- "Anomander Rake, lord of the black-skinned Tiste Andii, who has looked down on a hundred thousand winters, who has tasted the blood of dragons, who leads the last of his kind, seated in the throne of sorrow and a kingdom tragic and fey— a kingdom with no land to call its own."
- ―Tattersail, upon seeing Anomander Rake for the first time
Anomander Rake [Ahno-man-der] also known by his titles of the Lord of Moon's Spawn, Son of Darkness and Knight of Darkness[9] was the leader of the Tiste Andii. He was said to be "seated on the Throne of Sorrow"; a reflection of the loss and apathy his people had suffered.[8]
Baruk described Rake as having jet-black skin, a mane which flowed silver and features, sharp as if cut from onyx. The Tiste was nearly seven feet tall and on that occasion was cloaked and wore boots. He carried the enormous two-handed sword Dragnipur on his back.[10] There, it was "surrounded in its own breath of preternatural darkness."[11]
Rake's eyes were described as multihued with a slight upward tilt and large vertical pupils. Baruk perceived them as changing colour from a deep hue of amber to grey and banded, a rainbow of colours changing depending on Rake's mood. Whilst with Baruk, Rake's eye colour was in turn green, dun, grey and black.[12] When Paran encountered Rake, he describe their colour as a deep, cold blue which lightened to sky blue a short while later.[13]
As a mage he made use of the Elder Warren of Kurald Galain.[14] Baruk could feel the power emanating from Rake and judged him to be more powerful than the Malazan High Mage, Tayschrenn.[15]
By the time of Gardens of the Moon, Rake disliked the title "Son of Darkness", saying it was used "by those fools who think me worthy of worship."[16]
In Gardens of the Moon
Gardens of the Moon.
After a long absence, Moon's Spawn had reappeared over Genabackis a few years previously and Tiste Andii legions under Caladan Brood had descended to fight the Malazan Empire. The Lord of Moon's Spawn had remained behind however and instead went to Pale to make a pact with the wizards of the city. About two[17] years ago, Moon's Spawn had come into sight in the skies over Pale, effectively bringing the ongoing siege by the Malazans to a standstill.[18]
When the Empire eventually decided to break the stalemate, Rake was forced to fight the Imperial High Mages Tayschrenn, Nightchill, Bellurdan and A'Karonys as well as Tattersail's mage cadre. The ensuing mage battle obliterated entire regiments, a cost of lives which Rake had hoped to avoid by his presence.[19] Despite three of the High Mages being taken out by what looked like an attack from their own side, Moon's Spawn in the end retreated.[20]
Anomander Rake outside Darujhistan by Slaine69
Rake then went to Darujhistan, the next target of the Malazans, to form an alliance with the T'orrud Cabal of mages against the Empire. Their leader, the alchemist Baruk, mentioned that two of the Pale wizards were hiding in Darujhistan and Rake demanded their heads. He told Baruk that he had already chased down all the others as the desertion of those mages just prior to the last battle had led to the defenders defeat. When he demanded their heads and told Baruk that he would otherwise use his sword, the alchemist promised he should have them - an action described by Rake as mercy.[21]
Rake was not told all that the Great Raven Crone knew about the coinbearer nor did he know that Brood had arranged for him to be protected by the Crimson Guard against Rake's Tiste Andii mages.[22]
When Quick Ben released the Korvalah demon Pearl to defend himself against attackers, Rake came to the aid the of the Tiste Andii assassins he had sent and killed the demon with Dragnipur. He was not pleased to hear from the Tiste commander, Serrat, that the mission had not gone well.[23] That same night during a visit to Baruk, Rake explained that he had started the assassin war in order to prevent the Malazan Empire making contact with the local assassins guild. He also thanked the alchemist for sending him the heads of the two Pale wizards which he had requested.[24]
Rake facing the Hounds of Shadow by Corporal Nobbs
Rake and Paran by slaine69
Rake came to the aid of Paran when the Captain was about to be attacked by the Hounds of Shadow. When all seven beasts attacked Rake instead, he killed two of them before the others withdrew.[25] A few moments later, Rake confronted Shadowthrone and warned him to not interfere with Darujhistan else he would assail the realm of Shadow. His threat was enough to force Shadowthrone to recall Cotillion from possessing Sorry's body.[26]
Rake told Baruk that he would not entertain the idea of treachery against the Cabal as treachery could only backfire and result in him being on the receiving end of it himself by his four assassin mages, Brood and others, even Silanah. He told Baruk that the fight against the Jaghut Tyrant would diminish the Tiste and that the Cabal would need to take up the slack. Baruk then showed him Mammot who seemed to be in a very deep sleep and Rake surmised that the High Priest's spirit had likely travelled to the Jaghut barrow and might now be trapped, even be in danger of possession by the Tyrant.[27]
Although Baruk voiced some misgivings, Rake insisted that he would attend Lady Simtal's Fete. He felt that it would be better to be on hand with such a convergence of power. A comment by Baruk caused Rake to reminisce upon Icarium having last visited him about eight hundred years ago.[28] Rake attended the fete wearing the mask of a black dragon, with silver-traced highlights and was introduced by his real name but neither Lady Simtal nor Turban Orr recognised it. At the fete he was introduced to Kruppe and the witch and cabal member Derudan. When Rallick Nom called Turban Orr out to a duel, Rake volunteered to act as Nom's second, quoting a dislike for a council debate to settle the issue, as his reason. [29]
Rake sent Silanah and four Andii Soletaken Eleint to delay the Jaghut Tyrant, Raest.[30]
Rake at Darujhistan's Gedderone Festival, by Artsed
Rake and Baruk had already left the fete when they felt the unfolding of events. Rake advised Baruk to return to his estate and expect the Empire's next move whilst he himself, seeking a high vantage-point would go to K'rul's Belfry. As he was not yet ready to unveil his Warren, he drew Dragnipur, which had the effect of clearing the street.[31]
Rake had behaved oddly upon meeting Mammot,[32] but only when the High Priest died, did Baruk realize that Rake had recognized Mammot as being possessed already.[33]
Rake vs Galayn by Daniel Knoblich
In Deadhouse Gates
Deadhouse Gates.
Interpretation of Anomander Rake by Slaine69
In Memories of Ice
Memories of Ice.
- "Rake was an atmosphere, a heart-thudding, terror-threaded presence no-one could ignore, much less escape. Violence, antiquity, sombre pathos, darkest horror -- the Son of Darkness was a gelid eddy in immortality's current..."
- ―Rake, as seen by the Mhybe
Tool told Toc the Younger that Rake's sword Dragnipur had been forged by Draconus who had then been slain with that very sword by Rake.[37]
Anomander Rake by Dejan Delic
In the early days of the campaign, he settled a confrontation between Kallor, Brood, and Whiskeyjack over the status of the powerful and mysterious Silverfox. Whiskeyjack went so far as to draw his sword against Rake to protect the girl from the Tiste Andii. Rake was impressed by the Bridgeburner as well as intrigued by the cloaked power of the mage, Quick Ben. Ultimately, he agreed that Silverfox was to be safe from harm, and instructed Kallor accordingly.[39][40]
To Korlat's disbelief, Whiskeyjack and the Son of Darkness forged a friendship over the course of several evenings of conversation. At their first meeting, Whiskeyjack shared the story of the founding of the Bridgeburners. In Korlat's memory, it was the only such friendship Rake had kindled since he had bonded with Caladan Brood thousands of years before.[41][42]
In discussions with Brood and Kallor, Rake was often supportive of their Malazan allies. He argued that conquest by the Malazan Empire was generally a positive outcome, bringing peace, order, and the "least oppressive [laws] of any empire I've ever known". He also forgave Dujek's deception regarding the High Fist's renegade status as he knew Dujek had the Empress' dagger at his back.[43] Rake aided Korlat and Whiskeyjack's budding romance, revealing Whiskeyjack's hidden motivations to his Second, allowing them to smooth over their differences. Rake was moved by the love Korlat had found with the Malazan, saying he had never thought to see her heart open and flower again.[44] He also tried and failed to convince Whiskeyjack to consult Brood for magical healing of his injured leg.[45]
After the allies successfully lifted the Siege of Capustan, Whiskeyjack was overseeing the captured cannibal Tenescowri hordes when they swarmed to attack. Rake attempted to take the Tenescowri leader Anaster into custody triggering a sorcerous attack against his Eleint form by the Women of the Dead Seed who guarded him. As they were resistant to his magic, the Son of Darkness was forced to begin slaying the women with his soul-stealing sword. Whiskeyjack intervened out of a sense of compassion for both Rake and the women and single-handedly executed the remaining women by more conventional methods.[46]
Rake returned to the hidden Moon's Spawn and remained out of contact as the allied armies made their way to Coral (city) to confront the Pannion Seer. Both Korlat and Crone were disturbed by Rake's silence and feared the Son of Darkness and his skykeep had been destroyed.[47]
During the climax of the Battle of Black Coral, Moon's Spawn burst from hiding in the deep waters of Ortnal's Cut in the city's harbour. The skykeep hovered above, unveiling Kurald Galain to engulf the city. Then Rake sent it crashing onto the Old Palace where the Seer stood on the roof protected by his K'ell Hunter.[48]
Afterwards, Rake descended to the ground where he apologised to Picker and the other Bridgeburners who had been inside the Seer's keep when Moon's Spawn had crashed down. He argued briefly with Lady Envy, who warned that Draconus sought to escape from within Dragnipur before banning her from the city. Then he walked with the Bridgeburners to pay his respects at the hill where Whiskeyjack had perished at the hands of the treacherous Kallor. Rake ordered Korlat and her brother Orfantal to return with the escaped Kallor to face Dragnipur's justice.[49]
Rake offered the crippled Moon's Spawn as a worthy sarcophagus for Whiskeyjack and the fallen Bridgeburners, and prepared their interment in his former throne room himself.[50] The failing skykeep was then sent out over the Rust Ocean where it was presumed to have crashed into the sea.[51]
The city came to be known as Black Coral after Moon's Spawn's destruction forced the remaining Tiste Andii to settle there.[52]In House of Chains
House of Chains.
Sent to Drift Avalii by Cotillion, Cutter and Apsalar discovered the island was protected by Andarist, Rake's younger brother. The Tiste Andii was bitter at having been left to guard the Throne of Shadow by Rake and then forgotten. Unlike Rake, Andarist appeared ancient, and he railed at Rake for taking on draconian blood.[53] He claimed his sword had been made by Rake, who had called it Vengeance. The sword came into Andarist's possession when Rake found Dragnipur more suiting to his nature. Andarist then renamed the sword Grief. [54] Cutter later discovered that Rake had used his sorcery to bind the Throne to the island so it could not be moved.[55] Rake's descendants, Aranatha, Desra, Kedeviss, Nenanda, Nimander, Phaed, and Skintick, guarded the island as well.[56]
The Queen of Dreams told L'oric that Rake had once spent almost two centuries in the guise of a human serving as a royal guard.[57]In Midnight Tides
Shortly after the sundering of Kurald Emurlahn, the Malazan world was invaded through a violent rent by the combined armies of Silchas Ruin's Tiste Andii and Scabandari Bloodeye's Tiste Edur. After the invaders defeated an army of K'Chain Che'Malle, Scabandari betrayed his fellow commander and noted that Silchas Ruin was brother to Anomandaris Irake and Andarist. Scabandari claimed that Anomander had broken with his mother and kind before vanishing forever. The Tiste Edur was unaware that Rake already resided in the Malazan world with an earlier group of Andii settlers.[58]
The Elder Gods, Mael and Kilmandaros, moved against Scabandari and his army with Gothos' assent. But the Jaghut warned them to be quick about it as Rake was growing aware of Scabandari's presence. Mael brushed his concerns aside saying Osserc moved to stand in Rake's path.[59] Later, Menandore and Sukul Ankhadu encountered a battered and burned Osserc who claimed to have delayed Rake long enough for Scabandari to escape.[60]
In modern times, Udinaas and Feather Witch accidentally travelled to the Refugium where they met the Imass, Ulshun Pral, and the boy, Rud Elalle. Ulshan Pral spoke of a Hold the two Letherii had never heard of called Starvald Demelain, home of the pure dragons. He noted that a group of mixed bloods, which included Rake, had closed the road to the Hold long ago.[61]
The people of Bluerose, who resembled very dark-skinned Tiste Edur, were said to worship someone called the Black-Winged Lord.[62]
In The Bonehunters
Edgewalker followed Cotillion to a stone circle in the Shadow Realm where the three Eleint, Ampelas, Eloth, and Kalse, were chained. The Eleint revealed that they had long ago attempted to seize the Throne of Shadow, but were stopped by the vengeance of Anomandaris and his Tiste Andii. Their attackers were thorough in their destruction of Kurald Emurlahn, insisting the throne remain unclaimed, and resulting in the imprisonment of the three Eleint.[63]
The Tiste Andii of Bluerose possessed an ancient tapestry depicting Mother Dark and the three brothers born in Darkness who were her most cherished children: Andarist, Andomaris Purake, and Silchas Ruin. All three had eventually betrayed her and been cast out. Andarist was the first after making an accusation all knew to be mistaken. Filled with unbearable grief, he accepted his banishment by Mother Dark, but vowed to continue his guardianship of her from exile. Anomander and Silchas saw Mother Dark's turning away from her son as a crime and Anomander confronted her. Afterwards, he too walked away, denying the Darkness in his blood and seeking out the Chaos that ever warred in his veins. Silchas Ruin's indecision and failed efforts to forge reconciliation led to the greatest betrayal of all—an alliance with Shadow.[64]
War had broken out amongst the Tiste and Ruin allied with Scabandari to flee through the gates to the Malazan world. After Scabandari's betrayal, Ruin's surviving Andii fled and found sanctuary in the caves deep below the Bluerose Mountains where they founded the Bluerose Kingdom. The Bluerose venerated Rake and the High King of Bluerose was known as the Supreme Servant of the Black Winged Lord.[64] The Bluerose spy, Ahlrada Ahn, was surprised to hear Anomander's name spoken by Taralack Veed, a captive of the Edur. The Bluerose believed that the Black Winged Lord dwelt at the Gates of Darkness. Ahlrada Ahn was astonished to hear Veed explain that Rake actually lived in the floating fortress, Moon's Spawn, and had been defeated in a sorcerous contest with the Malazans on a distant continent above a city called Pale.[65]
The surviving Andii from Drift Avalli made their way to Malaz City where Master Sergeant Braven Tooth encountered them in Coop's Hanged Man Inn. He learned that one of them, Nimander Golit, was the first son of Rake. Also among them was Phaed, Nimander's daughter (and Rake's granddaughter). She told Braven Tooth her mother was Lady Envy, who had gotten her revenge on Rake by taking his son as a lover.[66]
In Reaper's Gale
Shortly after the death of Scabandari Bloodeye, Anomander Rake waited for Kilmandaros in front of the rent that opened to Kurald Emurlahn. Kilmandaros told Purake that he was not welcomed into the realm, and asked him why he did not avenge his recently betrayed brother, Silchas Ruin. He told her that the cost for the betrayal of Ruin proved too high for Scabandari, and concerning his brother, he almost envied his new-found isolation from all that would afflict his people in the millennia to come. Finally they made a pact to drive all the pretenders and 'scavengers' from the realm and both decided that the Throne of Shadow must stay unoccupied.[67]
In modern times, Clip claimed that he was the Mortal Sword of Anomander Rake[68] and used this title to escorted the group of Silchas Ruin, Fear Sengar, Seren Pedac, Udinaas, Kettle, and Wither through the Refugium and Kurald Galain.[69]
An expeditionary force guided by Orbyn Truthfinder slew all the followers of the cult to the Black-Winged Lord inside the Andara while in search of Fear Sengar and Udinaas.[70] It was revealed that Rake trapped Kilmandaros inside an Azath House for betraying him.[71] At the end, Clip claimed that he was the Herald in High House Dark, and took Nimander Golit and his followers in search of Anomander Rake, so that in the end he would answer for betraying his people in this side of the world. Nimander speculated that the exile of the Andii was at an end.[72]
In Toll the Hounds
Toll the Hounds.
Interpretation of Anomander Rake and Spinnock Durav by Autumn Tavern
- "His Forearms sheathed in black glistening scales, his bared chest made a thing of natural armour. The blood of Tiam ran riot through him, fired to life by the conflation of chaotic sorcery, and his eyes glowed with ferocious will."
- ―Rake, as seen by Endest Silann
Trapped within Dragnipur, Ditch, a former wizard of Pale, recollected that Anomander Rake had not been interested that they had acted out of desperation before he killed them with his sword. He questioned why Rake did not kill more dragons as it was becoming more and more impossible to keep the waggon within the sword moving.[73]
Baruk perused the compendium 'Dark and Light' by Dillat and its fictional account of events in the life of Anomander Rake. The book had come to Baruk from Rake who had thought its nonsense might amuse the scholar. Crone, the courier of the book, told Baruk that in fact, Rake and Osserc's alliance had fallen apart due to a growing mutual dislike. She ridiculed Osserc for having been played by Spite, the daughter of Draconus, whereas Rake's affair with the other daughter, Lady Envy, had been in Rake's control.[74]
Rake vs Traveller by Shadaan
(missing information)
Anomander Rake was killed during a duel with Traveller in Darujhistan. As Rake blocked Traveller's sword, he let Dragnipur split his own skull.[75] Once inside Dragnipur, he sacrificed himself to bring Mother Dark and the Gate of Darkness back to the Tiste Andii in Black Coral. The sacrifice dispersed Rake's soul into Kurald Galain, and earned Draconus's forgiveness and respect.[76]
After the duel, Caladan Brood arrived in Darujhistan and carried Anomander's body to a barrow outside the city prepared by Burn. Every Daru citizen followed Brood out to the barrow to honor the Tiste Andii Lord who had twice saved them from destruction. Brood sealed Rake's barrow with a Barghast glyph that means "Grief." Nimander Golit took Rake's place as Lord of the Tiste Andii in Black Coral.
In Dust of Dreams
(missing information)
In The Crippled God
(missing information)
In Return of the Crimson Guard
Return of the Crimson Guard.
Attend - Interpretation of Anomander Rake by Paradanmellow
In Stonewielder
During her time as one of Tayschrenn's bodyguards, Kiska stated that she had once met an ambassador sent from Anomander Rake himself.[78]
In Orb Sceptre Throne
(missing information)
In Blood and Bone
(missing information)
In Assail
Assail.
See also: Who was Jethiss?
There is speculation that Jethiss, the Tiste Andii who traveled with Fisher Kel Tath on the continent of Assail, was Anomander Rake. However, a stronger candidate for Jethiss' true identity was Spinnock Durav. This could be inferred from the vague memories that Jethiss had of his previous life.In Dancer's Lament
The subject of the Son of Darkness came up in a conversation between Shalmanat, the Protectress of Li Heng, and Sister Night. Shalmanat was very concerned that Anomander might make an appearance at Li Heng. Because of her role in the war between Light and Dark over Kurald Emurlahn, the Protectress was afraid that Rake and his his Keep would come to destroy her and Li Heng. Sister Night reassured Shalmanat, telling her that since the hostilities occurred "a long time ago", and because the current guardian of Emurlahn was not Anomander but another, the Protectress need not fear that Rake would personally concern himself with her presence at Li Heng.[79]
In Forge of Darkness
Anomander Rake was part of House Purake at a time when his father Nimander (his son would be named after his father) had recently passed away. Mother Dark gave Anomander and his two brothers the title of Sons of Darkness with Anomander being named 'First Son of Darkness'.[80][81]
In anticipation of his brother Andarist's wedding to Enesdia, Anomander commissioned a traditional Azathanai hearthstone for their new home. But unlike other such stones, he commissioned the work to be done by Azathanai High Mason, Caladan Brood. Upon the laying of the stone Brood asked Anomander to seal his loyalty to his brother with a blood pact, in return Anomander asked the mason to do the same. Begrudgingly, Brood did so connecting the two men for both their lives.[82]
Anomander was present when the Azathanai, T'riss, arrived in Kharkanas to speak with Mother Dark and sanctify the temple with Vitr. Mother Dark's expanded power transformed Anomander, turning his pale gold skin black and his hair silver.[83][84]
Anomander also commissioned one of the legendary Hust swords from Hust Henarald. Uniquely, he requested that sword share its voice only with its bearer.[85] Upon delivery, Mother Dark refused to bless the sword, which angered Anomander.[86] When Andarist's betrothed was murdered shortly before their wedding Anomander was inspired by the crime to name his sword Vengeance. Andarist pleaded with him to instead name the sword Grief. Anomander's refusal created a rift between the brothers.[87]
In Fall of Light
- "If not in the name of love, then what cause suffices?"
- ―Anomander Rake, First Son of Darkness
Before they had left Andarist's house, Endest Silann had witnessed an exchange between Caladan Brood and Anomander Rake, where Rake insisted that he would hold Brood to his promise of peace. Brood had asked whether Anomander would have the strength to bear all the burdens he would ultimately place on him, the first being the name Rake, the Azathanai word for Strength. Anomander had answered that he would.[88]
The two headed north, to the burned forest where they came upon a group of Deniers led by Glyph who left it up to Yedan Narad to give or refuse them welcome. Feeling guilt at the mention of Rake's name, Narad was momentarily unable to do either, then welcomed Brood but not Rake, saying the time for their welcome had not yet come. He promised Anomander that when he and the Deniers would be needed, they would answer his call. Anomander argued that Kharkanas's civil war didn't belong to the Deniers, they had suffered enough already. Narad agreed, but said he was talking about another battle, a battle when the fires would take the sea, a battle upon the shoreline, and on that day, they would answer Anomander's call. Asked by Brood in whose name the Deniers would stand, Narad twice answered with Hers, causing Anomander and the by then outraged Deniers to believe it to mean Mother Dark. Brood grabbed hold of Anomander and dragged him away from the camp.
Narad told Glyph that they had misunderstood and that if Anomander too had misunderstood him, the Azathanai had not, making Glyph think that Brood had purposely deceived the Son of Darkness. He also explained that Anomander probably wouldn't have to call, since he feared they would already be there. He then asked Glyph whether he had a name for shoreline in his old language, to which the hunter nodded and answered Emurlahn.[89]
Brood and Rake came upon the seemingly unconscious figure of Wreneck and made him comfortable. As they conversed, Wreneck listened to their exchange, which led to Vatha Urusander and the civil war. Rake wondered whether his sole service to Mother Dark consisted of standing between two self serving sides since in his opinion both sides were hypocrites, and whether it was enough of a reason to raise his army against Urusander's. He also wondered whether dividing the Tiste into the Andii and the Liosan, and thereby weakening them, had been something T'riss the Azathanai had done intentionally. And if so, with what purpose.
Brood told him to look at Draconus for an answer, since he had brought Dark to the Tiste. Anomander argued that T'riss had already done her damage before Draconus had brought the Terondai. Brood explained that the Gate, which he named Kurald Galain, was an iteration of control over a force in opposition to Chaos. When asked why Chaos and not Light, Caladan replied that Light was an absolution of Chaos. That in its purity it found order, with substance and hue, a reflection of how Chaos sought its own obliteration. He explained that by gifting Mother Dark with Elemental Dark, Draconus had imposed an impossible imbalance in the world, which in turn had made it impossible for T'riss to do anything but what she had done. He asked Anomander whether anyone could blame Draconus for something he did out of love. Anomander answered this by stating that Draconus was his friend, and that he would seek to withhold judgment, even if he felt disappointed by his absence.
When Wreneck finally awakened fully, he revealed to them his story and that he was seeking vengeance upon the Legion soldiers who had burned down House Drukorlat, and had hurt Jinia. That afterward, he would go back, find Jinia and marry her. And even though she could not have children it did not matter to him, since he would protect her forever. Upon hearing this, and about the boy's past experiences, Anomander told Caladan that he had finally found a worthy reason; a future of love.[90]
As they journeyed toward Dracons Keep, Caladan insisted that Anomander had strayed too far from his path to find his brother, in effect counseling him to return to Kharkanas to take up his duties. Anomander feeling bitter countered by asking whether Mother Dark had taken up her responsibilities. He noted that he felt blinded by Mother Dark's indecision, to which Caladan countered that the blindness he spoke of was his own doing. He then asked Anomander what he would have Mother Dark do, to which the First Son asked whether that was not self evident. He further made it plain that he disliked the very notion of rule, since power does not confer wisdom or rightful authority. But if Mother Dark wanted them to worship her as their goddess, then she needed to rule.[91]
When they arrived at Dracons Keep, they were met by Ivis, Captain of Lord Draconus's Houseblades. In a private conversation with the captain, Anomander revealed his doubts regarding the name he gave his sword, which had ultimately led to the estrangement between him and his brother. Ivis, seeking to comfort him, told him that even so he had struck out to find his brother, and to make it right between them. Still skeptical, Anomander asked even if he found his brother what word would be shared between them? At last Anomander decided to abandon his query and to return to Kharkanas.[92]
Ivis then asked Anomander to have Caladan look into the matter of the daughters of Draconus. Caladan warned Anomander that if he unleashed his power, not many would survive the night. What followed was a sorcerous conflagration that blew up half of Dracons Keep and set fire to the rest, leaving Anomander helpless and frustrated at his inability to match any of it himself.[93] Anomander then let Lord Draconus's Houseblades accompany him to Kharkanas.
On the journey to Kharkanas, Gripp Galas finally caught up with them. Speaking privately with Anomander, he reported on the events in Kharkanas and the choices of his brother Silchas Ruin -- to which Anomander said he was well aware -- and of the whereabouts of Andarist.
Gripp informed Anomander that he was needed unless he would see Urusander occupy Kharkanas uncontested. Anomander told him that it was Mother Dark's wish that he not unsheathe his sword. Yet if he did not, his friend, and Mother Dark's Consort, would be deposed, or even outlawed.[94]
Rake and the Seguleh
'Blacksword visits' Interpretation of Anomander Rake amongst the Seguleh
by Shadaan and Tinyshiloh
Centuries before the creation of the Malazan Empire, Anomander visited the home island of the Seguleh. Ignorant of their customs, he took human form, donned a mask, and walked down the centre of their city's main thoroughfare. Rake's arrogant nature was perceived as a challenge by the non-verbal Seguleh, sparking duels with more than a score of the inhabitants who soon joined the other prisoners of Dragnipur. By the time Anomander's incomprehension and frustration led him to leave the island, he had already advanced to the position of Seguleh Seventh. Rake's visit was well remembered and his well-earned mask awaited his return.[4]
Other names
Anomander Rake bore a number of pseudonyms and titles.
- Anomandaris Irake[1]
- Anomandaris Purake[2]
- Anomander Dragnipurake[3]
- Black-Winged Lord
- Blacksword[4]
- First Son of Darkness[95]
- Knight of Darkness[9]
- Knight of High House Dark
- Lord of Moon's Spawn[9]
- The Mane of Chaos[96]
- The Rake
- Son of Darkness[9]
History
Anomander Purake, later named Anomander Rake by Caladan Brood, was given the title of the First Son of Darkness by Mother Dark, queen of Kharkanas and goddess of the Tiste Andii. He was a Soletaken — able to assume the form of a huge black dragon, larger even than Silanah (a true Eleint) — and a very powerful Ascendant, occupying the place of the Knight of High House Dark in the Deck of Dragons. He was also the wielder of (the sword) Vengeance/Grief, and of the dangerous and powerful Dragnipur, which was forged by his friend Draconus — on whom he ultimately turned his own creation[97], thereby fulfilling Kallor's curse.
He was widely recognised — by many Ascendants, gods and Elder Gods — as one of the most powerful, unpredictable and ruthless figures in the World, especially since he was the wielder of the sword that enslaved souls.[98][99][100][101][102]
In his early years — during the events of the Kharkanas Trilogy — he seemed somewhat arrogant and rash, but in his later years — during the events of the Book of the Fallen — he was portrayed as more compassionate and wise.[103][104] Rake was a man of solitude, possessing a spirit of almost pathological independence. He could be indifferent to others' need for regular reassurance or comfirmation, trusting that his word, once given, was bond enough. What Rake said he would do, he did.[105] His thought processes were often a mystery to his own people, perhaps because of his draconic blood, but still they trusted and loved him without question.[106]
He was the son of Nimander Purake — who in his younger years was granted, by K'rul, the Azathanai honorific Purake, which came from "Pur Rakess Calas ne A’nom", roughly translated to "Strength in Standing Still" — and had two brothers, Silchas Ruin and Andarist, both given the titles the Second Son of Darkness and the Third Son of Darkness, respectively. T'riss was a one-time companion,[107] as were Lady Envy and Caladan Brood.[108][109]
To ensure the return of Mother Dark and the Gate of Darkness, and the re-awaking of hope and purpose for his people, he sacrificed himself, first by causing his own death by Traveller's hand, and then by dispersing his own soul, with the help of the power of a newly born god, in the Gate so that it could finally be freed from the realm of Dragnipur and manifest in Black Coral.
The glyphs forming the word Grief were inscribed by Caladan Brood on his tomb, outside the city of Darujhistan; a city he defended in Gardens of the Moon.
Trivia
- In his first attempt at writing Gardens of the Moon, Erikson presented the story from Anomander Rake's point of view. After writing three pages, he abandoned the draft as he came to the conclusion that his twenty-something self could not authentically convey the thoughts of a character who was several hundred thousand years old. He later found that avoiding Rake's POV gave the character a sense of presence and power that would have been difficult to duplicate with his own POV.[110]
- Anomander Rake was the first character Erikson ever rolled up and played in the role-playing games that served as the foundations of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. Erikson played the character through game after game and "lived and breathed the guy".[110]
- Erikson thinks Keanu Reeves would make an apt movie casting for Anomander Rake --"Oddly enough, I always thought of him for Anomander Rake..."[111]
Quotes
- K'rul: "I am lost. In this world. In this time."
- Anomander Rake: "You are not alone with those sentiments, Eldering One."
- K'rul: "Do I follow in your steps, Lord? Do I seek out new battles, new games to play in the company of Ascendants? Are you rewarded in spirit for your efforts?"
- Anomander Rake: "Sometimes. But mostly, no, I am not."
- K'rul: "Then why?"
- Anomander Rake: "I know no other way of living."
- ―K'rul and Anomander Rake[src]
- "The black, silver-maned dragon emerged from the darkness overhead like a piece of night torn loose..."
- ―The arrival of Anomander Rake
- "He chose wisely. Each time, he chose wisely. Tell him, that of all whom I ever met, there is but one who has earned my respect and he is that one."
- ―Gothos to Desra regarding Anomander
- "There is no struggle too vast, no odds too overwhelming, for even should we fail — should we fall — we will know that we have lived."
- ―Anomander Rake, Son of Darkness
- "All that he has ever asked of us, of me, and Spinnock Durav, and so many others, he has given us in return. Each and every time. This . . . this is his secret. Don't you understand, High Priestess? We served the one who served us."
- ―Endest Silan to the High Priestess of Darkness
- Anomander Rake: "And so I now raise my standard, Azathanai, to a deserved future, and a conscience scrubbed clean. If not in the name of love, then what cause suffices?"
- Caladan Brood: "Draconus would stand with you, First Son, beneath such a standard. And thus the nobles are lost."
- Anomander Rake: "Are we then past the age of shame, Caladan? No sting should I ridicule my fellow highborn?"
- Caladan Brood: "Its power has diminished. Shame, my friend, is but a ghost now, haunting every city, every town and village. It has less substance than woodsmoke, and but rubs the throat with little more than an itch."
- Anomander Rake: "I shall make it a wildfire."
- ―Lord Anomander Rake and High Mason Caladan Brood[src]
- Anomander Rake: "My friend is here in the name of love, captain. In the absence of anything else, is that not a worthy cause? No, let us take his side."
- Kellaras: "Milord, the highborn will not be so sentimental—"
- Anomander Rake: "Sentimental, am I? Is love so paltry a thing, to be plucked and dropped to the ground at the first breath of contempt? Man or woman, disparaging love is a crime of the soul, for which the future will turn away its face."
- Kellaras: "I doubt they fear such a fate, milord."
- Anomander Rake: "They will learn to, captain. This I swear."
- ―An exchange between Kellaras and Lord Anomander[src]
Fan art gallery
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Midnight Tides, Prologue
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Toll the Hounds, Chapter 13
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Toll the Hounds, Chapter 2
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Memories of Ice, Chapter 5, UK MMPB, p.189
- ↑ Reaper's Gale, Chapter 6, US TPB p.153
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 21, UK MMPB p.609
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Gardens of the Moon, Glossary, UK MMPB p.706
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 2, UK MMPB p.75
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Gardens of the Moon, Dramatis Personae, UK MMPB p.xv
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 6, UK MMPB p.210-212
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 18, US SFBC p.633
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 6, UK MMPB p.210-213
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 15, UK MMPB 474/475
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 2, UK MMPB p.75
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 6, UK MMPB p.212
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 17, US HC p.365
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 6, UK MMPB p.212
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 2, UK MMPB p.61/62
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 6, UK MMPB p.212
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 2, UK MMPB p.74-77
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 6, UK MMPB p.210-214
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 10, UK MMPB p.337-339
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 13, UK MMPB p.422-424,427-429
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 13, UK MMPB p.437-440
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 15, UK MMPB p.470-472
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 15, UK MMPB p.474-483
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 17, UK MMPB p.518-522
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 20, UK MMPB p.575-577
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 21
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 21, UK MMPB p.631
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 22, UK MMPB p.650/651
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 20, UK MMPB p.579
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 23, UK MMPB p.669
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 23, UK MMPB p.668/669,671-674,680
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 24, UK MMPB p.682-685
- ↑ Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 8, UK MMPB p.347
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 1, UK MMPB p.65
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 8, US SFBC p.308
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 5, US SFBC p.186-187/206
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 8, US SFBC p.306-307
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 8, US SFBC p.300-308
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 22, US SFBC p.790
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 18, US SFBC p.623-624
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 18, US SFBC p.617/625/630
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 18, US SFBC p.629
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 19, US SFBC p.680-690
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 23, US SFBC p.839-840/850-851
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 25, US SFBC p.935-937/945
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 25, US SFBC p.974-979/994-995
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 25, UK MMPB p.1155
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 25, US SFBC p.982/985-986
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 25, US SFBC p.970
- ↑ House of Chains, Chapter 9, US SFBC p.363/367
- ↑ House of Chains, Chapter 12, US SFBC p.433
- ↑ House of Chains, Chapter 20, US SFBC p.650
- ↑ House of Chains, Chapter 12, US SFBC p.439
- ↑ House of Chains, Chapter 13, US SFBC p.489
- ↑ Midnight Tides, Prologue, US SFBC p.19-23
- ↑ Midnight Tides, Prologue, US SFBC p.24-25
- ↑ Midnight Tides, Chapter 7, US SFBC p.230
- ↑ Midnight Tides, Chapter 15, US SFBC p.485
- ↑ Midnight Tides, Chapter 19, US TPB p.463
- ↑ The Bonehunters, Chapter 2, US SFBC p.76
- ↑ 64.0 64.1 The Bonehunters, Chapter 17, US SFBC p.683-684
- ↑ The Bonehunters, Chapter 18, US SFBC p.734-736
- ↑ The Bonehunters, Chapter 21, US SFBC p.825-826
- ↑ Reaper's Gale, Prologue
- ↑ Reaper's Gale, Chapter 8
- ↑ Reaper's Gale, Chapter 19
- ↑ Reaper's Gale, Chapter 16
- ↑ Reaper's Gale, Chapter 20
- ↑ Reaper's Gale, Epilogue
- ↑ Toll the Hounds, Prologue, UK HB p.4/5
- ↑ Toll the Hounds, Chapter 1, UK HB p.32-36
- ↑ Toll the Hounds, Chapter 23, UK HB p.856/857
- ↑ Toll the Hounds, Chapter 24
- ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 3, US HC p.356-358
- ↑ Stonewielder, Chapter 1, US TPB p.78
- ↑ Dancer's Lament, Chapter 14, US HC p.266-267
- ↑ Forge of Darkness, Chapter 2, UK HC p.40-44
- ↑ Forge of Darkness, Chapter 3, UK HC p.78
- ↑ Forge of Darkness, Chapter 2, UK HC p.47-50
- ↑ Forge of Darkness, Chapter 2
- ↑ Forge of Darkness, Chapter 9, UK HC p.271
- ↑ Forge of Darkness, Chapter 6, UK HC p.151
- ↑ Forge of Darkness, Chapter 15, UK HC p.457
- ↑ Forge of Darkness, Chapter 15, UK HC p.481
- ↑ Fall of Light, Chapter 2
- ↑ Fall of Light, Chapter 4
- ↑ Fall of Light, Chapter 9
- ↑ Fall of Light, Chapter 9
- ↑ Fall of Light, Chapter 16
- ↑ Fall of Light, Chapter 16
- ↑ Fall of Light, Chapter 20
- ↑ Forge of Darkness, Chapter 3, UK HC p.78
- ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 2, US HC p.68
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 1
- ↑ Dust of Dreams, Chapter 19
- ↑ Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 8, US MMPB p.300
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 3
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 4
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 5
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 5
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 8
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 23, US SFBC p.851
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 18, US SFBC p.625
- ↑ Blood and Bone, Chapter 5, UK MMPB, p.300
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 1, UM MMPB, p.71
- ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 5
- ↑ 110.0 110.1 https://steven-erikson.org/anomander-rake-and-point-of-view/
- ↑ Steven Erikson Facebook post 14 June 2019