Transformation Quotes in Stardust

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

The old man pulled free of his sons, and stood straight and tall, then. He was, for a heartbeat, the lord of Stormhold who had defeated the Northern Goblins at the battle of Cragland's Head; who had fathered eight children […] who had killed each of his four brothers in combat, before he was twenty years old. (3.29)

The Lord of Stormhold used to be one impressive dude. He won a battle against some goblins, took on his four older brothers who were also accomplished warriors, and might've been great in the sack to boot since he fathered so many children. But then he got old, and now he's on his deathbed. For a moment, though, he embodies his former self, the warrior-king, as he prepares to pass on his legacy.

Quote #2

In the cottage, two old women stared, envy and hope mixing in their faces, at a tall, handsome woman with black hair and dark eyes and red, red lips. (3.88)

The eldest of the Lilim, the witch-queen, is chosen to eat up their remaining youth and go in search of the star. She gets the right to transform her body into a younger version of itself, which makes her sisters (who have to stay old until she brings back the star's heart) super jealous.

Quote #3

She snapped her fingers, and Brevis and the billy goat hastened to stand between the shafts of her cart; and Brevis was surprised to notice that he was walking on four legs, and he seemed to be no taller than the animal beside him. (4.195)

The witch-queen is an accomplished transformation-worker apparently, since she effortlessly changes Brevis into a goat without him even really noticing. Then again, we're not sure how noticeable it would be in the first place, not having undergone it ourselves.