A successful discussion of The Queen of Air and Darkness probably should begin with its ideas. What are the notions of freedom that the novella explores? What advantages does the presentation of medieval myth offer?

Anderson's use of medieval myth in his science fiction story indicates his respect for the power of folklore to influence people; his presentation of people who half believe that there are fairies in the woods is credible, perhaps because his audience is likely to feel — if not understand — the powerful tug on their imaginations of long-held cultural beliefs.

1. How are the kidnapped children fooled into believing in the Queen?

2. To what does the title refer? How does the reference apply to the novella?

3. Is The Queen of Air and Darkness a good example of how fantasy and science fiction can be mixed? Does the mixture make for bad writing...