This is a list of ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' characters. ''
The Belgariad
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
'' and ''
The Malloreon
The Malloreon is a five-part fantasy book series written by David Eddings, which follows ''The Belgariad''. The Malloreon is set in the same world as The Belgariad, but expands on several aspects of the setting, especially the eastern continent o ...
'' are two parts of a
fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving Magic (supernatural), magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by mythology and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy ...
epic written by
David Eddings
David Carroll Eddings (July 7, 1931 – June 2, 2009) was an American fantasy writer. With his wife Leigh, he authored several best-selling epic fantasy novel series, including ''The Belgariad'' (1982–84), ''The Malloreon'' (1987–91), '' The ...
and
Leigh Eddings
Leigh Eddings (30 September 1937 – 28 February 2007; née Judith Leigh Schall), was the wife of David Eddings and co-author of many of his later works and uncredited co-author of his early works, and married him 27 October 1962.
Biography
Born ...
.
Note: All of the statements (deceased, married) are written from the information by the end of the series.
Protagonists
Note: These characters are the main
protagonists
A protagonist () is the main character of a story. The protagonist makes key decisions that affect the plot, primarily influencing the story and propelling it forward, and is often the character who faces the most significant obstacles. If a st ...
to the story. There are many other minor and supporting protagonists, including some royalty.
*Garion (later
Belgarion
Belgarion (also called Garion) is a fictional character and the chief protagonist in ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'', two fantasy epics written by David Eddings.
Garion is the distant nephew of Polgara the Sorceress and the distant gran ...
), the main protagonist of the story and later the King of Riva, with the titles of Overlord of the West, Lord of the Western Sea, and Godslayer. Husband of Ce'Nedra, father of Geran and Beldaran (named after Polgara's deceased sister). Garion is called the "Child of Light" in the Mrin Codex and the Darine Codex. (Note: he is not the ''only'' Child of Light; that is a position passed from individual to individual. At one point it is Belgarath; at another, Poledra; and finally,
Eriond
This is a list of ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' characters. ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' are two parts of a fantasy epic written by David Eddings and Leigh Eddings. Note: All of the statements (deceased, married) are written f ...
.)
*Belgarath the Sorcerer, first disciple of the god Aldur and husband of Poledra. Ancestor and mentor of Belgarion. Belgarath is called the "Eternal Man", "Ancient One", and "Eternal and Beloved" in the Mrin Codex. One of the first users of the Will and the Word. The first of the prequels to ''The Belgariad'' is ''
Belgarath the Sorcerer
''Belgarath the Sorcerer'' is a fantasy novel by American writers David Eddings and Leigh Eddings. Set in the same universe as the Eddings' ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'', it is a prequel to the other series, although the framework stor ...
'', a biography of Belgarath.
*Polgara, daughter of Belgarath and Poledra, twin sister of Beldaran, called the Aunt of Belgarion. One of the prequels written for ''The Belgariad'' is ''
Polgara the Sorceress
''Polgara the Sorceress'' is a fantasy novel by American writers David and Leigh Eddings, and the twelfth in the setting of ''The Belgariad'', ''The Malloreon'' and ''Belgarath the Sorcerer''. Like the latter novel, it is presented as a first-pe ...
'', which is a biography of Polgara.
*Durnik (sometimes known as Beldurnik), a Sendarian blacksmith at Faldor's farm and later husband of Polgara. Durnik is called the "Man with Two Lives" in the Mrin Codex because he would be resurrected by Garion. He is Aldur's last disciple.
*Barak, Earl of Trellheim, cousin of King Anheg "the Sly" of Cherek. Barak is called the "Dreadful Bear" in the Mrin Codex, and transforms into a bear whenever Garion is in imminent danger.
*Silk, or Prince Kheldar of Drasnia, called the "Guide", the "Rat" and the "Thief" in the Mrin Codex. He is a skilled spy, merchant, thief, and acrobat. He is sharp-witted and cynical. Despite his status as a 'notorious bachelor' throughout the Belgariad, he eventually marries his fellow spy Velvet.
*Velvet (real name Margravine Liselle). Velvet is called the "Huntress" in the Mrin Codex. Niece to Javelin, Head of the Drasnian Intelligence, and a resourceful spy despite her demure appearance. Ultimately seduces and marries Silk.
*Ce'Nedra, Imperial Princess of Tolnedra; later the wife of Garion and Queen of Riva. Ce'Nedra is called the "Queen of the World" and the "Bride of Light" in the Mrin Codex. Later the mother of Geran and Beldaran.
*Eriond (previously Errand), a boy sent by the Prophecy to be used by Zedar to steal the Orb of Aldur. Later the adopted son of Durnik and Polgara. Became the new Child of Light and then the new God of the Angaraks. Called the 'Bearer Of The Orb' by the Dals.
*Hettar, foster-son to King Cho-Hag of Algaria and later husband of Garion's cousin Adara. Hettar is called the "Horse Lord" in the Mrin Codex due to his ability to communicate with horses. His ability to communicate with horses earns him the title "Sha-Dar".
*Lelldorin, son of the Baron of Wildantor and later husband of Ariana. Lelldorin is called the "Archer" in the Mrin Codex. Friend of Belgarion.
*Mandorallen, Baron of Vo Mandor, husband of the Baroness Nerina, champion to Princess Ce'Nedra. Mandorallen is called the "Knight Protector" in the Mrin Codex.
*Relg, an Ulgo diviner and zealot. Later the husband of Taiba of Maragor. Relg is called the "Blind Man" in the Mrin Codex because of his home in the caves of Ulgo. He has the ability to walk through solid rock.
*Taiba, a Marag slave. Later the wife of Relg. Taiba is called the "Mother of the Race that Died" in the Mrin Codex, for she is the last Marag alive and the ancestor of all subsequent inhabitants of Maragor.
*Sadi, Chief
Eunuch
A eunuch ( ) is a male who has been castrated. Throughout history, castration often served a specific social function.
The earliest records for intentional castration to produce eunuchs are from the Sumerian city of Lagash in the 2nd millennium ...
to Queen Salmissra. Sadi is called the "Man who is no Man" in the Mrin Codex. An accomplished apothecary with a large stock of chemicals, drugs, poisons, and a very small venomous snake.
*Poledra, wife to Belgarath, mother of the twins Polgara and Beldaran, ancestress of Belgarion. Poledra is called the "Woman Who Watches" in the Mrin Codex. Originally a wolf who learned to take human form after observing Belgarath.
*Zakath, Emperor of Mallorea, companion of Belgarion, and husband of Cyradis, the Seeress of Kell. Zakath is called the "Empty One" in the Mrin Codex.
*Toth (deceased), mute guide to the Seeress Cyradis. He is known as the "Silent Man" in the prophecy of the Dals.
Antagonists
Note: This section includes the three disciples of Torak, along with other major antagonists in the story.
*Agachak (deceased): Grolim High Priest of Cthol Murgos in the Malloreon. A co-conspirator in King Urgit's scheme to eliminate Zakath. Eaten by Zandramas.
*Asharak (deceased - real name Chamdar): Killer of Garion's parents; killed by Garion.
*Brill (deceased - real name Kordoch): An assassin charged with disrupting Garion's quest. Killed by Silk.
*Chabat (banished): a Grolim priestess and magician. Faced Polgara and Aldur, who banished her to Hell.
*Ctuchik (annihilated): disciple and high priest of Torak. Destroyed himself in the attempt to annihilate the Orb of Aldur.
*Dark Prophecy (overcome): Motive force against the protagonists, most of the Gods, and the Light Prophecy. Has possessed, in order: Torak (the long-time Child of Dark), an ancient Karand (first discoverer of the Sardion, eventually left in the hidden underwater cove), an early Melcene Emperor (the Sardion's transfer to Melcena), a scholar from the University of Melcene (to carry the Sardion to the Place Which Is No More), Zandramas (the new Child of Dark, upon Torak's demise), and finally Geran, Belgarion's son (the final Child of Dark).
*Harakan (deceased; also known as Ulfgar and Mengha): Grolim priest and Urvon's underling. Summoned the demon lord Nahaz, headed the Bear-Cult, and was killed by Zith, a small, deadly snake.
*Mordja (banished / poss. deceased): Totem Demon of the Morindim. Fought with Nahaz in the valley near Kell and fled from the power infused into Durnik by the God Aldur. Zandramas enticed the Demon Lord into the form of the last surviving dragon. He and his dragon host were slain by Belgarion.
*Nahaz, Demon Lord (banished): Entranced Urvon into insanity. Made a bid for either the Orb or the Sardion, but was banished by Durnik.
*Naradas (deceased): right-hand man of Zandramas. Grolim priest. His eyes are entirely white, but he is not blind. Poisoned by Sadi.
*Torak (deceased): God of Angarak. One of the seven deities who created the world. Torak prefers to be called Kal Torak ("Kal" meaning "King and God"). Slain by Belgarion.
*Urvon (deceased): disciple of Torak. Object of Beldin's endless loathing, and head of the Mallorean Church of Torak. Brought to insanity and dragged into Hell by Nahaz.
*Zandramas (metamorphosed): the Child of Dark after the death of Torak, previously a Grolim priestess. Main antagonist of the Malloreon. Changed at the climax thereof into a cluster of stars.
*Zedar (Belzedar; buried alive): disciple of Torak, but formerly a disciple of Aldur. For the change in his allegiance, Zedar is also called the Apostate. Encased alive in stone by
Belgarath
This is a list of ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' characters. ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' are two parts of a fantasy epic written by David Eddings and Leigh Eddings. Note: All of the statements (deceased, married) are written f ...
.
Royalty
*
Belgarion
Belgarion (also called Garion) is a fictional character and the chief protagonist in ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'', two fantasy epics written by David Eddings.
Garion is the distant nephew of Polgara the Sorceress and the distant gran ...
: King of Riva, Lord of the Western Sea, Godslayer, Overlord of the West, husband of Ce'Nedra, and father of Geran and Beldaran II.
*Ce'Nedra: Queen of Riva and Imperial Princess of
Tolnedra
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, and wife of Belgarion.
*Anheg: King of
Cherek
The Cherek (russian: Черек) is a river in Kabardino-Balkaria in Russia, a right tributary of the Baksan ( Terek basin). , husband of Islena, and cousin of Barak.
*Islena: Queen of
Cherek
The Cherek (russian: Черек) is a river in Kabardino-Balkaria in Russia, a right tributary of the Baksan ( Terek basin). , and wife of Anheg.
*Cho-Hag: King of
Algaria
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, husband of Silar, and foster-father of Hettar.
*Silar: Queen of
Algaria
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, wife of Cho-Hag, and foster-mother of Hettar.
*Drosta lek Thun: King of
Gar og Nadrak
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
.
*Fulrach: King of
Sendaria
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, and husband of Layla.
*Layla: Queen of
Sendaria
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, and wife of Fulrach.
*Gethel (deceased): King of Mishrak Ac Thull; replaced by his son, Nathel.
*Korodullin: King of
Arendia
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, and husband of Mayaserana.
*Mayaserana: Queen of
Arendia
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, and wife of Korodullin.
*Rhodar (deceased by obesity and heart failure): King of
Drasnia
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, husband of Porenn, father of Kheva, and uncle of Silk.
*Porenn, Queen of
Drasnia
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, wife of Rhodar, regent of Kheva and aunt by marriage of Silk.
*Kheva: son of Rhodar and Porenn, ascends the throne at the age of six upon Rhodar's death, under the regency of his mother and with the blessing of Garion and the neighboring Monarchs.
*Kheldar (Silk): Drasnian spy; the heir to the
Drasnia
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
n throne before the birth of Kheva.
*Salmissra: Queen of
Nyissa
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
; changed into a snake by Polgara.
*Ran Borune XXIII (deceased by old age): Emperor of
Tolnedra
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, and father of Ce'Nedra.
*Varana: Duke of Anadile; a Tolnedran general. Proclaimed heir by Emperor Ran Borune, he takes the throne upon the death of the Emperor, proclaiming himself Ran Borune XXIV.
*Taur Urgas (killed in action): Former King of
Cthol Murgos
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
; died in a duel with King Cho-Hag of Algaria.
*Urgit: King of
Cthol Murgos
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
after the death of Taur Urgas, his legal father. Genetically the son of Silk's father through Lady Tamazin, one of Taur Urgas' wives.
*Gorim: High Priest of
Ulgoland. His name belongs only to his office; he has no personal name.
*Zakath: Emperor of Mallorea, husband of Cyradis.
*Cyradis: Empress of Mallorea, wife of Zakath; former Seeress of Kell.
Disciples of Aldur
*Beldin, the Dwarf. Ethnicity unknown beneath his extreme deformities. Very intelligent and powerful; hinted to be the most intelligent and powerful of Aldur's disciples. Discovered shape-shifting. Changed into a hawk, alongside his new wife Vella, at the end of the series.
*Belgarath, called "The Ancient" or "Eternal Man". First disciple of Aldur. Father of Polgara and Beldaran. One of the main characters throughout both series and preceding books. Easily irritable and mischievous, but extremely clever, a great teacher, and an excellent if reluctant leader. Frequently assumes the form of a wolf.
*Belkira, an Alorn shepherd. Twin of Beltira. A gentle disciple, who enjoys cooking. He and his brother discovered
telepathy
Telepathy () is the purported vicarious transmission of information from one person's mind to another's without using any known human sensory channels or physical interaction. The term was first coined in 1882 by the classical scholar Frederic W ...
.
*Beltira, an Alorn shepherd. Twin of Belkira. Virtually identical to Belkira, until only Polgara and Aldur can tell them apart.
*Belzedar, the Apostate. Originally one of Aldur's disciples, but later a disciple of Torak. Buried alive by
Belgarath
This is a list of ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' characters. ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' are two parts of a fantasy epic written by David Eddings and Leigh Eddings. Note: All of the statements (deceased, married) are written f ...
.
*Belmakor, (deceased) the Melcene. An urbane philosopher and mathematician. Said to have been one of the most intelligent of Aldur's disciples. Fell into a despair which resulted in his suicide, believed to have been caused by the discovery of Belzedar's apostasy. Belgarath hints at the fact that Zedar may have had some ambiguous role in his death, but it is never explained further.
*Belsambar, (deceased) the Angarak. Exceptional at creating illusion. During the war of the Gods, suggested the use of fire on the enemy Angaraks. The mayhem caused by this suggestion caused Belsambar's depression, which resulted in his suicide.
*Beldurnik, a blacksmith and farmer, called "The Man with Two Lives". Originally named "Durnik", he is taken as a disciple in
The Malloreon
The Malloreon is a five-part fantasy book series written by David Eddings, which follows ''The Belgariad''. The Malloreon is set in the same world as The Belgariad, but expands on several aspects of the setting, especially the eastern continent o ...
. Husband of Polgara. Notable for discovering transubstantiation of minerals.
*Polgara, "Beloved Daughter". Daughter of Belgarath and Poledra, twin sister of Beldaran, "guardian of Belgarion" (and later Eriond), and wife of Durnik. Special status in ranks of disciples because of the two thousand years spent looking after the Rivan line, finally producing
Belgarion
Belgarion (also called Garion) is a fictional character and the chief protagonist in ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'', two fantasy epics written by David Eddings.
Garion is the distant nephew of Polgara the Sorceress and the distant gran ...
. Frequently assumes the form of a snowy owl.
*Poledra, Belgarath's wife, and mother to Polgara and Beldaran. Believed (incorrectly) to be dead throughout the Belgariad and most of the Malloreon. Capable of becoming a
grey wolf
The wolf (''Canis lupus''; : wolves), also known as the gray wolf or grey wolf, is a large canine native to Eurasia and North America. More than thirty subspecies of ''Canis lupus'' have been recognized, and gray wolves, as popularly ...
or a
snowy owl
The snowy owl (''Bubo scandiacus''), also known as the polar owl, the white owl and the Arctic owl, is a large, white owl of the true owl family. Snowy owls are native to the Arctic regions of both North America and the Palearctic, breeding mos ...
at will.
*
Belgarion
Belgarion (also called Garion) is a fictional character and the chief protagonist in ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'', two fantasy epics written by David Eddings.
Garion is the distant nephew of Polgara the Sorceress and the distant gran ...
Deities
Gods
Aldur
Aldur is the eldest of the seven gods. He is worshipped by no race of people, but has a number of disciples: Belgarath, Beldin, the twins Belkira and Beltira, Belzedar (formerly),
Polgara, Belmakor (deceased), Belsambar (deceased), Belgarion, Beldurnik (formerly Durnik, admitted in the Malloreon), and Poledra, as mentioned in ''
Polgara the Sorceress
''Polgara the Sorceress'' is a fantasy novel by American writers David and Leigh Eddings, and the twelfth in the setting of ''The Belgariad'', ''The Malloreon'' and ''Belgarath the Sorcerer''. Like the latter novel, it is presented as a first-pe ...
''. His
totem
A totem (from oj, ᑑᑌᒼ, italics=no or ''doodem'') is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol that serves as an emblem of a group of people, such as a family, clan, lineage, or tribe, such as in the Anishinaabe clan system.
While ''the wo ...
animal is the
owl
Owls are birds from the order Strigiformes (), which includes over 200 species of mostly solitary and nocturnal birds of prey typified by an upright stance, a large, broad head, binocular vision, binaural hearing, sharp talons, and feathers a ...
; this is never mentioned in the primary story (though the owl is commonly associated with his disciples), but appears in
the Rivan Codex
''The Rivan Codex'' is a collection of background material to the Belgariad and Malloreon fantasy saga by David and Leigh Eddings. It consists of two bodies of material used in writing the novels, one for each series, with three informal essays ...
.
After Aldur and his brothers create the world in which the stories are set, Aldur refuses to take a seventh part of mankind to worship him, leaving the ancestors of the Ulgos, Dals, Morindim, Karands, and Melcenes Godless. Instead, he takes disciples, prepending ''Bel-'' to their names. Polgara and Poledra are also counted among the Disciples, as is shown by the prefix ''Pol-'' being the feminine of ''Bel-''. At one stage, Aldur also names Polgara as his ''Beloved daughter'', although this may be connected to the title "Ancient and Beloved", given to her father Belgarath. The Disciples all at some time take residence at the
Vale of Aldur
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, where each disciple has its own
tower
A tower is a tall Nonbuilding structure, structure, taller than it is wide, often by a significant factor. Towers are distinguished from guyed mast, masts by their lack of guy-wires and are therefore, along with tall buildings, self-supporting ...
, apart from Poledra and Polgara who inhabit a cottage at the far edge of the Vale. Aldur also possesses a tower, wherein furniture may appear or disappear as he wishes.
The ''Belgariads
MacGuffin
In fiction, a MacGuffin (sometimes McGuffin) is an object, device, or event that is necessary to the plot and the motivation of the characters, but insignificant, unimportant, or irrelevant in itself. The term was originated by Angus MacPhail for ...
is the
Orb of Aldur
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
: a sentient
stone
In geology, rock (or stone) is any naturally occurring solid mass or aggregate of minerals or mineraloid matter. It is categorized by the minerals included, its Chemical compound, chemical composition, and the way in which it is formed. Rocks ...
polished into a roughly spherical shape by Aldur, and seized by Torak.
Belar
Belar is the youngest of the seven gods. He is the god of the Alorns, and his totem animal is the
bear
Bears are carnivoran mammals of the family Ursidae. They are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans. Although only eight species of bears are extant, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Nor ...
.
Belar is closely allied with Aldur in the War of Destinies, and is also described as being close to Mara. When he maintains a physical presence in the world, he appears as a young man, and is known for drinking and feasting with Alorn warriors, and for lavishing his
attention
Attention is the behavioral and cognitive process of selectively concentrating on a discrete aspect of information, whether considered subjective or objective, while ignoring other perceivable information. William James (1890) wrote that "Atte ...
s on young women. In ''Guardians of the West'', he is identified as an incessant speaker.
Chaldan
Chaldan is the god of the Arends, and his totem animal is the
bull
A bull is an intact (i.e., not castrated) adult male of the species ''Bos taurus'' (cattle). More muscular and aggressive than the females of the same species (i.e., cows), bulls have long been an important symbol in many religions,
includin ...
.
Chaldan emphasises
pride
Pride is defined by Merriam-Webster as "reasonable self-esteem" or "confidence and satisfaction in oneself". A healthy amount of pride is good, however, pride sometimes is used interchangeably with "conceit" or "arrogance" (among other words) wh ...
and militaristic
tradition
A tradition is a belief or behavior (folk custom) passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past. A component of cultural expressions and folklore, common examples include holidays or ...
as
virtue
Virtue ( la, virtus) is moral excellence. A virtue is a trait or quality that is deemed to be morally good and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being. In other words, it is a behavior that shows high moral standard ...
s; therefore sermons at
funeral
A funeral is a ceremony connected with the final disposition of a corpse, such as a burial or cremation, with the attendant observances. Funerary customs comprise the complex of beliefs and practices used by a culture to remember and respect th ...
s are not concerned with the comforting of the bereaved, but with
vengeance
Vengeance may refer to:
*Vengeance (concept) or revenge, a harmful action against a person or group in response to a grievance
Film
* ''Vengeance'' (1930 film), action adventure film directed by Archie Mayo
* ''Vengeance'' (1937 film) or ''W ...
. Chaldan does not play a significant role in the stories.
Issa
Issa is the god of the Nyissans. His totem animal is the
serpent
Serpent or The Serpent may refer to:
* Snake, a carnivorous reptile of the suborder Serpentes
Mythology and religion
* Sea serpent, a monstrous ocean creature
* Serpent (symbolism), the snake in religious rites and mythological contexts
* Serp ...
.
Though physically present in the world, Issa spends long periods sleeping, disguised as a large statue behind the royal throne of Nyssa. When all the gods save Torak left the world, he gave the governance of his people to his high priestess, Salmissra, but neglected to prolong her life. A long line of subsequent Salmissras ruled in her stead, each chosen by their resemblance to the original, and also given the ability to summon a physical incarnation of Issa. The last Salmissra is eventually changed into a snake and made immortal by Polgara.
Mara
Mara is the god of the Marags. His totem animal, never mentioned except in
the Rivan Codex
''The Rivan Codex'' is a collection of background material to the Belgariad and Malloreon fantasy saga by David and Leigh Eddings. It consists of two bodies of material used in writing the novels, one for each series, with three informal essays ...
, is the
bat
Bats are mammals of the order Chiroptera.''cheir'', "hand" and πτερόν''pteron'', "wing". With their forelimbs adapted as wings, they are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight. Bats are more agile in flight than most bi ...
.
Known as the "weeping god" for his long mourning after the Tolnedran massacre of the Marags, Mara is surrounded by the
ghost
A ghost is the soul or spirit of a dead person or animal that is believed to be able to appear to the living. In ghostlore, descriptions of ghosts vary widely from an invisible presence to translucent or barely visible wispy shapes, to rea ...
s of his dead people, so that few could enter his domain without being driven mad. The exception is the monastery at Mar Terrin, where Tolnedran monks attempt to comfort the spirits of the Marags. He is found always howling in the ruins of Mar Amon, his capital, until the restoration of the Marags.
Nedra
Nedra is the second-oldest of the seven gods. He is the god of the Tolnedrans, and his totem animal is the
lion
The lion (''Panthera leo'') is a large Felidae, cat of the genus ''Panthera'' native to Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; short, rounded head; round ears; and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. It is sexually dimorphi ...
.
Nedra instills the values of thrift and
wealth
Wealth is the abundance of Value (economics), valuable financial assets or property, physical possessions which can be converted into a form that can be used for financial transaction, transactions. This includes the core meaning as held in the ...
into his people: as a result, Tolnedrans are often associated with avarice, materialism, and deceit. Their
culture
Culture () is an umbrella term which encompasses the social behavior, institutions, and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups.Tyl ...
thrives on enterprise and commerce.
Torak
Torak is the third of the seven Gods. His people are the Angaraks, and his is the only totem animal counted among the
monstrous races (perhaps due to Torak's vain attempts to enhance the creature): the
dragon
A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...
. The left side of his body, most notably his face and hand, are maimed by the
Orb of Aldur
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
; and his left eye (called 'the Eye that Was Not') perpetually burns with the Orb's blue fire. Beldin therefore referred to Torak as "Old burnt-face"; this reference hints at Beldin's true identity when he is in disguise, as he is the only one to use it.
Alone among his brothers, Torak served the Dark in the
War of the Gods
''War of the Gods'' is an album by soul singer Billy Paul. The album was produced by Gamble & Huff, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and arranged by Bobby Martin (producer), Bobby Martin and Lenny Pakula. Released in 1973, the album reached number 12 o ...
, caused by himself; and when almost defeated, he forced the Orb to create a new ocean, with his worshippers on one side and their enemies on the other. As the head of a theocratic military culture, Torak drove the Angaraks to dominate their neighbors the Dals, Karands, and Melcenes, and conquered much of the eastern continent. Like many
fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving Magic (supernatural), magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by mythology and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy ...
villain
A villain (also known as a "black hat" or "bad guy"; the feminine form is villainess) is a stock character, whether based on a historical narrative or one of literary fiction. ''Random House Unabridged Dictionary'' defines such a character a ...
s, Torak almost achieves domination of the world, only to be vanquished in a great battle, and re-appears, after a long absence, in the central story, wherein he is slain by
Belgarion
Belgarion (also called Garion) is a fictional character and the chief protagonist in ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'', two fantasy epics written by David Eddings.
Garion is the distant nephew of Polgara the Sorceress and the distant gran ...
.
After Belgarion slays Torak, the Orb restores his face.
Eriond
Eriond, originally called Errand, was a spirit originally meant to be the God of the Angaraks until a 'Great Accident' (the misplaced explosion of a star) caused Torak to exist. Eriond thereafter persisted in spirit until Zedar began his search for the Orb of Aldur. Errand then appeared as a child to Zedar, who used him to seize the Orb. The name "Errand" is not derived from "Eriond", but is simply the only word that he, in his child form, was able to remember for many years. In this form, Errand was raised as Polgara's ward; and in his adulthood, accompanied Belgarion to the 'High Places of Korim', to achieve his own
apotheosis
Apotheosis (, ), also called divinization or deification (), is the glorification of a subject to divine levels and, commonly, the treatment of a human being, any other living thing, or an abstract idea in the likeness of a deity. The term has ...
. It is stated, though not seen in the stories, that upon apotheosis, he would eventually replace all the other Gods. He takes no totem animal, but is frequently accompanied by an unusual stallion (a stillborn colt revived by Belgarion), simply named
Horse
The horse (''Equus ferus caballus'') is a domesticated, one-toed, hoofed mammal. It belongs to the taxonomic family Equidae and is one of two extant subspecies of ''Equus ferus''. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million y ...
.
UL
UL is the mysterious god of the Ulgos, who originally were a tribe of people without a god of their own. He is not counted among the traditional seven, and theologians of their
religion
Religion is usually defined as a social- cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, beliefs, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that generally relates humanity to supernatural, ...
s are ambivalent in their treatment of him. At the end of
The Belgariad
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, it is revealed that he is the father of the seven gods, and omnipresent as well. He is also god of the monstrous beasts rejected by his sons. UL is served by a High Priest, who is always called Gorim. The successive Gorims, although not immortal, live as long as UL requires them to serve. The successor of the Gorim is identified as having violet eyes. Poledra also served UL for many years, and so may be considered his disciple as much as Aldur's.
In the War of Destinies, he is generally seen on the side of Light, often working closely with Aldur. Due to his appearance as one in ''The Seeress of Kell'', his totem may be an
albatross
Albatrosses, of the biological family Diomedeidae, are large seabirds related to the procellariids, storm petrels, and diving petrels in the order Procellariiformes (the tubenoses). They range widely in the Southern Ocean and the North Pacifi ...
.
David Eddings
David Carroll Eddings (July 7, 1931 – June 2, 2009) was an American fantasy writer. With his wife Leigh, he authored several best-selling epic fantasy novel series, including ''The Belgariad'' (1982–84), ''The Malloreon'' (1987–91), '' The ...
mentions, in the
Rivan Codex
''The Rivan Codex'' is a collection of background material to the Belgariad and Malloreon fantasy saga by David and Leigh Eddings. It consists of two bodies of material used in writing the novels, one for each series, with three informal essays ...
, that the spelling of UL in capital letters was a
typographical error
A typographical error (often shortened to typo), also called a misprint, is a mistake (such as a spelling mistake) made in the typing of printed (or electronic) material. Historically, this referred to mistakes in manual type-setting (typography). ...
permitted to stand.
Demons
*The King of
Hell
In religion and folklore, hell is a location in the afterlife in which evil souls are subjected to punitive suffering, most often through torture, as eternal punishment after death. Religions with a linear divine history often depict hell ...
is the ruler of the
demon
A demon is a malevolent supernatural entity. Historically, belief in demons, or stories about demons, occurs in religion, occultism, literature, fiction, mythology, and folklore; as well as in media such as comics, video games, movies, ani ...
s'
universe
The universe is all of space and time and their contents, including planets, stars, galaxies, and all other forms of matter and energy. The Big Bang theory is the prevailing cosmological description of the development of the universe. Acc ...
. He constantly strives to break the chains in which he was bound by UL. He once hatched a plot to obtain the
Orb of Aldur
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
and its opposite the Sardion, in an attempt to use their power to free himself from Hell, and hurl UL into a prison of his making, but failed when the two Demon Lords he sent to capture the Orb and Sardion were vanquished or slain.
*Demon Lords are Disciples of the King of Hell, and as such are the most powerful demons alive. They are far beyond the
powers
Powers may refer to:
Arts and media
* ''Powers'' (comics), a comic book series by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming
** ''Powers'' (American TV series), a 2015–2016 series based on the comics
* ''Powers'' (British TV series), a 200 ...
of most or all mortal summoners to control, only submitting as part of a deal (usually having ulterior motives in the Demon Lord's favour). It is not even certain that they flee from the power of the Orb, as lesser demons do, though a Demon Lord is shown to be outmatched by the power of a God on one occasion.
**Nahaz is the chief demon among the Karandese cult. He has waged a long war on Mordja, and sees his role in the War of Destinies, aiding Urvon, as simply a continuation of this. He is defeated and banished by Durnik upon his raising to disciplehood under Aldur.
**Mordja appears to be the lord of the demons in contact with the Morindim. He enters the War of Destinies in aid of Zandramas, opposing Nahaz but with similar goals. Near the end of the conflict, he is trapped in the body of a
dragon
A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...
and killed.
*Lesser demons appear numerous times in the stories. They are occasionally named, though these names seem to be inventions of their summoners. Their relative
rank
Rank is the relative position, value, worth, complexity, power, importance, authority, level, etc. of a person or object within a ranking, such as:
Level or position in a hierarchical organization
* Academic rank
* Diplomatic rank
* Hierarchy
* H ...
and power seems to be indicated by size, with names attached to the varying degrees at one point. This is not an exact
science
Science is a systematic endeavor that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.
Science may be as old as the human species, and some of the earliest archeological evidence for ...
: the Demon Lord Nahaz almost always used a human-sized form (although his true form was monstrously huge), and summoned demons'
shape
A shape or figure is a graphics, graphical representation of an object or its external boundary, outline, or external Surface (mathematics), surface, as opposed to other properties such as color, Surface texture, texture, or material type.
A pl ...
s (and therefore sizes) are determined by the
imagination
Imagination is the production or simulation of novel objects, sensations, and ideas in the mind without any immediate input of the senses. Stefan Szczelkun characterises it as the forming of experiences in one's mind, which can be re-creations ...
of the summoner.
Other minor and supporting characters
*Adara, Garion's Algarian cousin. Wife of Hettar.
*Ariana, physician and wife of Lelldorin.
*Atesca, General of the Mallorean military, later Commander-in-Chief
*Bethra (deceased), a Tolnedran courtesan and spy. Silk's rival. Formerly the most secretive of the Drasnian spies.
*Brand (current one assassinated), the Rivan Warder. A regent that serves in the absence of the Rivan King, and later Belgarion's chief minister. Like "Gorim", the name "Brand" is a title, whose holder has no personal name.
*Brendig, a Captain (later General) in the Sendarian Army, who lost one arm in the Battle of Thull Mardu.
*Doroon (deceased), one of Garion's childhood friends. Died in the Battle of Thull Mardu.
*Faldor, owner of the renowned Faldor's Farm, where Garion spends his childhood.
*Greldik, a Cherek sailor who often served the protagonists.
*Grinneg, Barak's cousin. Cherek ambassador at Tol Honeth.
*Grodeg, High Priest of Belar and member of the Bear Cult. Injured at the Battle of Thull Mardu and left paralyzed.
*Earl of Jarviksholm (deceased), an exiled Cherek nobleman. Beheaded for allowing an Angarak into the kingdom.
*Issus, Nyissan assassin and Sadi's "employee".
*Javelin/Khendon, Chief of Drasnian intelligence. Liselle's uncle.
*Jeebers, Ce'Nedra's childhood tutor.
*Kador (poisoned), the head of the Vordue family and the Grand Duke of Tol Vordue. Candidate for the Tolnedran throne.
*Martje, a blind Cherek seer who predicts Barak's "doom" and Belgarion's importance. Ultimately stripped of her imperfect
precognition
Precognition (from the Latin 'before', and 'acquiring knowledge') is the purported psychic phenomenon of seeing, or otherwise becoming directly aware of, events in the future.
There is no accepted scientific evidence that precognition is a ...
by Polgara.
*Merel, Barak's wife and mother of his children.
*Nachak (deceased), the Murgo ambassador to Arendia. Killed by Hettar.
*Nerina, Baroness of Vo Ebor, and Mandorallen's beloved; married Mandorallen after her first husband's death.
*Olban, (deceased) youngest son of Brand, who attempts to assassinate Garion. Killed at Thull Mardu.
*Oltorain, a Mimbrate Arendish nobleman, brother of Ariana.
*Poppi, a Fenling: an otter-like species cultivated by Vordai, and later given human speech by Belgarath. Affectionate to Tupik
*Count Reldegen, Lelldorin's uncle.
*Rundorig, one of Garion's childhood friends. Husband of Zubrette.
*Earl of Seline, a Sendarian nobleman and advisor to King Fulrach.
*Torasin (deceased), son of Count Reldegan and cousin to Lelldorin.
*Tupik, a Fenling: an otter-like species cultivated by Vordai, and later given human speech by Belgarath. Later Vordai's messenger to Belgarion. also affectionate to Poppi
*Unrak, protector of Geran (son of Belgarion). Son of Barak.
*Baron of Vo Ebor (deceased), Mandorallen's mentor. Husband of Nerina.
*Vella, a Nadrak dancer, known for her seductivity. Owned by Yarblek (see below) after her husband's death, but later sold to Beldin, who thereupon changed himself and Vella into hawks.
*Vordai (deceased), the Witch of the Drasnian Fens.
*Xantha, Queen of the
Dryad
A dryad (; el, Δρυάδες, ''sing''.: ) is a tree nymph or tree spirit in Greek mythology. ''Drys'' (δρῦς) signifies "oak" in Greek, and dryads were originally considered the nymphs of oak trees specifically, but the term has evolved to ...
s.
*X'bel, a dryad.
*Xera, Ce'Nedra's Dryad cousin.
*Yarblek, a Nadrak merchant and Silk's business partner.
*Zubrette, one of Garion's childhood friends. Wife of Rundorig.
Other characters
These are characters in the
Belgariad
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
and the
Malloreon that influence the story, but do not fit into any of the other categories.
The Prophecy of Light
The Prophecy of Light is the positive main driving force of the protagonists, six of gods, and Eriond. Often called the "dry voice" in Garion's mind, to whom (and occasionally through whom to others) it offered guidance.
Cyradis
Cyradis is the Seer chosen to appoint Light or Dark as the dominant moral force of the story's world in the final meeting between the rival prophesies. She first appears to Errand at the Vale of Aldur; later to the other protagonists at Rheon; and is shown as a slight girl with dark blonde hair and a blindfold over her eyes. She is escorted by the mute Toth. During the final Choice,
Polgara removes her blindfold, to assist her decision; and Cyradis chooses Eriond (Light) over Geran (Dark), but loses her
second sight
Extrasensory perception or ESP, also called sixth sense, is a claimed paranormal ability pertaining to reception of information not gained through the recognized physical senses, but sensed with the mind. The term was adopted by Duke Universit ...
. She is married to Zakath at the end of the series.
Senji
Senji is an Alchemist and Sorcerer whom Beldin,
Belgarath
This is a list of ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' characters. ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' are two parts of a fantasy epic written by David Eddings and Leigh Eddings. Note: All of the statements (deceased, married) are written f ...
, and
Garion
Belgarion (also called Garion) is a fictional character and the chief protagonist in ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'', two fantasy epics written by David Eddings.
Garion is the distant nephew of Polgara the Sorceress and the distant gran ...
meet in Melcene during ''
Sorceress of Darshiva
The Malloreon is a five-part fantasy book series written by David Eddings, which follows ''The Belgariad''. The Malloreon is set in the same world as The Belgariad, but expands on several aspects of the setting, especially the eastern continent o ...
'' after they followed Zandramas' trail there. He is identified as 'the Clubfoot' by
Cyradis and is around 3900 years old. He leads the sorcerers to a museum where the Sardion once rested and gives
Belgarath
This is a list of ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' characters. ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' are two parts of a fantasy epic written by David Eddings and Leigh Eddings. Note: All of the statements (deceased, married) are written f ...
a copy of the Ashabine Oracles. His power is weaker than theirs because of lack of practice due to his focus on transmutation of metals through
alchemy
Alchemy (from Arabic: ''al-kīmiyā''; from Ancient Greek: χυμεία, ''khumeía'') is an ancient branch of natural philosophy, a philosophical and protoscientific tradition that was historically practiced in China, India, the Muslim world, ...
.
Races
Humans
Alorns
Alorns are the people of
Belar, that occupy the north-western part of the western continent. Divided into several nations to better protect the Orb of Aldur, but retaining strong military and economic ties.
* Algars are the people of
Algaria
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, the broad grasslands drained by the River Aldur:
nomad
A nomad is a member of a community without fixed habitation who regularly moves to and from the same areas. Such groups include hunter-gatherers, pastoral nomads (owning livestock), tinkers and trader nomads. In the twentieth century, the popu ...
ic cattle-herders and horse-breeders who live in moving house-trains. Their culture seems to be based loosely on that of various western
Native American tribes, and they fight as light
cavalry
Historically, cavalry (from the French word ''cavalerie'', itself derived from "cheval" meaning "horse") are soldiers or warriors who fight mounted on horseback. Cavalry were the most mobile of the combat arms, operating as light cavalry ...
similar to
Cossacks
The Cossacks , es, cosaco , et, Kasakad, cazacii , fi, Kasakat, cazacii , french: cosaques , hu, kozákok, cazacii , it, cosacchi , orv, коза́ки, pl, Kozacy , pt, cossacos , ro, cazaci , russian: казаки́ or ...
(and the
Peloi of the
Elenium and
Tamuli
''The Tamuli'' is a series of fantasy literature, fantasy novels by American writer David Eddings. The series consists of three volumes:
* ''Domes of Fire''
*''The Shining Ones''
* ''The Hidden City (novel), The Hidden City''
The Tamuli is the s ...
). Their only true city is the Algar Stronghold, a fortress which exists solely to draw invaders to a convenient battleground.
* Chereks are the people of
Cherek
The Cherek (russian: Черек) is a river in Kabardino-Balkaria in Russia, a right tributary of the Baksan ( Terek basin). , the peninsula named after Aloria's last king. They are sailors, dominating sea trade (and
piracy
Piracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence by ship or boat-borne attackers upon another ship or a coastal area, typically with the goal of stealing cargo and other valuable goods. Those who conduct acts of piracy are called pirates, v ...
) in the West, forming the Alorn
navy
A navy, naval force, or maritime force is the branch of a nation's armed forces principally designated for naval warfare, naval and amphibious warfare; namely, lake-borne, riverine, littoral zone, littoral, or ocean-borne combat operations and ...
and patrolling the Sea of the Winds. On land, they are hunters, miners, and foresters, and also fight as shock troops. Similar to
Vikings
Vikings ; non, víkingr is the modern name given to seafaring people originally from Scandinavia (present-day Denmark, Norway and Sweden),
who from the late 8th to the late 11th centuries raided, pirated, traded and se ...
and the Thalesians of the
Elenium and
Tamuli
''The Tamuli'' is a series of fantasy literature, fantasy novels by American writer David Eddings. The series consists of three volumes:
* ''Domes of Fire''
*''The Shining Ones''
* ''The Hidden City (novel), The Hidden City''
The Tamuli is the s ...
.
* Drasnians are the inhabitants of
Drasnia
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, the northern moors of Aloria. They are best known for their extensive
intelligence
Intelligence has been defined in many ways: the capacity for abstraction, logic, understanding, self-awareness, learning, emotional knowledge, reasoning, planning, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. More generally, it can b ...
operations. Many Drasnians are merchants, though it is implied that most (if not all) Drasnian merchants have some connection with Drasnian Intelligence. The core of the Drasnian military is heavy
infantry
Infantry is a military specialization which engages in ground combat on foot. Infantry generally consists of light infantry, mountain infantry, motorized infantry & mechanized infantry, airborne infantry, air assault infantry, and marine i ...
; mainly pikemen. Their culture seems to be based loosely on that of Western Russia, adding elements of Renaissance Italy with its complex politics, intelligence gathering, and family feuding.
* Rivans are the people of the Isle of Winds, the dominion of Riva Iron-Grip, the keeper of the Orb of Aldur. The island has a single harbour, defended by the fortress-city of Riva. Trade enclaves exist outside the city, and Rivan merchants and artisans are not uncommon in other nations of the West. Militarily, the Rivans are defenders of the fortress-city of Riva, where the Orb of Aldur is kept. When in the field, they fight as medium infantry.
* The Bear-Cult is a disorganized religious order purposed to reunite Aloria; probably based on stereotypes of ancient Celtic or Germanic tribes.
Angaraks
Angaraks are the people of
Torak. In Mallorea, they are the dominant people in the northwest, and are common throughout the Empire as soldiers and administrators. In the west, they occupy the southern half of the continent, and the lands east of the Escarpment in the north. They are divided into distinct
caste
Caste is a form of social stratification characterised by endogamy, hereditary transmission of a style of life which often includes an occupation, ritual status in a hierarchy, and customary social interaction and exclusion based on cultura ...
s, as shown below:
* Grolims are the hereditary
priesthood of the Angaraks; feared and disliked for their role in the ubiquitous human sacrifice. In Mallorea, their power is equalled by that of the secular military. Mallorean Grolims are ruled by Urvon, a disciple of
Torak, and Western Grolims answer to the Sorcerer Ctuchik, another disciple. In the west, Grolim power is nearly absolute among the Murgos and Thulls; but their hold on the Nadraks is weak. Grolims also act as the spymasters and infiltrators of the Angaraks, and are shown experts in
bribery
Bribery is the Offer and acceptance, offering, Gift, giving, Offer and acceptance, receiving, or Solicitation, soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official, or other person, in charge of a public or legal duty. With reg ...
.
* Malloreans are the people of
Mallorea
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
in general, and also the Angarak population specifically. The distinction is not always strongly maintained; a typical Mallorean is one third Angarak, one third Karand, and one third Melcene. They are similar to Persians and Chinese in the conceptual mention of "boundless Mallorea".
* Murgos are the people of
Cthol Murgos
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
. Originally the warrior caste and aristocracy of Cthol Mishrak, they were the first group to migrate west, and penetrated the farthest south on the western continent. The Murgos are a highly militaristic race and practice ritual self-scarification in the name of Torak. Theologically similar to
Aztec
The Aztecs () were a Mesoamerican culture that flourished in central Mexico in the post-classic period from 1300 to 1521. The Aztec people included different Indigenous peoples of Mexico, ethnic groups of central Mexico, particularly those g ...
s in mutilation and human sacrifice.
* Nadraks are the inhabitants of
Gar og Nadrak
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
. Formerly the merchant class of Cthol Mishrak, they were the last to come west and remained in the heavily forested north. Their lands border Drasnia, and tentative peace exists between the two nations. Their primary industries are mining, hunting, and trapping; they are also made comical by the custom, among men, of paying a price for the indefinite escort of individual women.
* Thulls are the people of Mishrak ac Thull. Deriving from the Cthol Mishrak worker caste, they followed the Murgos west and settled in the semi-arid plains between the Escarpment and the Sea of the East. Economically, the Thulls are farmers, but are often enslaved, or sacrificed, by Grolims.
Arends
Arends are the people of
Chaldan, inhabiting
Arendia
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
on the western continent and the island of
Perivor off Mallorea. The Arendish nobility emphasize pride, honor, and military prowess, while the serfs form the downtrodden masses, with little variation in their conditions across the country. For most of its history, Arendia was embroiled in civil wars among the three major duchies of Asturia, Mimbre, and Wacune.
* Asturians live in the forested northern half of Arendia, the old Duchy of
Asturia
Asturias (, ; ast, Asturies ), officially the Principality of Asturias ( es, Principado de Asturias; ast, Principáu d'Asturies; Galician-Asturian: ''Principao d'Asturias''), is an autonomous communities of Spain, autonomous community in nor ...
. The Asturians were subjugated by the Mimbrates, but lived in nominal subjection only, with their soldiers and noblemen engaged in quiet rebellion of assaulting tax collectors and fading into the forest. Their tactics resemble those of
Robin Hood
Robin Hood is a legendary heroic outlaw originally depicted in English folklore and subsequently featured in literature and film. According to legend, he was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. In some versions of the legend, he is depic ...
and his Merry Men, and similarly famed for
archery
Archery is the sport, practice, or skill of using a bow to shoot arrows.Paterson ''Encyclopaedia of Archery'' p. 17 The word comes from the Latin ''arcus'', meaning bow. Historically, archery has been used for hunting and combat. In m ...
. They are similar to the Medieval English and Welsh, who were famed for their skill with the Longbow.
* Mimbrates are the dominant people of Arendia, the inhabitants of the historical Duchy of
Mimbre
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
. The martial traditions of their nobility run along
chivalrous
Chivalry, or the chivalric code, is an informal and varying code of conduct developed in Europe between 1170 and 1220. It was associated with the medieval Christian institution of knighthood; knights' and gentlemen's behaviours were governed by ...
lines, with Mimbrate knights forming a fearsome heavy cavalry, and highly trained warriors individually. The Arendish civil war "officially" ended when Korodullin, Duke of Mimbre, and Mayaserana, daughter of the Duke of Asturia, married and became co-regent King and Queen; but the Mimbrates remained the chief authority in Arendia, often refusing to recognize the titles of the Asturian nobility. In this, as in their speech and armament, they resemble the Normans of Sir Walter Scott's ''
Ivanhoe
''Ivanhoe: A Romance'' () by Walter Scott is a historical novel published in three volumes, in 1819, as one of the Waverley novels. Set in England in the Middle Ages, this novel marked a shift away from Scott’s prior practice of setting st ...
''.
** The people of
Perivor are the descendants of the crew and passengers of a Mimbrate ship wrecked off the coast of
Dalasia, in Mallorea. The survivors interbred with the native Dals and established the traditions and culture of their homeland, blended somewhat with the ways of the Dals. The major difference between Arendia and Perivor is that the people of Perivor have abolished serfdom on their islands, and Perivor citizens, should they have a dispute, settle it at a tournament rather than a war.
* Wacites were the people of the Duchy of
Wacune
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, which controlled territory later held by Asturia and then became the country of
Sendaria
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
. Polgara described the city as bright and beautiful. Following its destruction by the Asturians, most of the nobility were lost, and the lower classes were either absorbed into Asturia or removed to Polgara's Duchy of Erat (later
Sendaria
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
). Unlike the Mimbrate knights and Asturian archers, the Wacites did not have an iconic character to their military. Wacite peasants have a
brogue
Brogue may refer to:
Footwear
* Brogue boot, a type of dress boot
* Brogue shoe
Language
* Brogue (accent)
* Mission brogue, an accent spoken in the Mission District of San Francisco
* Ottawa Valley Brogue
Other
* ''Brogue'' (video game)
* Br ...
similar to the Irish.
Marags
Marags are the people of
Mara. They are generally thought to be extinct at the time of
The Belgariad
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
, after a
genocidal
Genocide is the intentional destruction of a people—usually defined as an ethnic, national, racial, or religious group—in whole or in part. Raphael Lemkin coined the term in 1944, combining the Greek word (, "race, people") with the Latin ...
war waged by the Tolnedrans. It is later revealed that Tolnedrans sold Marag survivors to Nyissan
slavers who in turn sold them to the Murgos, and that some still lived in the slave pens under Rak Cthol.
Most details about
Maragor come from
Belgarath the Sorcerer
''Belgarath the Sorcerer'' is a fantasy novel by American writers David Eddings and Leigh Eddings. Set in the same universe as the Eddings' ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'', it is a prequel to the other series, although the framework stor ...
, wherein it is stated girls were born 8 to 9 times more often than boys. As a result, Marag women controlled society. The governing body was a group of nine elder women known as the "Council of Matriarchs".
Marriage
Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognized union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children, and between ...
was relatively unknown, and sexual promiscuity was common. In general, a Marag male's role in society was reduced to athletic contests or military service.
A mistranslated passage of their religious texts caused a practice of ritual cannibalism, which the Tolnedrans used as an excuse to invade their country, though they were seeking the abundant gold in actuality. This led to the genocidal war previously mentioned.
Nyissans
Nyissans are the people of
Issa. The state of
Nyissa
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
is situated on the swampy equatorial west coast of the western continent. The head of state is the high priestess Salmissra, who is chosen for physical resemblance to her long-dead namesake. Most Nyissan people shave off their hair, because the insects native to the swamps of Nyissa like to nest in it. The use of drugs and poisons is common in politics.
Sendars
Sendars are a people of primarily Alorn and Arendish descent, located north of Arendia on the coast of the western continent. The land that is now Sendaria was once the Arendish Duchy of Erat, owned by
Polgara the Sorceress
''Polgara the Sorceress'' is a fantasy novel by American writers David and Leigh Eddings, and the twelfth in the setting of ''The Belgariad'', ''The Malloreon'' and ''Belgarath the Sorcerer''. Like the latter novel, it is presented as a first-pe ...
. Tolnedran Emperor Ran Horb II worked successfully to establish the independent Kingdom of Sendaria, to prevent Arendia from becoming more influential than Tolnedra. Practicality and a strong work ethic are intrinsic to the Sendarian national identity, and a lot of food eaten in the west is grown in Sendaria. Sendars are unusual in that they elected their first king, Fundor the Magnificent, who was originally a rutabaga (and cabbage) farmer.
Tolnedrans
Tolnedrans are the people of
Nedra
The National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA), a Special Chapter of the Electric Auto Association, and exists to increase public awareness of electric vehicle (EV) performance and to encourage through competition, advances in electric veh ...
, dwelling in the
Empire of Tolnedra in the subtropical north of the western continent. Tolnedrans are known for their obsession with trade and money (which they are said to have invented). Tolnedra is ruled by one of the five major families: the
Honethites, the
Vorduvians, the
Borunes, the
Horbites, and the
Ranites.
The Belgariad
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
and
The Mallorean take place during the reign of Ran Borune XXIII and his successor Varana (later Ran Borune XXIV). The primary military force of Tolnedra are the numerous Legions: a heavy infantry similar to the Roman legionaries. They are also unusual in their complete rejection of, and disbelief in, the concepts of magic and sorcery, on the basis of principles.
Ulgos
Ulgos originally were Godless, but after years of pleading on the top of a mountain, their leader convinced the god UL to rule and protect them and the animals and beasts that the other gods did not. After UL renamed their leader Gorim, he returned to his people but only a minority of the group believed him. Angered by their flippant disregard for his years of dedication, the Gorim cursed the remaining so they would have no children, and he left with his followers. The Ulgos live in a city in an extensive cave system under the mountains of Ulgoland, where the forementioned beasts live. The Ulgos continually remember their godless state, and thus are ever thankful to UL and are extremely religious. They played a major role in the Battle of Vo Mimbre as they swept from the mountains onto Torak's forces and diminished their size dramatically.
Godless Ones
Other human races are descended from the Godless Ones: ethnicities chosen by no god (
Aldur
This is a list of ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' characters. ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' are two parts of a fantasy epic written by David Eddings and Leigh Eddings. Note: All of the statements (deceased, married) are written f ...
abstaining from selection) at the beginning of the human race. They are widely spread across both continents and have physical diversity comparable to the other races.
* Dals live in the Dalasian Protectorates in the south of the Mallorean continent, with a small remnant population in southern Cthol Murgos. The Dals are mystics and include seers and necromancers. All of them share a common group mind, once called an "oversoul".
* Karands are demon worshippers living in the north-east of Mallorea, in the seven kingdoms of Karanda. The kingdoms include Jenno, Pallia, Delchin, Zamad, and Katakor. Resembles African and Indian influences.
* Melcenes live in the south-east of Mallorea, near their ancestral island,
Melcena
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
. Melcenes are characterised as civilized, and are great administrators and architects. They could be construed to be quasi-Japanese due to their small, commercial island nation, with a touch of Southeast Asian culture in their usage of war elephants.
* Morindim are nomadic, tribal demon worshippers, living in the
tundra
In physical geography, tundra () is a type of biome where tree growth is hindered by frigid temperatures and short growing seasons. The term ''tundra'' comes through Russian (') from the Kildin Sámi word (') meaning "uplands", "treeless moun ...
of the Kingdoms of the West. Their upper class consists mostly of Dreamers, who "commune" with the demons, and Magicians, who control the demons. If the magician should fail to control his demon, it wreaks havoc on its former master and the clan, until it returns to its own reality.
* Godless Ones (would-be Ulgos) were cursed by Gorim following their refusal to follow him to Prolgu. Belgarath was partly raised by them before his conversion to the worship of Aldur.
Non-humans
* Ape-Bear: a
Sasquatch
Bigfoot, also commonly referred to as Sasquatch, is a purported ape-like creature said to inhabit the forest of North America. Many dubious articles have been offered in attempts to prove the existence of Bigfoot, including Anecdotal evidence, ...
-like predator found in the mountains of South Mallorea.
* Dragons: not so much a name as a description, referring to a graceless, gullible pseudo-raptor of tremendous size and strength; the product of a failed experiment by various gods. Nevertheless, used by Torak as his symbol. The alternate form of Zandramas.
*
Dryad
A dryad (; el, Δρυάδες, ''sing''.: ) is a tree nymph or tree spirit in Greek mythology. ''Drys'' (δρῦς) signifies "oak" in Greek, and dryads were originally considered the nymphs of oak trees specifically, but the term has evolved to ...
s: an anthropoid living in the Wood of the Dryads, north of Nyissa and south of Tolnedra. Dryads are always female and require contact with males of various species to reproduce. Every Dryad is magically bound to a particular oak tree in the wood, and each lives as long as the tree. One of the great families of the Tolnedran Empire, the Borunes, is closely tied to the Dryads through intermarriage. Dryads experience euphoria when given
chocolate
Chocolate is a food made from roasted and ground cacao seed kernels that is available as a liquid, solid, or paste, either on its own or as a flavoring agent in other foods. Cacao has been consumed in some form since at least the Olmec civ ...
, a tactic
Belgarath
This is a list of ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' characters. ''The Belgariad'' and ''The Malloreon'' are two parts of a fantasy epic written by David Eddings and Leigh Eddings. Note: All of the statements (deceased, married) are written f ...
uses to his advantage to avoid capture and to obtain favors.
* Eldrakyn, Algroths, and Trolls are three anthropoid species, who menace humans in remote regions. Trolls are mentioned in Cherek, but never seen; whereas Algroths are native to Ulgoland, but occasionally venture into Arendia. They are pack hunters and their claws are poisonous. Eldrakyn, the strongest and smartest of these three bestial humanoids, are found near Ulgoland and may live for centuries. They have been known to raise and breed packs of Rock-Wolves.
* Fenlings: a mammal native to Drasnia resembling freshwater
otter
Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae. The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic, or marine, with diets based on fish and invertebrates. Lutrinae is a branch of the Mustelidae family, which also includes wea ...
s, but larger and more intelligent. Often hunted for furs until the witch Vordai took them under her protection. In ''Castle Of Wizardry'', the species as a whole achieved full sapience and human speech from Belgarath.
* Harpies are a rare species that inhabits only the remotest parts of Ulgoland. They are seen but once in the series (see: ''Belgarath the Sorcerer'') and no description is given. It is assumed they resemble the classic Greek idea of a half-woman/half-vulture monster. Polgara recounts the incident later, describing them as semi-human, though without human intelligence. She also states that their lack of a beak makes them "second rate birds of prey".
* Hounds of Torak, also called 'Chandim' were once Grolim Angaraks, changed by Torak into giant dog-like monsters. After Torak's defeat at the Battle of Vo Mimbre, Urvon restored some of them to human form; whereafter all Chandim of either form were loyal to himself.
* Hrulgin are predators that closely resemble horses except for possessing fangs and claws. They are pack hunters, led by a single stallion. In the ''Malloreon'', Prince Hettar shows interest in taming their colts; but is dissuaded by Durnik.
* Mud-men are
golem
A golem ( ; he, , gōlem) is an animated, anthropomorphic being in Jewish folklore, which is entirely created from inanimate matter (usually clay or mud). The most famous golem narrative involves Judah Loew ben Bezalel, the late 16th-century ...
s constructed of mud and debris to house the snakes of Nyissa. These creatures are the assassins of Divine Salmissra and though they are easily torn asunder, their severed limbs continue to seek completion of their task. They are easily destroyed by a heavy rain.
* Raveners are found in southern Cthol Murgos, and eat the bodies of the dead. In times of famine, pestilence or war the Raveners can go into a frenzy and attempt to eat the living as well as the dead. They are able to run for days, feeling nothing but all-consuming hunger. The only thing they fear is the sea.
* Rock-Wolves, resembling
hyena
Hyenas, or hyaenas (from Ancient Greek , ), are feliform carnivoran mammals of the family Hyaenidae . With only four extant species (each in its own genus), it is the fifth-smallest family in the Carnivora and one of the smallest in the clas ...
s, are pack hunters domesticated by Eldrakyn.
See also
*
The Belgariad
''The Belgariad'' is a five-book fantasy epic written by David Eddings, following the journey of protagonist Garion and his companions, first to recover a sacred stone, and later to use it against antagonist Torak. It was a bestseller from the fir ...
*
The Malloreon
The Malloreon is a five-part fantasy book series written by David Eddings, which follows ''The Belgariad''. The Malloreon is set in the same world as The Belgariad, but expands on several aspects of the setting, especially the eastern continent o ...
*
David Eddings
David Carroll Eddings (July 7, 1931 – June 2, 2009) was an American fantasy writer. With his wife Leigh, he authored several best-selling epic fantasy novel series, including ''The Belgariad'' (1982–84), ''The Malloreon'' (1987–91), '' The ...
References
External links
Timeline of the Belgariad and Mallorean
{{DEFAULTSORT:The Belgariad And The Malloreon Characters
Belgariad, The