The bronze bow
The bronze bow is a symbol that represents the relentless will and love of God that enables the individual to do impossible deeds, such as bending a bronze bow. Daniel, Thacia and Joel make a vow upon this symbolism to promise that their will to fight for their people and their friendship can never be broken. Daniel learns through Jesus at the end the true meaning of the bronze bow, true strength that lies in forgiveness and love.
Chains
Chains are a motif present in the literal and symbolic way. The Roman chains literally trap the Jewish people, making them succumb to the oppression. There are also symbolic chains of fear and hate that prevent people from seeing beyond what’s literally there. Daniel is chained to Rosh with his hatred towards Romans, and feels chained towards Leah out of fear and obligation. He invites the Roman soldier to his house at the end, signifying that the chains of hate are fear are replaced with love and patience.
Freedom
To Daniel, the mountain and his life with Rosh represent freedom. He soon realizes that this freedom comes with a large cost, including his family and his people he was supposed to fight for. At the end, Daniel realizes that freedom isn’t a concept that is related to things and people, but something that comes from within.
Rosh
Rosh is described as a liberator of his people, as the chosen one who will break the Roman shackles from the Jewish people. Throughout the novel, it becomes more clear what Rosh is really about, namely, himself. He doesn’t have love and compassion for his people, but uses them for his advancement and to fill his stomach. He is a symbol of corruption and hypocrisy.
