The Stormlight Archive · Character
Lopen
Also known as the one-armed Herdazian, the Herdazian, Gancho
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 39
Lopen is a one-armed Herdazian bridgeman in The Stormlight Archive (Book 1).
- Gender
- male
- Age
- young adult
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 39
- Books
- 2
Lopen begins as a one-armed Herdazian bridgeman whose irrepressible humor helps keep Bridge Four's spirits alive amid brutal labor, earning a place in Kaladin's crew as a water-carrier, spear-runner, and trainee in medicine and combat. By the later books he has risen to become a Windrunner, his courage and generosity finding a true home among the Knights Radiant. (The source material for Rhythm of War calls him a 'Horneater', but this contradicts his consistent Herdazian identity and is likely an error in that summary.) Through every stage, his jokes, which sometimes land with a thud, mask nothing careless: Lopen remains a steadfast friend who keeps showing up for Kaladin, Dabbid, and everyone around him.
Description
Lopen is short and spindly, with deep tan skin and brown hair; his face is not described in precise detail. One arm is missing, and his remaining hand bears striking crystalline nails the color of slate. He is commonly dressed in a plain vest or practical bridge crew uniform, with the sturdy, work-worn simplicity of a laborer. His posture often seems loose and unhurried, while his quick, lively manner gives him a presence larger than his frame. Lopen is a young adult Horneater man, his build and exact coloring not specified in these chapters. He has one arm and is most often seen in a brilliant blue Alethi uniform, its bold color making him easy to pick out among the Windrunners. His expression is lively and often edged with a broad, tooth-baring grin, while his posture suggests restless ease and confidence. When armed with a Shardspear, its radiant form contrasts sharply with the practical uniform.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
- D
Dabbidcompanion
Lopen first recruits the mute Dabbid as a water-carrying companion and gives him a casual nickname. Over the series this grows into a protective, caring friendship in which Lopen consistently looks after him.
Kaladinconflicting source relationships
Kaladin gives the one-armed Lopen a purpose in Bridge Four and teaches him medicine and combat. Lopen repays that trust with enthusiastic loyalty, a bond that deepens into close comradeship among the Windrunners. By Rhythm of War, Lopen is dear enough to Kaladin to haunt his nightmares as a friend he fears losing.
- R
RockComrade
A fellow Bridge Four member who works with Lopen gathering salvage in the crew's early days.
Story so far
BOOK 1The Way of Kings
- Despite his missing arm, he is selected by Kaladin for Bridge Four and given the job of carrying water.
- Recruits the mute Dabbid, whom he calls 'moolie', to help haul water for the crew.
- Gathers salvage alongside Rock and Dabbid and joins the crew's training under Kaladin.
- Learns medical and combat skills, and supports Kaladin in battle by collecting and tossing him spears.
- Agrees to retrieve the concealed armor as part of Kaladin's plans.
BOOK 4Rhythm of War
- Serves as a Windrunner, his courage and generosity valued alongside his wit.
- Continues to look after Dabbid with loyal care.
- Keeps trying to lift the spirits of those around him, even when his jokes fall flat.
- Appears in Kaladin's nightmare, where he is killed in a battle among Kaladin's friends.
Appearances
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