Today, some recognize Cabell as one of the first contemporary writers from the South. He is also noted for his unique blending of classic myths and legends with his own imagination and is considered a pioneer of fantasy writing. The Way of Ecben is derived from the Norrovian legend upon which is based Felix Kennaston's The King's Quest, but Cabell claims that his tale clings rigorously to the queer legend's restrained, and quite unfigurative, first shaping. The story begins: It is an old tale which tells of the fighting between Alfgar, the King of Ecben, and Ulf, the King of Rorn. Their enmity took hold of them because they both desired that daughter of Thordis who was called Ettaine.