When the Moon Hatched

Hae’s Perch, the wonky moon hanging in the sky, is a symbol of Raeve/Elluin’s desire to protect others, especially those lacking the power to protect themselves. The moon stands out in the sky despite its imperfections, reminding Reave of her own protective instincts and her desire to safeguard the innocent. Though she isn’t aware of it yet due to her suppressed memories, the moon is also a source of comfort: It is her brother’s dragon and cradles him forever up in the sky, protecting him in the way Elluin had always done in life.

The wonky moon called Hae’s Perch, with its distinctive malformed wing, also represents hope and resilience amid a sky filled with tombstones—the remnants of fallen dragons. Even among such powerful creatures, the malformed dragon rises proudly and shines brightly, a beacon of hope for anyone below who feels insignificant or trapped. While in prison and believing that she’ll die the next morning, “the backs of [Raeve’s] eyes burn as [she] think[s] of that little wonky moon [she’ll] probably never see again…[she] love[s] that most of all” (213-14).

Kaan’s own tattoos further emphasize the symbolism of Hae’s Perch. His body is marked with stars and moons, including the wonky moon that Raeve cherishes.