The summer tree
The author figuratively uses the summer tree to symbolize endurance. When the five university students arrive in Fionavar, Paul takes a challenge with the High King in a chess game where he losses and becomes skilled in determining the price of power. Later, the king sends Paul to the summer tree to test his endurance. Paul learns that surviving under the summer tree requires fortitude, and he proves to the king that he is a worthy competitor.
Celtic Studies
A Celtic study is a symbol of adventure. Professor Lorenzo comes to Toronto university to be a Canadian academic. Still, his primary purpose is to take five students with him into the foreign land of Fionavar to celebrate the king's 50th anniversary and also aid in solving the complexity of the evil spirits that have lived under the mountains for ages. The students are excited after a Celtic study, and the five look forward to exploring the new kingdom where their knowledge is required to make a positive change.
