Summary
The Dark Is Rising is a 1973 children's fantasy novel by Susan Cooper. The second adventure in a series, this Newbery Honor book introduces Will Stanton, an 11-year-old boy who discovers he is the last of the Old Ones—immortal beings tasked with protecting the world from the forces of evil. Cooper interweaves ancient Celtic and English traditions with the legends of her native Buckinghamshire, England, creating a rich tapestry of myth, magic, and contemporary adventure.
Plot
On his 11th birthday, Will Stanton discovers he is the last of the Old Ones, immortal beings tasked with protecting the world from the forces of evil known as the Dark. As he comes to terms with his newfound powers and responsibilities, Will learns that he must embark on a quest to find six magical Signs that will aid in the ultimate battle between Light and Dark.
Unfolding during the 12 days of Christmas, Will's journey takes him through time and space as he searches for the Signs. He encounters both wonder and terror, often finding himself in different centuries and locations as he learns to harness his abilities and understand the power of the Signs. Throughout his quest, Will must navigate the rising threat of the Dark, which grows stronger as Midwinter approaches. He faces numerous challenges and confrontations with agents of the Dark, all while trying to maintain his everyday life back at home in the Thames Valley and keep his family safe from the dangerous forces at play.
As Will collects the Signs and deepens his understanding of his role as an Old One, he becomes increasingly aware of the impending conflict between Light and Dark. The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation, with Will using his newfound knowledge and the power of the Signs to stand against the encroaching evil, setting the stage for the continuing battle in Cooper’s The Dark Is Rising saga.
Themes
Coming of age and self-discovery
Conflict between good and evil
Power of ancient magic and folklore
Importance of destiny and fulfilling one's role
Balance between ordinary life and extraordinary events
Strength found in unity and teamwork
Connection between past and present
Setting
Set in the early 1970s, The Dark Is Rising unfolds against the backdrop of rural England, specifically in the Buckinghamshire countryside. The story's temporal setting spans the 12 days of Christmas, beginning on the winter solstice, which coincides with the protagonist's 11th birthday.
The novel's geographical focus is primarily on the Thames Valley region, an area rich in British folklore and ancient traditions. Susan Cooper interweaves these local legends and myths into the narrative, creating a seamless blend of the mundane and the magical within this familiar landscape.
While much of the action takes place in Will's contemporary village, the story also transcends time and space. As Will embarks on his quest for the Signs, he finds himself transported to different centuries and locations, adding a dimension of temporal and spatial fluidity to the setting. This juxtaposition of ordinary village life with extraordinary otherworldly experiences forms a crucial aspect of the novel's atmospheric setting.
Characters
Will Stanton: The protagonist and last of the Old Ones. Will discovers his magical powers on his 11th birthday and must embark on a quest to find six magical Signs to aid in the battle against the Dark. He struggles to balance his newfound responsibilities with his normal life as the youngest of nine children in a large, loving family. Will's journey of self-discovery and growth forms the core of the story.
Merriman Lyon: An ancient and powerful Old One who serves as Will's mentor. Merriman guides Will through his quest and helps him understand his new abilities and responsibilities. Stern but caring, Merriman plays a crucial role in Will's development as an Old One.
The Rider: The primary antagonist, a powerful agent of the Dark. The Rider constantly pursues Will and attempts to thwart his quest for the Signs. He is a menacing and formidable foe, embodying the evil that threatens to overwhelm the world.
Mr. and Mrs. Stanton: Will's parents, who are unaware of his magical nature. They provide a loving and stable home environment, contrasting with the supernatural dangers Will faces.
James Stanton: Will's older brother. James is protective of Will and sometimes suspicious of his strange behavior, adding tension to Will's efforts to keep his magical life secret.
Old George: A mysterious figure who assists Will on his quest. Old George appears at crucial moments to offer guidance and protection.
Quick facts
The Dark Is Rising is actually the second book in a five-part series, despite sharing its name with the overall sequence.
The book was published in 1973 and won a Newbery Honor award in 1974.
Susan Cooper was inspired to write the story after experiencing a particularly dark and stormy Midwinter's Eve.
The novel blends elements of Arthurian legend with Celtic and Anglo-Saxon mythology.
Cooper drew heavily on the folklore and landscapes of her childhood home in Buckinghamshire, England.
The protagonist, Will Stanton, shares his birthday (December 21st) with the author.
The book's iconic opening line, “This night will be bad and tomorrow will be beyond imagining,” has become famous among fans.
A film adaptation, titled The Seeker, was released in 2007 but poorly received by critics and fans alike.
The BBC produced a radio adaptation of the book in 2022, updating some of the language for modern audiences.
In 2012, The Dark Is Rising was ranked 22nd in School Library Journal's list of all-time best children's novels.
About the Author
Susan Cooper is an author best known for her five-book fantasy sequence, The Dark Is Rising. This series, which includes titles such as Over Sea, Under Stone, and The Grey King, has earned her numerous accolades, including a Newbery Medal and two Carnegie Honor Awards. Deeply rooted in Arthurian legend and Celtic mythology, Cooper's work has left an indelible mark on children's literature.
Born in 1935 in Buckinghamshire, England, Cooper began her career as a reporter for the London Sunday Times under James Bond creator Ian Fleming. She moved to the United States in 1963, where she continued to write and eventually published her first novel, Mandrake. Her writing spans various genres, including fantasy, historical fiction, and picture books for young readers. Her versatility as a writer is evident in her diverse body of work, which includes novels for both children and adults as well as screenplays. She co-wrote the play Foxfire with actor Hume Cronyn, whom she later married in 1996.
Cooper’s contributions to literature have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award in 2012 for her significant impact on young adult literature. Her most recent works include the young adult novel Ghost Hawk (2013) and the picture book The Shortest Day (2019). She lives in Marshfield, Massachusetts.
