“I thought he was dead. He was sitting with his legs stretched out and his head tipped back against the wall. He was covered in dust and webs like everything else and his face was thin and pale.”
Chapter 1: Discovery
Michael, a young boy, moves into a new house with his parents and ailing baby sister. The house is old and neglected, but the garage holds a shocking secret—a strange, weak man hidden among the dust and cobwebs. Michael is both frightened and curious.
Chapter 2: The Mysterious Stranger
Michael returns to the garage with food and drink for the man, who introduces himself as Skellig. Skellig is frail, speaks in riddles, and seems otherworldly. Michael keeps his discovery a secret from his parents, who are preoccupied with his sister’s illness.
Chapter 3: Mina
Michael befriends Mina, a homeschooled girl who lives nearby. She is intelligent, loves nature, and shares his sense of wonder. When Michael tells her about Skellig, she is fascinated and insists on meeting him.
Chapter 4: Caring for Skellig
Michael and Mina bring Skellig food, medicine, and warmth. They notice strange things about him—his ability to move silently, his unusual strength, and his cryptic words. Meanwhile, Michael’s sister’s health worsens, adding to his stress.
Chapter 5: The Owl and the Angel
Mina suggests that Skellig might be an angel or a mythical creature. Skellig himself hints at being something beyond human. Michael’s sister undergoes surgery, and he clings to hope, wondering if Skellig has a role in her fate.
Chapter 6: The Transformation
Skellig grows stronger, and his true nature becomes clearer—he has wings, blending human and avian traits. He dances with Michael and Mina in the moonlight, a moment of magic and joy.
Chapter 7: The Departure
Skellig disappears, leaving behind only a feather. Michael’s sister miraculously recovers, and Michael feels a deep connection to the unseen mysteries of life. He and Mina remain friends, forever changed by their encounter.
Key Ideas
- Themes of hope, healing, and the unexplained.
- Exploration of friendship and trust.
- Blending of reality and magical realism.
- The fragility and resilience of life.
- The power of belief and wonder.
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Skellig (TV Film) | BBC adaptation starring Tim Roth. |
| 2008 | Skellig (Stage Play) | Adapted by David Almond himself. |
| 2011 | Skellig (Opera) | Composed by Tod Machover. |
Who should read this book?
- Young readers who enjoy magical realism.
- Those interested in themes of hope and mystery.
- Fans of poetic, lyrical storytelling.