Stories and Their Influence

Morton explores stories and their influence as she describes the way that a false story impacted Birdie even after her life was finished, and the way that the story of the Eldritch Children has impacted generations. Birdie argues that stories are even more important than jewels or other things that people believe bring them good luck. The story of the Eldritch Children and the stories told about Birdie are both examples of the power stories can hold.

Birdie says in her closing section of narration: “People value shiny stones and lucky charms, but they forget that the most powerful talismans of all are the stories that we tell to ourselves and to others” (581). Stories, such as the one about the Eldritch Children, instruct people on the way they should live, that they should protect those falsely accused and not attack another person just...