Ryan L.
asked • 01/11/20The NeverEnding Story
In The NeverEnding Story novel Atreyu and Falkor have this exchange and I’ve always wondered what it meant, was this clear to everyone but me?
Falkor," Atreyu asked, "do you suppose the Childlike Empress cares what becomes of Bastian?"
"Maybe not," said Falkor. "She draws no distinctions."
"Then," said Atreyu, "she is really a. . .”
"Don't say it," Falkor broke in. "I know what you mean, but don't say it.”
What was he going to say? She really is a villain? Impartial?
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1 Expert Answer
Emily M. answered • 01/24/20
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Professor of Writing and English Literature.
This is definitely not clear to everyone! People wonder about this passage all the time. It is a good example of the author leaving something up to the reader to fill in. It wouldn't be worthwhile if everyone came up with the same answer all the time. However, there are popular theories. One common interpretation, which is supported by the grammatical structure of the original German version of the book, is that he was going to say "monster."
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Desiree K.
One of my favorite stories! My interpretation-The Childlike Empress never judged anyone. ("no distinction"). In her eyes all her subjects were equal whether good or bad-they all owed their very existence to her existence. Fantastica is founded on the duality of good and evil - light and dark. The Empress has the appearance of kindness and light, while her methods for ruling Fantastica are quite dark. But what does Atreyu wish to state about the Empress?..... In my opinion, he thinks of the Empress as a Monster....the duality theme arising again. Atreyu/Hero in contrast to Empress/Monster. Heroes and monsters cannot exist without the other! I found this in Chapter 17: "A hero like Hynreck," said Hydorn, "is really to be pitied in a world without monsters. See what I mean?" No, Bastian didn't see. Not yet at any rate. "Monsters," said Hykrion, winking at Bastian and stroking his huge moustache, "monsters are indispensable if a hero is to be a hero." Again, this is my opinion. The author purposely creates the ambiguous sentence for you to interpret as you see fit. Great Question!!!01/14/20