From the start of her journey to the end, altars play an important role as the novel progresses. From the altars that Much-Afraid builds herself along the way—in a narrative parallel to the altars that Abraham builds on his journey from his homeland to the land promised to him by God—to the final altar provided by the mysterious priest in the mountain grave, altars mark the moments in which Much-Afraid is called to sacrifice something. In most instances, it is Much-Afraid’s own will that is asked in sacrifice, symbolizing her constant submission to the will of the Shepherd that draws her out of herself and allows her to be united to the Shepherd in his love for her and his desire to transform and heal her.