Homeland (Salvatore novel)

Homeland is a fantasy novel by American author R. A. Salvatore. It is the first book in The Dark Elf Trilogy, which serves as a prequel to The Icewind Dale Trilogy. The story traces the life of Drizzt Do'Urden from his birth and early years among the drow, or dark elves. The setting is Menzoberranzan, the drow city that is Drizzt's homeland, and the narrative follows his struggle to uphold his own moral code within a brutal, competitive society where such values are dangerous.

Plot summary

Drizzt is born into the ninth noble house of Menzoberranzan, Daermon Na'shezbaernon, commonly called House Do'Urden. His mother is Malice, the house's Matron Mother, and his father is Zaknafein, the house weaponmaster and occasional patron. Because he is the third son, drow tradition demands his sacrifice to the goddess Lolth. However, during his birth, his older brother Nalfein is killed by a member of House DeVir in a battle that elevates House Do'Urden to the ninth rank.

This makes Drizzt the second son, sparing his life. Growing up in a matriarchal society, Drizzt endures considerable mistreatment from his family, especially his eldest sister Briza, during his first sixteen years. His first decade is spent as a page prince under the care of his sister Vierna. Though she is not kind, Drizzt later recalls some affection for her because they share Zaknafein as their father.

As a child, Drizzt shows remarkable reflexes and coordination. Zaknafein convinces Malice to let Drizzt train as a warrior instead of replacing Nalfein as the house wizard. At sixteen, Drizzt begins weapons training, learning skills that will make him one of the most formidable swordsmen in the Underdark and Faerûn. At twenty, he enters the Academy, specifically Melee-Magthere, Menzoberranzan's warrior school.

He excels in his studies despite resisting the masters' attempts at brainwashing. When no one in his class can defeat him, the masters match him against students three years ahead; he beats them easily. His time at the Academy would be perfect by drow standards except for the graduation ceremony. He disgraces himself by refusing to participate in a ritual, rejecting the advances of two high priestesses (including his sister Vierna), and denouncing Lolth.