Withal
Also known as: — | Race: Meckros (Human) | Warren/Affiliation: Meckros civilization, later Malazan (Bonehunters)Summary
Withal is a master weaponsmith of the Meckros — a seafaring civilization that dwells in vast floating cities on the open ocean. He is forced by the Crippled God to forge a sword of terrible power, making him an unwilling instrument in the chained god's schemes. Withal's story spans from Midnight Tides through to The Crippled God, evolving from captive craftsman to a key figure in the final confrontation.
Withal embodies the theme of the craftsman caught in the machinations of powers far beyond his comprehension — a man whose skill makes him valuable to gods but whose humanity keeps him grounded. His relationship with Sandalath Drukorlat, a Tiste Andii woman, provides one of the series' more unusual and tender love stories.
Arc by Book
Book 5: Midnight Tides
Withal is captured by the Crippled God and transported to a strange, timeless forge. There he is compelled to create a weapon of dark power — the sword that will become the instrument through which Rhulad Sengar is resurrected and the Tiste Edur are weaponized against the Letherii.
During his captivity, Withal is attended by the Nachts — small, mischievous creatures (Rind, Mape, and Pule) who serve as comic relief. His imprisonment is a torment of skilled labor forced to serve an evil purpose — he knows the sword he forges will cause immense suffering.
Book 6: The Bonehunters
Withal escapes the Crippled God's control and eventually makes his way to the mortal world. He encounters Sandalath Drukorlat and the two begin a relationship. Withal joins the Bonehunters, bringing his extraordinary smithing skills to the army.
Books 9-10: Dust of Dreams / The Crippled God
Withal serves with the Bonehunters during the march to Kolanse. His smithing abilities prove important, and his relationship with Sandalath deepens. In the final crisis, Withal's role as the creator of the Crippled God's sword connects him directly to the cosmic events at the series' climax.
Key Relationships
- The Crippled God — the god who enslaves him to forge the sword
- Sandalath Drukorlat — Tiste Andii woman, his partner/wife
- Rind, Mape, Pule — the Nachts, his mischievous attendants
- Tavore Paran — the Adjunct whose army he joins
Appearances
| Book | Role |
| 5. Midnight Tides | Moderate |
| 6. The Bonehunters | Minor |
| 9. Dust of Dreams | Moderate |
| 10. The Crippled God | Moderate |
See Also
- The Crippled God — the god who enslaves him
- Bonehunters — the army he joins
- Tradition and Value Systems — Meckros craftsmanship traditions