Kingdom of the Wicked

One of the most salient themes of Kingdom of the Wicked is conveyed through the phrase “as above, so below” that is repeated several times throughout the work (320). Emilia first encounters the phrase in Latin while she is under Lust’s influence in Chapter 34: “Inferus sicut superus” (265); though it is referenced in the Prologue first to foreshadow the prophecy. The phrase refers to balance between the human and demon realms, suggesting that what is incurred in the human realm (above) will be reflected in the demon realm (below). Its meaning has broader implications, however, and refers also to the idea that one’s choices made in the physical world reflect personal development within. Stated more simply, the phrase signifies the importance and inevitably of balance. 

As soon as signs of the Wicked show in Sicily, Emilia feels trapped by the limits of the dichotomous worldview Nonna Maria has taught her. Emilia’s worldview is at odds with both her heritage as a Shadow Witch and her experiences with Wrath: If the Wicked and their associates are evil and harm others, then Emilia’s positive perception of her ancestral heritage and interactions with Wrath are both invalidated. As she negotiates the situations around her, Emilia enacts a greater sense of balance and understands that not only do her actions have consequences, but that no ideal outcomes exist.