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And with Ultima came the owl. I heard it that night for the first time in the juniper tree outside of Ultima’s window. I knew it was her owl because the other owls of the llano did not come that near the house.
This quotation comes from Chapter 1, when Ultima moves in with Antonio’s family. The owl is an important aspect of Ultima’s character, as it is her tie to the spiritual and natural world, and her familiar. Throughout the novel, the owl always protects Ultima, Antonio, and Antonio’s family by guiding them, warning them, or even attacking on their behalf. Killing the owl ultimately kills Ultima as well. This early introduction to Ultima’s owl hints at both her wisdom and her powers.
For Ultima, even the plants had a spirit, and before I dug she made me speak to the plant and tell it why we pulled it from its home in the earth.
Antonio makes this observation in Chapter 4, as he follows Ultima around the llano, gathering medicinal herbs. Ultima approaches the earth as a living being, respecting every plant to the point where she explains to each herb why she must harvest it. In everything Ultima does, she recognizes the bigger picture of the universe and how her actions affect the world around her. Additionally, her llano-based spirituality is never in conflict with her attending church or praying with María. Her ability to practice multiple forms of spirituality and offer kindness to all living beings demonstrates her wisdom.
Ultima did not seem to fear him, nor the evil powers of his three daughters. Without hesitation she pushed her way through the doorway, and I followed in her wake.
This quotation comes from Chapter 10, when Ultima confronts Tenorio about the curse his daughters put on Uncle Lucas. Even knowing how dangerous he can be, Ultima doesn’t hesitate to seek out Tenorio in his own saloon, where he is likely to be surrounded with supporters. This moment shows Ultima’s unwavering courage to do what she believes is right. Because she follows her beliefs and moral compass, she can face any consequences. This moment is one of the many ways Ultima teaches Antonio moral courage: the importance of doing the right thing even when it’s frightening or dangerous.
Ultima has sympathy for people, and it is so complete that with it she can touch their souls and cure them.
Gabriel makes this observation about Ultima in Chapter 22 as he and Antonio drive to El Puerto. During their bonding conversation, Gabriel explains that he believes Ultima derives her magic from her ability to understand people. He states that she has “sympathy,” meaning that instead of reacting to people with judgment, she approaches them where they’re at. This healing approach contrasts sharply with the approach of purification and punishment that Antonio has been learning at church.
With the passing away of Tenorio and myself the meddling will be done with, harmony will be reconstituted. That is good. Bear him no ill will—I accept my death because I accepted to work for life.
Ultima makes this comment to Antonio in Chapter 22, when it becomes clear that she’s dying after Tenorio shot her owl. Even when faced with her own death, Ultima approaches the world with courage and a look at the bigger picture of the universe. She recognizes that her death will help restore the balance that has been upended by her and the Trementinas meddling with the fates of others, and therefore, she accepts it with dignity.
