As one of the titular words of the book, nettle is a symbol that assists with explaining the importance of resilience, supporting the theme The Importance of Grit. Marra’s first impossible task of weaving with nettles forces her to endure significant pain. She tells herself that her pain does not even compare to the pain suffered by her sister. The willingness to sacrifice comfort and endure pain defines Marra and her family. They suffer for their people.

Marra’s hands recall the pain of that task throughout the novel when she faces choices that will cause her pain but help others, such as in the goblin market and the godmother’s house. She willingly accepts this pain to achieve her goal. The nettles serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of pain. Marra overcomes pain, supporting Kingfisher’s argument that heroes must have grit.

As the other titular word, bone serves as a symbol for resistance, further supporting the theme of The Importance of Grit. Marra begins the novel perched on a pit of bones, constructing Bonedog. She resists despair and the curse of the land around her, determined to do the impossible.