says that the chicks have flown up to the hedge where the cat can’t reach them. The attic is empty when they arrive; by the window are several small dead creatures. Michael and Mina sit on the floor to wait. Michael has Mina feel his heart. Mina hears nothing. Then, concentrating hard, she hears the baby’s heart beating in Michael’s. Michael and Mina sing William Blake songs.
This scene shows how the creatures in Michael and Mina’s life are steadily gaining strength. Significantly, as the grow stronger, these creatures make their way back to Michael and Mina after the period of distance that marked the pivotal moments in the transformation of each. As the baby grows stronger, her heartbeat returns to Michael’s heart; similarly, Michael and Mina—in bringing beer and food—know that Skellig will be there whereas before they had been sure he was gone for good.
Themes
It gets late, and Michael and Mina decide they should go. Just then, there is a swoosh, and Skellig lands on the windowsill. Climbing through and folding his wings, he smiles and greets Michael and Mina. Michael presents the food they brought. Skellig eats, saying it is a “banquet” compared to dead mice. He calls Michael and Mina angels. When Michael says that Skellig went to see the baby, Skellig says that the baby has a heart of fire and that she gave her strength to Skellig. Skellig says he is still tired and weak, but he is getting better, thanks to owls and angels.
Significantly, the weakest characteristic of both Skellig and the baby turned out to be their greatest strength. The baby’s heart caused all of her health problems, yet the same heart had the strength to persist. Similarly, Skellig’s arthritic bones inhibited his movements, but now flight is Skellig’s great skill.
Themes
Michael, Mina, and Skellig sit in a circle holding hands. Michael asks if Skellig is going away. Skellig nods. When Michael asks what Skellig is, Skellig says he is something between a human, a bird, and an angel. The three stand and spin in a circle until wings sprout from Michael and Mina’s backs. Afterwards, Mina says they will remember Skellig forever. Skellig thanks Michael and Mina for giving him life. As they leave the attic, Skellig watches them tenderly.
Skellig finally tells Michael and Mina what he is. His answer does not confine him to one identity; instead, it reveals that he’s a hybrid of many creatures. In being an angel, a bird, and a human, Skellig connected humans and animals while also revealing a spiritual dimension that both humans and animals share.
Themes
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