The Ever King

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains references to abuse and violence.

The serpent is a motif that loosely supports the overarching themes of Breaking Cycles of Violence and The Tension between Tyranny and Compassionate Leadership. Throughout the narrative, the term “serpent” is a nickname that Livia uses for Erik in reference to the tale that she read to him when they were children. L.J. Andrews uses this nickname as the title of every chapter that is told from his perspective. Combined, the symbolic effect of the word positions Erik in the allegory of Livia’s tale as the menacingly nefarious antagonist who will either kill and devour her (per the original ending of the tale) or find a happily-ever-after future with her (per her revised version of the story). Although the nickname is initially used in a tone of disdain, it quickly and ironically evolves to reflect the growing intimacy between the two main characters. The serpent image also comes to represent the Ever ship and its history as the personal ship of the Ever kings.