“The Dark Is Rising” by Susan Cooper is a fantasy novel that plunges readers into a world where ancient forces of Light and Dark wage an epic battle. As the second book in The Dark Is Rising sequence, this novel delves deep into themes of destiny, power, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Set in the mid-20th century English countryside, the story weaves together elements of Arthurian legend, folklore, and myth, creating a rich tapestry that captures the imagination. With its atmospheric settings and gripping narrative, The Dark Is Rising stands out as a classic in the fantasy genre, appealing to both young readers and adults alike.

The story begins on the eve of Will Stanton’s eleventh birthday, a day that will mark his coming of age in more ways than one. Will, the youngest of a large family, has always felt ordinary, yet as his birthday approaches, strange occurrences begin to unfold. Animals start acting oddly around him, and the weather turns unnaturally cold and dark. The narrative hooks the reader by juxtaposing the everyday life of a young boy with the looming presence of something otherworldly.

On his birthday, Will discovers that he is no ordinary boy; he is the last of the Old Ones, ancient beings with the power to combat the forces of the Dark. His awakening is marked by the appearance of a mysterious iron sign, a token of his newfound power and responsibility. This sign is the first of six that Will must find to prevent the Dark from rising and plunging the world into chaos.

Will’s journey is fraught with danger as he begins to learn about his true identity and the monumental task ahead of him. Guided by Merriman Lyon, the eldest of the Old Ones, Will must navigate a world that suddenly feels alien and terrifying. The use of weather, particularly the bitter cold and encroaching darkness, symbolizes the growing power of the Dark, creating a foreboding atmosphere that permeates the novel.

Will’s quest to collect the six signs forms the backbone of the plot. Each sign represents one of the elements: iron, bronze, wood, water, fire, and stone. The journey to obtain these signs takes Will across time and space, revealing the extent of his powers and the depth of the Dark’s threat. The signs are more than mere objects; they are imbued with ancient magic that will enable the Old Ones to stave off the rising Dark.

One of the key plot points occurs when Will travels back in time to the medieval period, where he encounters the Rider, a powerful agent of the Dark. This confrontation is not only a test of Will’s courage but also his wisdom, as he must outsmart the Rider to obtain the bronze sign. The Rider is a recurring antagonist whose presence looms over Will’s journey, representing the seductive and corrupting nature of the Dark.

Another significant episode takes place during the Christmas Eve church service, where Will’s family and the entire village are present. The Dark attempts to break through the protective barriers of the church, creating a scene of palpable tension. Will, drawing on the power of the signs he has already collected, manages to repel the Dark, demonstrating his growing strength and the importance of his mission. This scene highlights the clash between the ordinary world and the supernatural, a recurring theme in the novel.

Will Stanton’s character development is central to the novel. Initially, he is depicted as a typical, somewhat shy and unsure boy, but as the story progresses, he grows into his role as an Old One. His journey is not just a physical quest for the signs but also an internal struggle to accept his destiny and the responsibilities that come with it. Will’s transformation is a testament to the theme of coming of age, a narrative thread that resonates with the reader.

Merriman Lyon, as Will’s mentor, embodies the wisdom and experience of the Old Ones. His relationship with Will is reminiscent of the archetypal mentor-student dynamic found in many fantasy novels. Merriman’s guidance is crucial to Will’s development, but he also represents the burden of knowledge, having fought the Dark for centuries.

The Rider, on the other hand, is a complex antagonist. His allure lies in his ability to manipulate and deceive, offering Will temptations that play on his insecurities. The Rider’s interactions with Will explore the theme of choice, particularly the ease with which one might fall into darkness. The Rider’s most memorable quote, “There is no good, and there is no evil. There is only power,” encapsulates the moral ambiguity that the Dark seeks to exploit.

Susan Cooper masterfully weaves elements of myth and folklore into the narrative, enriching the story’s texture and grounding it in a sense of timelessness. The novel draws heavily on Arthurian legends, with Merriman Lyon being a clear reference to Merlin. The presence of these legends serves to elevate Will’s quest from a personal journey to one of epic proportions.

One of the most poignant examples of this is when Will encounters Herne the Hunter, a figure from English folklore who represents the wild, untamed power of nature. Herne’s appearance is a turning point in Will’s quest, as it symbolizes the natural world’s alignment with the forces of Light against the Dark. The scene where Herne leads the Wild Hunt is particularly evocative, merging the primal with the supernatural in a display of raw power.

Another memorable quote from the novel, “The Light shall prevail,” is uttered by Merriman during one of the novel’s darker moments, reinforcing the idea that despite the overwhelming power of the Dark, hope remains as long as there is Light.

The climax of The Dark Is Rising occurs during the twelfth night after Christmas, a time traditionally associated with the end of the festive season and the return to ordinary life. However, for Will, this night marks the final confrontation with the Dark. The Rider, now desperate, unleashes a fierce storm, representing the full force of the Dark’s power.

Will, having collected all six signs, is now fully equipped to face the Rider. The battle is not fought with physical weapons but with the power of the signs, which represent the unity of the natural elements against the unnatural force of the Dark. The imagery of the storm and the signs’ glowing symbols creates a vivid and intense scene of struggle.

In the end, Will’s faith in the Light and his acceptance of his role as an Old One enable him to triumph. The Rider is defeated, and the storm dissipates, restoring peace to the land. This resolution is both satisfying and bittersweet, as Will realizes that his life will never be the same. The ordinary boy he once was has been irrevocably changed by the extraordinary events he has lived through.

“The Dark Is Rising” by Susan Cooper is a powerful exploration of the themes of power, choice, and the eternal battle between Light and Dark. The novel’s richly detailed setting, well-developed characters, and integration of myth and folklore make it a standout in the fantasy genre. Through Will Stanton’s journey, readers are reminded of the importance of courage, hope, and the belief that even in the darkest of times, the Light will always find a way to rise.

The novel has received critical acclaim for its literary merit and its ability to engage readers of all ages. Its relevance extends beyond the fantasy genre, touching on universal themes that resonate with contemporary issues such as the struggle against oppressive forces and the importance of unity and resilience.

In conclusion, The Dark Is Rising is not just a tale of good versus evil; it is a story about growing up, accepting responsibility, and understanding the power that lies within each individual to make a difference. As readers close the book, they are left with a sense of wonder and the lingering thought that perhaps, just beyond the ordinary, the extraordinary is waiting to be discovered.