Header artwork by foxyfanart
She’s captivated TikTok, she’s half of Feysand, and she’s one of SJM’s most beloved heroines. You have no idea how excited I am to dive into all that is Feyre.
Feyre Archeron, the protagonist of Sarah J. Maas' “A Court of Thorns and Roses” (ACOTAR) series, is a widely and deeply beloved character in contemporary romantic fantasy literature for a thousand reasons. We love a resilient woman who fights for what she wants, and Feyre fits the bill.
From her humble beginnings as an impoverished mortal struggling to survive, Feyre’s journey through the series takes her from love to loss to immense personal growth and self-discovery, ultimately transforming her into a formidable force.
Spoilers: This article is full of them! Even the fanart we include could spoil some plot points. If you haven’t read the ACOTAR series yet, steer clear.
Wait, how do you say her name??
First and foremost, Feyre is pronounced “FAY-ruh”, and it’s quickly established in the books that this is an older name within the folklore of the series. Thankfully, more than one character sounds it out to get used to saying her name.
So what exactly makes Feyre Archeron so special?
Feyre’s defining trait from the very beginning of the series is her fierce independence. As the youngest daughter of a once-wealthy family, she’s thrust into the role of provider after her family falls on hard times. Despite her young age, Feyre takes on the responsibility of hunting and gathering to ensure her family's survival, facing extreme hunger and danger without faltering.
Artwork by Rokii
Beneath her tough exterior, though, Feyre is incredibly compassionate, particularly toward those she loves. Her deep empathy and protective nature are most evident in her relationships with her sisters, Nesta and Elain, despite the strained dynamics between them. Often putting herself in danger to ensure the safety of her family, even when they don’t seem to appreciate her sacrifices, she becomes a protector of not just her family but her fae court.
Feyre’s courage is undeniable. Time and again, she faces down enemies far stronger and more dangerous than herself, whether it’s hunting in the woods to feed her family or taking on fae warriors in the dangerous world she’s thrust into. However, despite her outward bravery, Feyre often grapples with gut-wrenching fears and insecurities. Her sense of inadequacy, particularly after the traumatic events of the first book, adds layers of vulnerability that make her all the more relatable and human, even after her transformation into a powerful fae.
As Feyre’s journey unfolds, her sense of identity evolves significantly. Initially, she views herself as little more than a mortal struggling to survive, but as she’s thrust into the fae world of Prythian, she discovers that she’s far more powerful than she ever imagined. Her identity becomes tied not just to her role as a High Fae, but to her newfound powers and the alliances she forms. This evolution is central to her character arc, making her a symbol of empowerment and growth.
She sounds like a badass, but what motivates Feyre?
Though her relationship with her sisters is complicated, especially with Nesta, Feyre’s actions are often driven by her need to shield her family from harm. Even when she enters Prythian for the first time in “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” she’s constantly looking for ways to ensure their safety. This drives many of her early decisions, including her willingness to bargain with dangerous people like the High Lord of the Spring Court and risk her life to ensure her family’s survival.
Artwork by Rokii
Beyond her protective instinct, however, Feyre craves freedom. After years of living in poverty and feeling trapped in her role as her family's provider, she longs for autonomy and control over her own fate. This dream only intensifies when she becomes more involved with the fae courts, and by the time she realizes she’s traded one cage for another, her trauma cripples her ability to fight back, though her desire for freedom remains constant.
Which brings us to her love life, a major arc of the ACOTAR narrative. If you snuck past the spoiler alert, we’re about to majorly spoil Book 2!
While it starts with a relationship with Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court, who offers her a sense of safety and protection, as their relationship evolves, Feyre begins to understand that true love isn’t about control or possession. It’s about partnership and mutual respect, something Tamlin struggles to give her.
Her eventual relationship with Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court, becomes a central part of her journey toward finding a place where she truly belongs.
But romantic love and blood family aren’t the only connections Feyre holds dear. Once she bonds with Rhysand’s Inner Circle of friends and confidantes in “A Court of Mist and Fury,” there is nothing that can keep her from protecting and defending Mor, Cassian, Azriel, and Amren.
Feyre’s journey through the series
“A Court of Thorns and Roses”
After killing a faerie wolf in the woods, she’s taken to the fae realm by Tamlin as retribution for murdering one of his people. Initially, Feyre’s motivations are centered around survival and protecting her family, but as she spends time in the Spring Court, she begins to feel a connection to Tamlin and his world.
However, she soon learns that Prythian is cursed, and she must undertake dangerous tasks to save Tamlin and the rest of the fae from the evil Amarantha. While she ultimately succeeds, it isn’t without paying a terrible price. (MAJOR SPOILER, I mean it!) She dies in the process and is resurrected by the combined power of all seven of Prythian’s High Lords, transforming her into a High Fae herself.
This book establishes Feyre as a survivor and a protector, but it also introduces the trauma she carries from her experiences under Amarantha’s control, a theme that will continue to shape her in the following books.
“A Court of Mist and Fury”
The second book in the series, “A Court of Mist and Fury” (ACOMAF), is where Feyre’s true transformation begins. Struggling with the emotional aftermath of the events Under the Mountain against Amarantha, Feyre is trapped in what she discovers to be a toxic relationship with Tamlin, who becomes increasingly controlling and overprotective. This book explores Feyre’s battle with depression and PTSD, giving readers a raw and honest portrayal of her internal struggles.
Feyre’s journey takes a dramatic turn when she escapes to the Night Court and begins a new life under Rhysand’s protection. Here, she flourishes. Instead of being confined and stifled, Feyre is given the space and freedom to grow into her powers and find her true identity. Rhys helps her understand that she’s not a pawn or a victim. She’s powerful, capable, and worthy of love and respect.
Artwork by Charlie Bowater
This is also where we meet a few of my very favorite characters (Mor, I love you) and Prythian’s best kept secret, the hidden city of Velaris. Rhys’s tightly knit circle of Night Court allies and friends quickly become a support system for Feyre with Cassian and Azriel taking her under their wings (literally) to teach her the combat skills Tamlin kept her from exploring.
By the end of the book, Feyre has fully embraced her role as High Lady of the Night Court, standing as an equal to Rhys and preparing to take on the looming threats to her world.
“A Court of Wings and Ruin”
In the third book (ACOWAR), Feyre returns to the Spring Court as a Night Court spy, using her newfound power and cunning to gather information on Tamlin and the approaching war. This book is filled with action and political intrigue, but at its heart, it’s about Feyre’s determination to protect her loved ones and her world from the impending threat of Hybern. Watching my girl flex her power is so satisfying.
No longer the fearful girl who was taken to the fae realm in the first book, she’s now a powerful and confident leader. She plays a pivotal role in the war against Hybern, and though the cost is high, Feyre’s bravery and leadership help turn the tide in favor of the Night Court and their allies.
“A Court of Frost and Starlight”
Artwork by Charlie Bowater
After three books full of action, drama, and war, this cozy novella is a welcome reprieve. Set during the winter solstice, which also happens to be Feyre’s birthday, this novella (ACOFAS) is a quieter, more introspective exploration of Feyre’s life after the war. She grapples with the trauma of the battle and the loss of those close to her, but she also finds solace in her relationship with Rhysand (#feysand) and her role as the High Lady of the Night Court.
This short transitional book is more about healing and finding peace after so much chaos and conflict, showing Feyre’s softer side while giving some necessary weight to the toll her journey has taken on her mental health.
“A Court of Silver Flames”
Though ACOSF focuses primarily on Feyre’s oldest sister, Nesta, Feyre’s role as a High Lady, a sister, and a partner remains significant. She’s no longer the sole focus of the narrative, but her presence as a powerful, nurturing leader who’s overcome immense challenges is undeniable even as she and Nesta struggle to find their footing in a complicated and strained relationship.
Feyre leaves a lasting impact on the romantasy world
Feyre Archeron’s journey throughout the ACOTAR series is one of transformation and empowerment. Her character arc is deeply relatable, and Feyre serves as both a powerful figure in the fae world and a symbol of strength and perseverance for readers.
Even in the face of overwhelming odds, her journey is a reminder that true strength often lies in our ability to explore our vulnerabilities and fight for the things we love.
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