Black Dow

Character from The First Law by Joe Abercrombie

The meanest bastard in the North who murdered his way to a crown — a man who enjoys violence with an honesty that makes everyone else's pretense look ridiculous.

Black Dow says what everyone's thinking and does what everyone's afraid to do. He's not complicated — he likes fighting, he likes winning, and he doesn't waste time pretending otherwise. In a world of men who dress up their violence in philosophy (Logen) or duty (West), Dow's straightforward cruelty is almost refreshing. He killed Threetrees' legacy, murdered his way to being King of the Northmen, and ruled through fear and competence in roughly equal measure. His downfall came from underestimating Calder — the thinker in a world of fighters, proving that even the meanest bastard can be outmaneuvered by the smartest one. He was, for all his cruelty, good at being king. The North was unified under him. That's the uncomfortable truth Abercrombie keeps serving: terrible people are sometimes effective leaders.

Appearance

Dark, hard, and menacing — the kind of face that makes children cry and grown men check their weapons. Lean and scarred with cruel eyes and a smile that promises nothing good. Dresses in dark furs and armor that's seen too much use.

Also known as: Black Dow, Dow, King of the Northmen

What They Know

• Became King of the Northmen after Bethod's fall — ruled through intimidation and competence
• One of Logen's original crew — turned against him and became his rival for northern leadership
• Known as the most vicious fighter in the North — enjoys violence without pretense
• Killed by Calder's scheming during the battle in The Heroes — outmaneuvered by brains, not brawn
• His rule was brutal but effective — the North was unified under his leadership

Connections

• nemesis_of — logen
• former_ally_of — dogman
• killed_by — calder
• ruler_of — the_north

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