Teft

Also known as grizzled Teft

Major
First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 12

Teft is a grizzled, skeptical bridgeman of Bridge Four in The Stormlight Archive (Book 1).

Gender: male
Age: middle-aged to elderly
First appears: Book 1 · Ch. 12
Books: 2

Teft begins as a grizzled, skeptical bridgeman of Bridge Four whose half-remembered knowledge of Stormlight, the Knights Radiant, and the Immortal Words makes him an unlikely mentor to Kaladin. Over the series he becomes a Windrunner bonded to the honorspren Phendorana, a leader of squires, and a man fighting a long, painful battle against addiction and shame. In Rhythm of War he is healed from a near-fatal collapse, helps Lift free the captive Radiants in occupied Urithiru, and ultimately dies at Moash's hand, a Shardblade through the neck meant to break Kaladin. He rejects Moash's offer of numbness and dies affirming that he is loved, ending a hard-won life of loyalty and redemption.

Description

An older, grizzled, wiry man with drooping cheeks and furrows in his face. He has brown eyes, close-cropped hair salted with white that later appears grey, and a short beard, kept neatly trimmed at times. His clothing varies with the scene; he is seen in bridgeman clothing and a brown leather vest. Teft is a man in his early fifties, weathered and solidly present, with rough skin that calls to mind mossy stone worn by rain and wind. His beard is trimmed and white, and his eyes can appear burned-out beneath a heavy, troubled gaze. He wears a neat-fitting uniform, though he often looks rumpled within it, and his face settles naturally into a stern scowl. His presence is plainspoken and durable, marked more by wear than ornament.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

D
DabbidBridge Four comrade
A loyal Bridge Four comrade who brings Teft food and cares for him; Teft defends Dabbid's right to choose when to speak.
Kaladinconflicting source relationships
Teft begins as Kaladin's skeptical subordinate and quickly becomes his mentor on Radiant lore and a pillar of Bridge Four. Their bond deepens into lifelong comradeship as fellow Windrunners; Kaladin fights to save Teft in Urithiru, and Moash murders Teft specifically to drive Kaladin to despair.
L
Liftrescue partner
Partners with Teft to awaken the captive Radiants, with Teft posing as her father to move through the crowds.
R
Rockfellow squadmate
Fellow Bridge Four member who stands with Teft in defense of Kaladin when danger approaches.
P
Phendoranaconflicting source relationships
Teft's honorspren, who senses his emotions, affirms his worth during recovery, and is slain alongside him by Moash.
S
Shencomrade
Bridge Four companion who mourns Teft's death and sings the Song of the Fallen for him.
Moashmurderer
Former Bridge Four comrade turned murderer who kills Teft to break Kaladin; Teft dies defiantly rejecting Moash's philosophy.

Story so far

BOOK 1The Way of Kings
- Serves as a veteran bridgeman in Bridge Four under Kaladin's leadership
- Visits Kaladin before the highstorm, gives him a sphere for luck, and helps organize his rescue afterward
- Demands answers after Kaladin's impossible survival and recognizes signs of Stormlight
- Teaches Kaladin about the Knights Radiant and the Immortal Words and helps train Bridge Four
- Stands beside Kaladin with Rock when Gaz and Lamaril approach after the failed assault
BOOK 4Rhythm of War
- Collapses during the Fused occupation of Urithiru and is saved by Kaladin's care and Edgedancer healing
- Recovers with the support of Phendorana and Dabbid, wrestling with shame and old habits
- Disguises himself as Lift's father and helps her reach and awaken the captive Radiants
- Is killed by Moash with a Shardblade, rejecting Moash's claim that surrendering pain is freedom
- His body is Soulcast to stone, and Rlain sings the Song of the Fallen for him