Children of Blood and Bone (2018) is a young adult novel by Tomi Adeyemi, a Nigerian American author. It is the first book in a trilogy and follows Zelie Adebola’s journey to restore magic in the Kingdom of Orisha, where her people have been oppressed. Determined to set her people free, Zelie uses various symbols throughout the novel. The snow leopanaire, for example, represents freedom to many, but in truth, it signifies King Saran’s absolute rule.
The snow leopard is a powerful symbol of complete control, as it strikes fear in the hearts of those it rules over. King Saran chose the royal seal in order to assert his dominance following a brutal attack. This attack serves as a reminder of the genocide that targeted the magical beings known as maji in Orisha. In this land, individuals with white hair – regardless of their noble use of magic, such as healing – are ruthlessly killed. Ever since this devastating attack, magic has been strictly prohibited and disappeared from Orisha. King Saran exploits the fear associated with the royal seal to oppress and eradicate any signs of rebellion among the maji, using it as a symbol of death for magic users within Orisha.
The snow leopanaire serves as a symbol of purity, representing the nobility in Orisha who are considered untainted by magic and gods, making them the epitome of humanity. This highlights the entrenched caste system in Orisha, which results in dehumanization and injustice. A striking example of this dehumanization can be seen in Lagos, where diviners are compelled to reside on the capital’s streets. Witnessing the harsh conditions, Zelie expresses her despair and resentment towards the prevailing state, stating, “The vibrant protest defies the title of slum, an ember of beauty where the monarchy sees none.” (Adeyemi, 2018, p. 52). This further exemplifies the complex relationship between Orisha’s people and the caste system, as the nobility derogatorily regard the maji as “maggots” due to their disadvantaged living conditions, relegating them to second-class citizenship.
The snow leopanaire is another symbol of the monarchy’s ideology, emphasizing dehumanization and bigotry. As a deadly predator, it is designed to inspire fear and awe in the people of Orisha. This symbolizes how the monarchy maintains its power through violence and fear. The foundation of the monarchy is rooted in the massacre of an entire population, and King Saran is determined to ensure that his people never forget his authority. The color of the snow leopanaire also plays a role in shaping people’s perception of the monarchy. Unlike the previous symbol, the snow leopanaire represents cruelty and strength. While the previous symbol made everyone in Orisha feel safe, the snow leopanaire only protects the aristocracy. Amari reacts to this symbol with unease, as it represents a ruthless and pure form of power. (Adeyemi, 2018, p. 66)
Furthermore, in Africa, as well as in Orisha, the continent’s culture and mythology play a significant role in establishing authority. Orisha’s history is closely connected to the animals that inhabit it, such as Zelie’s leopanaire, Nailah. The leopard holds great importance and symbolizes dignity, ferocity, and courage throughout Africa. It is revered in numerous African civilizations and associated with royalty and kingships due to its stealth and enigmatic nature. African chiefs often wore leopard fur as a symbol of their rank and power. King Saran exploits this symbolism by using the snow leopanaire to assert his authority over his people (Selier, 2018).
Children of Blood and Bone’s storyline is intricately rooted in African religion, which holds great importance in the royal seal. Throughout the novel, various African gods and goddesses are introduced, establishing a strong connection to the maji and their ancestral lineage. However, there are nobles like Amari who refuse to acknowledge the existence of these deities. This disbelief is conveyed by their use of the exclamation “Skies!” instead of invoking any divine entity.
Furthermore, this is a way to express their disbelief in a higher power. King Saran denies the existence of gods because it doesn’t appeal to him. Religion, in his eyes, would pose a danger to his absolute rule. The nobility’s rejection of faith, on the other hand, arises from gods not fitting into a world of absolute control. Nobles do not trust in gods; instead, they believe in themselves and their own power. This comparison displays the torn relationship between the maji and the nobles as two different social ranks in Orisha.
Many authors utilize symbolism to evade direct confrontation with divisive subjects. Adeyemi employs this technique to address a potentially divisive matter in a more subtle approach. Despite drawing from African mythology and culture, the themes remain grounded in reality. The snow leopard serves as a means to highlight the oppressive systems that today’s young generation encounter. By drawing inspiration from actual societal issues like sexism and racism, she diminishes apprehension towards such symbols. Zelie and Amari, as heroines on the frontlines, play a significant role in dissolving the fear associated with this symbolism. The oppressive structures are employed as a source of motivation.
