Although Donaldson's fictive world of the Land is alien to readers, the ideas which he explores there are not: they are the standard ones addressed in all good fantasy. In the Land people live in harmony with their environment, taking sustenance from it, giving reverence and respect in return. Unlike people of Covenant's world, they have pledged fealty to the Land and live in service to it. Covenant must learn to share this respect and accept this obligation. Furthermore, Covenant must come to terms with his disease — leprosy (which, interestingly enough, is "cured" in the health-giving Land).

This illness itself mirrors his spiritual erosion, and Donaldson explores what it takes for a person to choose to be "well," physically, emotionally, spiritually, and communally. In his "real" world Covenant has opted out, forsworn or been denied any but the most minimal of forms of human contact...