Aelin Rules Through Kindness by Lydia

Aelin Rules Through Kindness by Lydia - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

The character I have learned from is Aelin Galanthynius, from the Throne of Glass series. Aelin is a queen in hiding, trying to stay alive and take back her kingdom. Throughout the entirety of the series, she had one core value that kept her from losing herself: her kindness. Even though she was hiding as an assassin and was the king's champion - his top weapon, she didn't let go of her values. Her kindness is what allowed her to connect with herself and not get lost in the hatred. Aelin embodies the small acts of kindness. She would always look out for the little guy, making sure everyone felt like they had someone looking out for them. Despite what the world was making her out to be, she stayed true to herself through her kindness.

Aelin is an example to me that no kindness is too small. You never know what someone is going through, and maybe that hug or smile is what will get them through the day. Aelin was the one looking out for and releasing the other slaves; she was the one who would show mercy to strangers, and she was the one to give away clothing or her own food. While some of these aren't viable in the real world, the message is the same. We are all people going through life, and if you can lift the burden from someone else's shoulders just for a short time, then that is worth it. Aelin teaches by example to look outside yourself and be a light.