The Stormlight Archive · Character
Hav
- Minor
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 25
Hav is a minor character in The Stormlight Archive (Book 1).
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 25
- Books
- 2
Hav is Kaladin's former sergeant in Amaram's army, a demanding drillmaster who never appears on the page yet leaves a lasting imprint on Kaladin's mind. In The Way of Kings, he surfaces in Kaladin's memories as the man who taught him to see the world in terms of "us" and "them" and who might once have booted him from his bunk. By Rhythm of War, Hav's lessons have become an anchor for Kaladin: his remembered voice cuts through Kaladin's panic, and a spear maneuver he taught helps Kaladin fight the singer guards. These moments show how deeply his discipline and first principles of leadership shaped the Windrunner.
Description
The text provides no visual description of Hav. His age, build, coloring, hair, eyes, facial features, clothing, and demeanor are unspecified and should remain undescribed. The text offers no concrete description of Hav’s face, coloring, hair, height, or build. He is identified as a male sergeant and instructor, so his visual impression rests on military bearing rather than any recorded physical distinction. Practical recruit-training clothes and a disciplined, commanding presence suit his role without adding unsupported details.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Kaladincombat instructor
Hav was Kaladin's sergeant and combat instructor during his early soldiering. In The Way of Kings, his teachings appear as ingrained ways of thinking, such as dividing the world into "us" and "them." In Rhythm of War, Hav becomes a source of steadiness and practical skill. His remembered voice calms Kaladin's panic, and his spear training proves decisive in combat against singer guards.
Story so far
BOOK 1The Way of Kings
- Kaladin thinks of Hav as someone who might boot him out of his bunk, recalling his military training.
- Kaladin remembers that Hav trained him to think in terms of "us" and "them."
- Hav's influence persists in the habits of thought Kaladin carries into the bridge crews.
BOOK 4Rhythm of War
- Hav is identified as Kaladin's old sergeant and one of his formative instructors.
- Kaladin recalls Hav drilling recruits hard, including making them hike at double time.
- Kaladin remembers the first principle of leadership Hav taught him.
- During a moment of panic, Kaladin hears Hav's remembered voice guiding him.
- Kaladin uses a spear maneuver Hav taught him against the singer guards.
Appearances
Meet Hav in Bookworm
Meet Hav in your EPUB — spoiler-safe to the book you're on.