Celaena Sardothien / Aelin Ashryver Galathynius

Quick Facts

Celaena Sardothien, later revealed as Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, is the lost Queen of Terrasen and one of the most formidable assassins in Adarlan. In Heir of Fire, she grapples with her identity and immense power. Her key relationships in this book are with Rowan Whitethorn, Chaol Westfall, and Queen Maeve.

Who She Is

At the start of Heir of Fire, Celaena is a broken shell of her former self, haunted by loss and burdened by the revelation of her true identity as Aelin Ashryver Galathynius. This novel charts her transformation from a grief-stricken assassin into a queen ready to embrace her destiny. Through brutal training, painful confrontations, and the forging of new bonds, she confronts her past, accepts her fire magic, and emerges as a leader ready to fight for her people.

Personality & Traits

Initially consumed by grief and self-loathing, Celaena masks her pain with sarcasm and defiance. However, beneath the surface lies a fierce loyalty and a growing determination to protect those she cares about. Her journey involves confronting her fears and embracing the immense power she possesses.

• Broken and Self-Destructive: Consumed by grief and guilt, she spirals into self-destructive behavior, using alcohol and violence to numb her pain. In Varese, she embodies apathy, a stark contrast to her former ambition.
• Guilt-Ridden: Haunted by Nehemia's death and her vow to free Eyllwe, she carries the weight of her past failures. This guilt fuels her self-hatred but also ignites her resolve to act.
• Defiant and Sarcastic: Despite her inner turmoil, her sharp wit and rebellious spirit remain. Her interactions with Rowan are marked by biting sarcasm and a refusal to submit to authority.
• Terrified of Her Power: She fears her fire magic, viewing it as a monstrous force that could destroy everything she touches. This fear is a central obstacle she must overcome, rooted in childhood trauma and the potential for destruction.
• Inherently Loyal and Protective: Beneath the cynicism, she possesses a deep-seated loyalty. Her vow to Nehemia pulls her from despair, and she risks everything to protect Rowan and the demi-Fae of Mistward.

Character Journey

Heir of Fire marks a pivotal point in Celaena's evolution into Aelin. She begins the novel clinging to the identity of Celaena, running from her past and responsibilities. Her time in Varese is marked by apathy, but her forced training with Rowan acts as a catalyst for change. Through shared pain and brutal training, she begins to heal and form her first true bond of found family. The news of the massacres at Endovier and Calaculla shatters her remaining defenses, forcing her to embrace her power as a weapon for her people. In the final battle at Mistward, she unleashes her fire to protect others. Her journey culminates in Doranelle, where she confronts Queen Maeve, fully stepping into her power and accepting Rowan's blood oath. She leaves Wendlyn as Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, the Queen of Terrasen, ready to fight for her kingdom.

Key Relationships

• Rowan Whitethorn: Their relationship is the cornerstone of her development. Beginning with hostility and violence, it evolves into a profound bond built on shared trauma. He becomes her carranam and the first member of her court, swearing a blood oath to her, helping her find her way back from the abyss.
• Chaol Westfall: Chaol's presence is felt through Celaena's memories and her attachment to the amethyst ring. She grapples with her love for him and her anger at his perceived betrayal. By the end of the novel, she recognizes that their paths have diverged and leaves the ring behind, symbolizing her acceptance and her need to move forward.
• Nehemia Ytger: Though deceased, Nehemia's memory is a powerful motivator for Celaena. The vow to free Nehemia's people drives her to seek out Maeve. A significant part of her healing involves processing her grief and guilt over Nehemia's death and understanding the nature of her friend's sacrifice.
• Queen Maeve: As her aunt, Maeve represents a manipulative and controlling force that Celaena must overcome. Maeve's desire to control Aelin's power forces Aelin to learn about her heritage, but ultimately, Aelin's defiance of Maeve is a crucial step in claiming her own sovereignty.

Defining Moments

• Varese:
  • After seeing Prince Galan Ashryver cheered by his people, Celaena abandons her mission and spirals into self-destruction.
  • This marks her lowest point, highlighting her feelings of worthlessness and despair.
• The Barrow-Wight Field:
  • A Valg prince forces Celaena to relive the murders of her parents and Nehemia.
  • This encounter breaks her open, forcing her to confront the pain she has suppressed for a decade.
• The Battle for Mistward:
  • After learning of the massacres at the slave camps, Celaena unleashes her power to defend the fortress.
  • She embraces her power to protect others, creating a path of fire and joining her magic with Rowan's to destroy Narrok and the Valg princes.
• Confrontation in Doranelle:
  • Aelin faces Maeve as an equal, using her power and knowledge to outmaneuver her aunt.
  • This moment signifies her growing confidence and strategic prowess.
• Accepting the Blood Oath:
  • Rowan swears a blood oath to Aelin, becoming the first member of her court.
  • This solidifies her identity as a queen and marks the beginning of her fight to reclaim her kingdom.

Essential Quotes

“It would take a monster to destroy a monster.”

This quote encapsulates Celaena's initial mindset, reflecting her willingness to embrace darkness to fight evil. It highlights her internal struggle and the sacrifices she believes are necessary to protect others.

"Because she is dead!" She screamed the last word so loudly it burned in her throat. "Because she is dead, and I am left with my worthless life!"

This raw outburst reveals the depth of Celaena's grief and guilt over Nehemia's death. It underscores her feelings of worthlessness and the immense pain she carries, driving her self-destructive tendencies.

"Once upon a time," she said to him, to the world, to herself, "in a land long since burned to ash, there lived a young princess who loved her kingdom … very much."

This poignant declaration marks a turning point in Celaena's journey. It signifies her acceptance of her identity as Aelin, the lost princess of Terrasen, and her renewed commitment to her kingdom.

He would not apologize for today, or yesterday, or for any of it. And she would not ask him to, not now that she understood that in the weeks she had been looking at him it had been like gazing at a reflection. No wonder she had loathed him.

This quote highlights the complex dynamic between Celaena and Rowan. It shows her growing understanding of their shared trauma and the deep connection they have formed, leading to a sense of acceptance and mutual respect.

She was Aelin Ashryver Galathynius—and she would not be afraid.

This powerful affirmation signifies Aelin's complete transformation. She embraces her destiny, confronts her fears, and steps into her role as queen, ready to face any challenge with courage and determination.