The Hero and the Crown is a fantasy novel written by
Robin McKinley and published by
Greenwillow Books in
1984. It is the winner of the 1985
Newbery Medal award. The book is the prequel to
The Blue Sword, written in
1982. This story focuses on "Aerin Dragon-Killer," also known as "Aerin Firehair," the heroine who is introduced as a legendary character in
The Blue Sword. The book narrates Aerin's evolution from the shy, retiring daughter of the King of Damar to the heroic queen who protects her people from the demonic Northerners.