Arthur Parnassus takes the ferry to Marsyas Island, where he spent his youth in the Marsyas Orphanage for magical children. Filled with self-doubt after suffering terrible abuse at the orphanage, he longs to simply transform into his phoenix form and fly away from the place forever. He can tell from the attitude of Merle, the ferry operator, that the mainland townsfolk still view the island with fear and suspicion. Still, he’s determined to stay and accomplish his mission of reopening the orphanage to provide a better home for magical children than the one he himself once had. As he walks the long road toward the now-abandoned orphanage, he finds trees blocking his path. He gently touches one, addressing Zoe, the island sprite that animates them. He assures Zoe that he will not proceed without her permission. Zoe removes the trees from the road, and Arthur approaches the large house for the first time in 28 years. The house has been badly neglected. Arthur decides that he will take up residence in the more recently built guest house nearby while he rehabilitates the main house. He does not explore the cellar at the back of the house; he knows it too well, having been held there in darkness and isolation as a child by the orphanage’s cruel director.