Themes

The fundamental theme of Serpent of Eternity is the age-old conflict between good and evil, but the story also centers on love as well as explores these other key concepts.

Identity & the search to define oneself – Anya struggles with fundamental questions about her identity.

The sense of homelessness – Linked to Anya’s search for her identity is her search for her true home. Where is her homeland? Where does she truly belong?

The Imperfection of Both Humanity and Deities – The idea that both humans and deities are imperfect is a crucial theme that is explored at length throughout the novel, and it is also a truth that Anya must ultimately face. Although she initially perceives the conflict between mortals and immortals to be a clear-cut battle between good and evil, she gradually learns that both sides have committed equally horrific deeds.

Secrecy – Anya soon discovers that her entire existence is shrouded in secrecy, and everyone around her has something to hide.

Motifs

Masks / Disguises – The idea that at one time or another we all wear masks and that fear drives us to hide behind them is a key motif employed in Serpent of Eternity. The plot often revolves around this deception. In addition, deities of African and other mythology are natural masters of disguise, and frequently assume alternate forms to commune with humans. This is the case when Kamaulu rapes and impregnates Iakouta’s mother in the form of a lightening bolt.

Monsters – In Christian medieval culture, “monster” was the word that referred to birth defects, which always implied an ominous sign from God—a sign of transgression or of bad things to come. The character Iakouta is the embodiment of this perception. Also, in keeping with this idea, the monsters that Anya must fight shape the plot and seem to represent an inhuman or alien presence in society that must be exorcised for humanity’s safety. 

Symbols

Serpent of Eternity — the protective amulet of the Epkoro Society, a mystical religious order not connected to Christianity, symbolizes the eternal cycle of renewal and is representative of the androgynous One Parent and creator deity, Olo-Amma.