Alanna of Trebond
Protagonist of Song of the Lioness fantasy quartet; a girl who becomes a knight
Alanna of Trebond is the central character of Tamora Pierce's 'Song of the Lioness' series, consisting of four novels published between 1983 and 1988. Born in the fictional kingdom of Tortall, Alanna rebels against societal expectations by disguising herself as a boy named 'Alan' to pursue her dream of becoming a knight—a path forbidden to women in her world. Throughout the series, she trains as a page and squire under the mentorship of the knight Coram, faces magical challenges, and discovers her own magical abilities as a healer and warrior. Alanna's character arc encompasses her struggle with identity, her romantic entanglements, and her ultimate achievement of knighthood despite systemic opposition. The series has been celebrated for its groundbreaking representation of female protagonists in fantasy literature, featuring a heroine who is flawed, ambitious, and multidimensional. Alanna became an iconic character for young readers, particularly girls, providing an early example of feminist fantasy literature. Her name has influenced naming trends among fantasy enthusiasts and remains a touchstone in young adult fantasy literature.
Fictional Character
Fictional
Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce
Thinking about the name
Alanna
Irish origin
“A graceful feminine form of Alan, Alanna combines the peaceful Gaelic root with the elegant -anna suffix, creating a name that feels both classic and distinctly feminine. Popular in Irish and Scottish cultures, Alanna has been borne by literary and historical figures, giving it substance beyond its lyrical sound. The name suggests sophistication, kindness, and cultural awareness.”