Anathema

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, child sexual abuse, child abuse, and substance use.

Maevyth lives as an outcast in Foxglove (in Mortasia) with her adoptive family, but the parish’s oppressive social norms restrict Maevyth’s ability to find and develop her own life. She is independent by nature, but the constant risk of Banishing forces Maevyth to suppress her urge to explore and adventure. However, over the course of the novel, breaking through the Umbravale, meeting Zevander, and uncovering her true nature allow her to begin seeing herself as a powerful and independent woman.

This shift in her perception of herself is supported by the revelation that she is the last surviving Corvikae, placed in Foxglove Parish shortly after her birth. As with all Corvikae, Maevyth is protected by Morsana, the Goddess of Death. Maevyth’s character arc focuses on her transformation from a suppressed, strong-willed outcast into a powerful and confident mancer alongside Zevander.

Maevyth is the protagonist of Anathema, and she is a classic hero character. The narrative follows her journey to complete a quest to find and rescue Aleysia. She faces various challenges that improve her skills and unveil more about her past and identity.