In this novel Alexander continues his effective combination of mythic and realistic elements. In addition he combines the contrary modes of tragedy and comedy. An outstanding example is his handling of the idea of fate in the final episodes. For the most part, fate has catastrophic events in store. But the three fates who have the evil cauldron in their keeping are not portrayed in the solemn manner one would expect, but rather are depicted as a comic trio of women, a parodic version of the three classical fates. Named Orddn, Orwen, and Orgoch, they are offered as dumpy little women with a disconcertingly cheerful manner. Their speech is filled with exquisite expressions of endearment, creating a humorous incongruity between their clearly menacing powers and their appearance of harmless and chatty feather-brained women.