A Prayer for the Crown-Shy

“And to that end, welcome comfort, for without it, you cannot stay strong.”

The last line of the prayer that serves as the epigraph to the book informs one of the most important lessons Sibling Dex must learn as a monk devoted to Allalae, the God of Small Comforts. Although Dex is devoted to serving others by providing tea and counsel, they are reluctant to accept comfort from others. The Role of Mutual Exchange and Reciprocity for common benefit is an important theme throughout the book.

“If you’re focused on moving from sign to sign, there’s no opportunity for happy accidents. But I suppose I’ve rarely had clear destinations in mind before now. In the wilds, I simply go places.”

In this scene, Dex focuses on and shows appreciation for signs directing them to the village of Stump, but they are also in search of a more spiritual sign to help guide them in life. Here, Mosscap is telling Dex that in its experience, the journey is just as important as the destination, at least in The Search for Existential Purpose.

“‘What do humans need?’ was the impossible question that had driven Mosscap to wander out of the wilderness on behalf of robot-kind.”

A question first introduced in A Psalm for the Wild-Built provides the motivation for Mosscap’s journey. However, because the question is “impossible,” that is, it has no answer, it becomes increasingly rhetorical as the journey continues. What seems like a simple question becomes increasingly difficult as Mosscap learns that people’s needs cannot always be met by simply doing tasks for them.