Malazan Book of the Fallen · Character
Hounds of Shadow
Also known as the Hounds
- Minor
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 4
Hounds of Shadow is a supporting character in Malazan Book of the Fallen (Book 1).
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 4
- Books
- 2
The Hounds of Shadow are seven colossal, millennia-old beasts bound to Shadowthrone, whose terrifying presence shapes events from the first book onward. In Gardens of the Moon their apparent invincibility is shattered when Anomander Rake's sword Dragnipur slays Doan and Ganrod, and Ganoes Paran also kills Hounds, a loss mourned as the death of ancient, precious creatures. Paran later enters Dragnipur, tries to free the chained Hounds, and uses Oponn's male Twin as bait so they can pass into Kurald Galain. By Deadhouse Gates the surviving pack, including Shan, Rood, Gear, Baran and Blind, roams the Seven Cities conflict as a battle-scarred but still formidable force of shadow.
Description
The Hounds are described as seven massive shadow beasts, their immense size and howling giving them a terrifying, almost otherworldly presence. Their exact features—coat, eyes, muzzle, and individual markings—are not specified, so those details should remain open. They are best distinguished by their great scale, dark silhouettes, and the impression of ancient, powerful creatures. These massive hounds possess individual characteristics that distinguish each member of the pack. Shan shows multiple wounds across heaving flanks from recent combat. Rood displays a pale mottled coat stretched over solid muscle, with dark liquid brown eyes and raised hackles. Blind carries a tail dipped low when nervous or uncertain. Baran positions himself as rearguard with alert, watchful posture. Gear leads with commanding presence. All are enormous in build, their thick fur marked by battle, radiating primal power and ancient intelligence.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Ganoes Stabro Paranwould-be liberator
Paran is both slayer and would-be liberator: he kills Hounds, then inside Dragnipur tries to free their chained kin, using Oponn's male Twin as bait so they can escape into Kurald Galain.
- S
Shadowthronemaster
The Hounds serve Shadowthrone as his loyal pack and instruments of power; he commands and restrains them, and their service to him continues as they act across the world in later conflicts.
Quick Bentarget
Having abandoned the Path of Shadow, Quick Ben is marked by Shadowthrone's followers, yet he bargains with Shadowthrone to have the Hounds hunt a creature he will deliver, turning a threat into a tool.
- CB
Caladan BroodEnemy
Rake's sword Dragnipur slays Doan and Ganrod, binding the fallen Hounds within its chained realm.
Story so far
BOOK 1Gardens of the Moon
- Shadowthrone restrains Shan when she reacts to Quick Ben and promises to have the pack ready for the creature Quick Ben will deliver.
- In the confrontation surrounding Hairlock, Anomander Rake's sword Dragnipur kills the Hounds Doan and Ganrod.
- Paran also kills Hounds, a loss lamented as the death of thousand-year-old creatures.
- Within Dragnipur, Paran examines the Hounds' chains and tries to free them, using Oponn's male Twin as bait so they can pass into Kurald Galain.
BOOK 2Deadhouse Gates
- The surviving pack appears as a formidable power amid the desperate struggles of Seven Cities.
- Shan is seen bearing fresh wounds across her flanks from recent battle.
- Rood's pale, mottled form reveals the raw strength of the pack.
- Gear, Baran and Blind run alongside Shan and Rood, demonstrating the pack's loyalty and ferocity.
Appearances
Meet Hounds of Shadow in Bookworm
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