Berserk Button: Referring to him as a 'flathead' or even mentioning the Clan around him at all will send him into a truly frightening rage.

Jondalar knew his mate was very familiar with the huge felines. "Ayla knows cave lions," he said. "Perhaps we should ask her what she thinks." Joharran nodded in her direction, asking the question silently. In the ancient days when the weather spirits were honored, roles within the Clan had not yet become so markedly differentiated by sex—for example, women still hunted alongside the men when they didn't have little children who needed their care. At this time, women were also the ones in charge of the spiritual life of the Clan. Because they once controlled access to the spirit world, and because the ceremonies involved begging the Clan spirits in what could be considered an unmanly fashion, Clan tradition holds that should a woman see one of the men's religious ceremonies, the clan in which this occurred would suffer disaster. When a ceremony invoking the weather spirits is held to sanction Ayla's hunting, especially strong protection was required for the men, both to guard against the presence of a female at the ceremony and because the ancient spirits were feared as much as they were honored in the days when they were worshiped. Ayla's subsequent accidental observation of one of the highest ceremonies at the Clan Gathering is interpreted by Creb to foretell doom for the entire Clan of the Cave Bear, as those ceremonies have meaning for all the clans of the Clan, even those not present at the Gathering. The release of Land of Painted Caves was heavily promoted. More than any previous book. In Australia billboards promoted the release.Love Cannot Overcome: Although she loved him, she amicably ended things with her second mate Dalanar because they couldn't reconcile their differences. Though it's never explicitly mentioned what went wrong, it's implied she found him overbearing, whilst he felt she didn't really need him around. Iron Lady: She's tough and authoritative, and isn't afraid to exercise her power if someone gets out of line. R]eaders who enjoyed the previous volumes will relish the opportunity to re-enter pre-history one last time.”– Publishers Weekly Zelandonii-after all, some leaders were women, including, at one time, Joharran and Jondalar's mother-such behavior from a woman would not have been tolerated in the Clan, the ones who raised her. Freudian Excuse: His mother died when he was young, he was raised by an uncaring relative and bullied and ostracized for being a 'child of mixed spirits'. As a result, he's not only got anger and trust issues, but despises the Clan, blaming them for his misfortune.

Cool Old Lady: Though she's more middle-aged than elderly, she’s emotionally intelligent, supportive and a strong role model. Connected All Along: It turns out she was once very close friends with S'Armuna, the shaman of the Three Sisters Camp who Ayla and Jondalar meet in The Plains of Passage (who Marthona knew as Bodoa before she gave up her name). Awful Wedded Life: With his mate, Tremeda. He reveals in the last book that they haven’t slept together for many years (not since his first child was born) and the only thing they seem to have in common anymore is a shared love of alcohol. He leaves her at the end of the last book. Catch-22 Dilemma: This arises due to her not having waited for First Rites and consequently gotten pregnant. She wants to mate Peridal, the boy she had sex with, but she can't be mated until she's formally had her Rites. Some people are opposed to this though, because she's clearly already been sexually active. The zelandonia resolve the matter by arranging for her to have her Rites with the other girls and then letting her mate Peridal at the Matrimonial a few days later.

Lanidar

A boy from the Nineteenth Cave who has a deformed arm. He’s determined to prove himself and become independent in spite of this. Maya Mavjee, president and publisher of the Crown Publishing Group, said “The Land Of Painted Caves is a brilliant achievement by one of the world’s most beloved authors. Jean M. Auel’s millions of fans, who have been eagerly awaiting the next installment of the epic story of Ayla and Jondalar, will not be disappointed by this stirring and satisfying finale.” Auel’s longtime agent Jean Naggar added: “Once again, the launch of this latest book in Jean Auel’s unique series promises to be an international extravaganza. Working with this extraordinary author and series from its beginnings has been a great personal and professional pleasure. The Land Of Painted Caves is a triumph and a wonderful read.” [ citation needed] Manipulative Bitch: Though she never really bothers with her children, she's not above using them to guilt-trip people into helping her for the sake of her "poor, hungry children". Marona calls Zelandoni (Zolena) a "fat old woman". Zelandoni simply points out that she herself was once considered the most beautiful woman in the Ninth Cave and is living proof that no one stays young and beautiful forever. In the meanwhie, she's become the Zelandonii equivalent of The Pope and is respected by all, whereas most people agree that, aside from looking hot, Marona has few positive traits. Jennifer S. Baker (January 1, 2014). The Readers' Advisory Guide to Historical Fiction. American Library Association. ISBN 978-0-8389-1165-5 . Retrieved November 23, 2016.

The Leader: He’s the leader of the Ninth Cave. He inherits his leadership skills from his mother and father, who were both leader before him; it's indicated he learnt from Marthona in particular (seeing as his father died when he was too young to properly remember him) and his leadership style is reminiscent of her's. Joharran took a deep breath, then looked at his fair-haired brother. "Your mate is right, and you as well, Jondalar. Perhaps now is the time to let those lions know they are not welcome to settle down so close to our homes." Meaningful Name: Her name sounds a bit like Martha, which means "lady" or "mistress of the house", which is fitting for Marthona, a gracious and composed woman who was once a leader and still holds a prominent position in her society. Birds of a Feather: With Lanoga. They’re both overlooked or judged for things beyond their control (Lanoga for having crappy parents, Lanidar for his crippled arm).Freudian Excuse: Her mother was very neglectful and uninterested in raising her properly, basically letting her do whatever she wanted and never showing her affection. Practically Different Generations: She's ten-years-old in The Shelters of Stone and her youngest sibling Lorala is only a baby. Consequently, Lanoga takes it upon herself to care for her infant sister, as well as her other siblings. However, while she is a decade older she's still a child herself and so struggles to provide Lorala with the care she needs until Ayla steps in.

Jondalar frowned at his brother, then grinned sheepishly. "Yes she is, but, as dangerous as they are, I always hate to kill a cave lion if I don't have to. They are so beautiful, so lithe and graceful in the way they move. Cave lions don't have much to be afraid of. Their strength gives them confidence." He glanced at Ayla with a glint of pride and love. "I always thought Ayla's Cave Lion totem was right for her." Discomfited by showing his strong inner feelings for her, a hint of a flush colored his cheeks. "But I do think this is a time when spear-throwers could be very useful." Love Triangle: Fancied he was in one with Jondalar, for Zolena. She barely looked twice at him, which he didn’t take well. Before they reached the fork in the trail a young woman near the front suddenly stopped, her eyes opening wide as she stood perfectly still, staring ahead. She pointed with her chin, not wanting to move. "Look! Over there!" she said in a hissing whisper of fear. "Lions!"This article possibly contains original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. ( May 2020) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)