The core characters of the Deverry cycle appear under different names in various books and at various times due to being reincarnated.
The Deverry culture in the cycle is heavily influenced by Kerr’s extensive reading on both the Celts and classical Graeco-Roman society.
Having no written records by the Celts themselves, it is a matter of dispute if Ancient Celtic religion included a belief in reincarnation.
After being separated from Rhodry, Jill is abducted by Perryn, who places her under his strange spell, though Salamander eventually rescues her.
Perryn's influence causes Jill's latent dweomer abilities to manifest; she begins studying under Salamander to avoid being driven mad by supernatural forces.
When the Horsekin lay siege to Cengarn, Jill assists in the city's defence, and slays the mad Guardian Alshandra—although she dies in the act.
When his selfish actions result in the death of Brangwen, his betrothed and a woman with the potential to be a great sorceress, Nevyn swears an oath "not to rest" until he set things right.
[Rod-ree] Publicly believed to be the youngest son of Tingyr Maelwaedd, his father is in fact Devaberiel Silverhand, an elven bard—though only a handful of people know his true parentage.
When his true lineage is in danger of being discovered, Rhodry fakes his own death, and begins living among the Westfolk.
Near the end of "The Fire Dragon", Rhodry undergoes a physical transformation as Evandar strives to save his life from Raena's stabbing.
Other incarnations: Ylaena, Bellyra, Glaenara Perryn is a landless lord who survives by mooching from his relatives and by theft.
He has an unusual psychic ability which he uses to seduce women and steal horses, unaware that it consumes his life-force.
Although he has a natural talent for magic, Loddlaen is imbalanced because his foetal development was interrupted when his mother Dallandra first travels to the world of the guardians.
He is eventually driven mad by the manipulation of an evil sorcerer who wishes Rhodry Maelwaedd dead, he foments rebellion in the province of Eldidd.
Although she was initially happily married to Aderyn, she left him and their son to be with her lover, Evandar, and to pursue her work of helping the race of Guardians incarnate.
Evandar, who possesses near-limitless dweomer ability, is the leader of the Bright Court (also called the Seelie Host).
He seems to enjoy meddling in the affairs of mortals, to the point that some Gel Da Thae worship him as a god.
Evandar's younger brother, and leader of the Dark (Unseelie) Court Blind bard of the Gel da'Thae.
Her true name, Arzosah Sothy Lorezohaz, is inscribed on a ring which gives its owner the power to command her.