Burial Oil

The oil that Zelie drops is a symbol of her inability to hold onto the things she cherishes. She is constantly losing those she loves, and her heart feels broken because of it. When she tries to put her father to rest, the burial oil slips out of her hands and shatters.

Scars

The scars on Zelie's back are a symbol of racism and hatred. King Saran carves the word "maggot" onto her skin, and whenever she sees the scar or thinks about the scar, she experiences extreme panic.

Majicite Gas

The majicite gas is a symbol of destruction. The queen concocts the poison in order to gain an advantage over the maji, who react to the substance like kryptonite.

Food

The food is a symbol of peace and friendship. When the majis burn Inan's offering, they reject his attempt at reconciliation and start a...