Mappo Runt

Summary

Mappo Runt is a Trell warrior — one of the massive, ape-like humanoid race — who has spent centuries as the guardian and companion of Icarium Lifestealer. His sacred duty, imposed upon him by the Nameless Ones (ancient priests of the Azath), is to keep Icarium calm and prevent the half-Jaghut's apocalyptic rage from manifesting. It is a duty born from terrible sacrifice: the Nameless Ones destroyed Mappo's tribe to compel his obedience, and he guards Icarium out of both genuine love and the knowledge that failure means the destruction of civilizations.

Mappo's tragedy is that he genuinely loves Icarium as a friend — perhaps as the best friend he has ever had — while knowing that he can never tell Icarium the truth about what Icarium is. He must watch his friend search for memories that Mappo prays he never recovers, must redirect Icarium's curiosity away from the wastelands that mark his past rampages, and must be prepared to subdue or kill his friend if the rage takes hold.

The bond between Mappo and Icarium is one of the most moving relationships in the series. Mappo's devotion is selfless and absolute, and his forced separation from Icarium represents one of the cruelest acts committed by the manipulative powers that move through the Malazan world. He spends much of the later series desperately trying to reunite with Icarium, driven by the knowledge that without his calming presence, Icarium is a catastrophe waiting to happen.

Arc by Book

Book 2: Deadhouse Gates

Mappo travels with Icarium across Seven Cities, maintaining his vigil while navigating the Path of Hands and the convergence of Soletaken and D'ivers. He encounters Fiddler's group and the two parties travel together toward Tremorlor. Mappo must carefully manage Icarium's emotional state while concealing the truth of his guardianship. At Tremorlor, the Azath House attempts to reclaim Icarium, and Mappo fights desperately to protect his friend. His backstory — the destruction of his tribe and his compact with the Nameless Ones — is revealed.

Book 4: House of Chains

Mappo continues his guardianship as he and Icarium wander Seven Cities. The strain of his duty increases as various powers take interest in Icarium. Mappo faces impossible choices as the Nameless Ones pressure him and outside forces attempt to manipulate Icarium. His love for Icarium and his terror of what Icarium can become are in constant tension.

Book 6: The Bonehunters

Mappo is deliberately separated from Icarium through the machinations of those who wish to use the half-Jaghut as a weapon. This separation is devastating for Mappo, who knows that without him, Icarium's rage will inevitably be triggered. He begins a desperate quest to find Icarium again, driven by duty and love in equal measure.

Book 7: Reaper's Gale

Mappo continues his search for Icarium, travelling toward Letheras where he senses his friend has been taken. His journey is fraught with danger and his growing desperation makes him increasingly reckless. He arrives too late to prevent Icarium's rage from being unleashed.

Book 10: The Crippled God

Mappo's quest reaches its conclusion during the final convergence. His fate is intertwined with Icarium's, and the resolution of their shared story is one of the more poignant threads of the finale.

Key Relationships

• Icarium — his ward and dearest friend; Mappo's devotion defines his existence
• Fiddler — companion during the DG journey; mutual respect
• Apsalar — encountered during travels; Mappo recognizes a kindred loneliness
• The Nameless Ones — the priests who compelled his guardianship through destruction of his tribe
• Shadowthrone — the god who orchestrates Mappo's separation from Icarium
• Spite — assists Mappo in his search for Icarium

Notable Quotes

"He is my friend. That is all the reason I need." — DG

"I guard him not because I was commanded to, but because I love him. And because I fear what he will become without me." — DG

"The Nameless Ones took everything from me. Everything except the duty they imposed. And in that duty, I found something they did not intend — friendship." — HoC

Appearances

See Also

• Trell
• Nameless Ones
• Azath Houses
• Seven Cities