Khalul

Character from The First Law by Joe Abercrombie

The Prophet of the Gurkish Empire and Bayaz's ancient rival — another Magi who broke the same laws Bayaz did, just with less hypocrisy about it.

Khalul is Bayaz's mirror — another immortal wizard manipulating an empire for his own purposes, another Law-breaker pretending to moral authority. The difference is presentation: Bayaz hides behind avuncular wisdom while Khalul hides behind religious authority. Their feud has driven the world's major conflicts for centuries. Every war between the Union and the Gurkish Empire is really a proxy war between two bitter old men who should have died centuries ago. Neither is the good guy. There is no good guy. There's just two immortals playing chess with human lives.

Appearance

Rarely seen directly — operates through his Eaters and the Gurkish military. When described, he is ancient and otherworldly, sustained by centuries of consuming human flesh.

Also known as: Khalul, The Prophet

What They Know

• Second of the Magi — Bayaz's rival and the power behind the Gurkish Empire
• Broke the Second Law by eating human flesh — creates Eaters to serve as his soldiers
• Rules the Gurkish Empire through the religious authority of the Prophet
• His feud with Bayaz has driven centuries of wars across multiple continents
• Commands the Hundred Words — his elite Eaters, sorcerers empowered by cannibalism

Connections

• nemesis_of — bayaz
• ruler_of — gurkhal_empire
• nemesis_of — ferro

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