Appia's death
Appia is the character who is willing to do what it takes to win. In the tournament from their childhood, he earns the ability to be crown prince by killing an animal, but in the end, he ends up murdered because of the power he attains. His death is symbolic, and it shows the complexity of getting what one desires. Although he is willing to do what it takes to get what he wants, he is completely out of control when it comes to life and death or his fate.
Densu's pacifism
On the other hand, Densu is innocent. He doesn't kill, nor does he harm others. He is unlike Appia in this way, but still he gets blamed for the murder. This symbolizes the unlikeliness of pacifism because no one will believe he is truly pacifistic. His pacifism is an alternative to the normal pursuit of desire. He could have had anything he wanted by only killing once, but he symbolically declines. That refusal symbolizes the essence of his character.
Damfo, the helper
Damfo is an archetypal hero in Densu's life, because he helps show Densu another kind of power. He shows Densu the art of healing, awakening Densu's own powers for healing. Densu the healer can now follow in Damfo's example, to revive the dead, and to make evil people good again by gifting with knowledge and wisdom. Damfo is archetypal because he fills a role in the hero's life that the hero needs, by design. This healer is also a healer of the hero, because he cleanses the hero of misunderstandings and brings his true identity to life.
Race and dance
The issue of race comes at the end when "colored people" take over the kingdom by magical dance. The question raced by this is obvious—what does racism mean in the story? Racism is the force that keeps the two apart, and in light of the "colored people" invasion, the kingdom is exposed for all its racist efforts to disenfranchise that community. By dance, they obey the nature of their creation, overcoming the white people who only obey social construct. This is the novel's depiction of racism.
Densu's journey
Densu's journey is archetypal as well, making him a hero. He departs from his community into the dark woods of the chaotic wilderness, a realm in which he is tested, expanded, and grown. His journey takes him into the unknown where he has to figure out who he will be. Although he has obligations, he also depends on helpers in his quest, and his return to the kingdom comes with reunion and power. He is able to bring his full self to the present moment, making him a qualified leader. His magic power is healing.
