Race: Jhag
Sex: Male
Faction: None
Overall Rating: 6.6
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Arena Status: Active (S1)
In the Malazan Book of the Fallen, few characters evoke as much awe and mystery as Icarium Lifestealer. A figure shrouded in legend and fear, Icarium is a character that embodies the very essence of power and tragedy within the Malazan universe.
 |
| Icarium Lifestealer, The Maker of Time |
The Enigma of Icarium
Icarium first appears in "Deadhouse Gates," the second book of the series, but his presence looms throughout the saga. He is a half-Jaghut, half-Toblakai, inheriting immense physical strength and a predisposition for a tragic curse. His character is a paradox, combining immense power with a profound vulnerability. Icarium is known for his bouts of amnesia, a condition that shields him from the knowledge of his own destructive capabilities. This amnesia is both a blessing and a curse, as it spares him the agony of his past but also traps him in a cycle of rediscovery and devastation.
A Legacy of Destruction
Icarium's power is such that when provoked to rage, he becomes an unstoppable force, capable of laying waste to cities and civilizations. His fury is not of his own making but a consequence of his mixed heritage and the tragic events of his past. "He is the storm in human form," as one character describes him, a being whose wrath is both feared and pitied. His moments of destruction are often followed by periods of deep remorse, adding layers of complexity to his character.
The Quest for Self
Much of Icarium's journey in the series is a quest for self-understanding. Accompanied by various companions, most notably Mappo Runt, a Trell who is sworn to protect him and the world from his rage, Icarium traverses the Malazan world seeking answers to his fragmented past. His relationship with Mappo is one of the series' most poignant, depicting a bond of friendship, duty, and sorrow. Mappo's role is to ensure that Icarium never fully recalls his destructive episodes, a task that weighs heavily on him.
Major Plot Points and Appearances
Icarium's story is interwoven with major events in the series. In "Deadhouse Gates," his search for identity leads him to the Azath House, where he confronts truths about himself. In "The Bonehunters," his journey takes a dramatic turn, revealing more about his past and his potential to affect the fate of the world. His presence in "Reaper's Gale" and subsequent books further cements his role as a pivotal figure whose actions have far-reaching consequences.
Quotes and Reflections
Erikson's writing provides profound insights into Icarium's psyche. "I am lost in my own mind," Icarium confesses in a moment of lucidity, encapsulating the tragedy of his existence. Another notable quote, "He does not seek to rule, only to understand," reflects his quest for knowledge over power, a quest that is as heartbreaking as it is dangerous.
Icarium Lifestealer is a character of immense depth and complexity. His story is a tapestry of power, loss, and the search for identity, set against the backdrop of the Malazan universe's rich and varied landscape. As we explore his character, we find not just a figure of mythic strength but a symbol of the eternal struggle between destruction and redemption, memory and oblivion, making him one of the most compelling characters in the realm of fantasy literature.
Icarium's Raw Power
Icarium possesses extraordinary physical strength, a trait inherited from his Jaghut and Toblakai lineage. This strength is not just in terms of brute force but also in his capacity to endure and inflict damage. His prowess in battle is legendary, often described in awe by other characters within the series. Additionally, Icarium has access to magical abilities, though these are less clearly defined than his physical attributes. His rage, when unleashed, is akin to a force of nature, capable of altering the very landscape and causing massive destruction.
In combat, Icarium is virtually unmatched. His presence on the battlefield is a game-changer, capable of decimating armies and leveling cities. His raw power is not just in his ability to fight but also in the fear and respect he commands from both allies and enemies. This is exemplified in several instances in the series, where his mere presence shifts the tide of battle.
When compared to characters across all fantasy universes, Icarium stands out for his sheer destructive capability and physical dominance. His power is such that it often becomes a central plot point in the narrative, influencing the actions and strategies of other characters.
Given these considerations, maintaining Icarium's rating at a 10 for raw power seems appropriate. His combination of physical strength, magical prowess, and the impact he has in combat scenarios places him at the pinnacle of raw power in comparison to other fantasy characters. This rating acknowledges not only his abilities but also the narrative significance of his power within the Malazan universe.
"I have heard it said that when the rage takes him, Icarium becomes... something else. Something more than Jaghut."
Icarium's Tactical Ability
Icarium's tactical ability is not his most prominent feature. Unlike his raw power, his strategic thinking and planning capabilities are less defined and often overshadowed by his other characteristics. His memory loss plays a significant role in this; it hampers his ability to learn from past experiences and apply them strategically in future conflicts. However, this does not entirely negate his tactical ability.
Icarium does show moments of clarity and strategic thinking, particularly when he is calm and not under the influence of his rage. In these moments, he demonstrates a thoughtful and introspective nature, though these are more reflective and philosophical rather than tactical or strategic in a military sense.
The most significant factor affecting Icarium's tactical ability is his uncontrollable rage. When enraged, he becomes a force of destruction, acting on instinct rather than strategy. This rage, while making him an incredibly formidable opponent in combat, detracts from his ability to execute well-thought-out plans or strategies.
Compared to other fantasy characters across various universes, Icarium's tactical ability is average. While he has moments of strategic insight, they are inconsistent and often overshadowed by his more dominant traits. Therefore, maintaining the previous rating of 5 seems appropriate. This rating acknowledges his potential for strategic thinking but also recognizes the limitations imposed by his character traits.
"Icarium's greatest battle is with himself."
Icarium's Influence
Icarium, known for his immense power and tragic curse of memory loss, is not primarily characterized by his ability to influence others. His interactions are often tinged with sadness and confusion, limiting his capacity for intentional influence.
Icarium does not exhibit traditional charismatic leadership. His presence inspires more caution and fear than admiration or loyalty. Characters in the series are often wary of him due to his unpredictable nature and the legends surrounding his destructive capabilities.
Unlike characters who actively manipulate or persuade, Icarium's influence is more passive. His reputation and the mystery surrounding him affect others, but this is not a result of any deliberate effort on his part. He does not seek to lead or sway others, often being a solitary figure grappling with his own fragmented reality.
Considering these aspects, the previous rating of 3 in the category of influence seems appropriate. This rating acknowledges that while Icarium's presence and reputation have an impact on those around him, it is not through active or intentional influence. His role in the narrative and interactions with other characters do not demonstrate a significant capacity for leadership, charisma, manipulation, or persuasion.
Icarium's Resilience
Icarium is known for his immense physical strength and durability. He survives numerous battles and encounters that would be fatal to others. His endurance in combat is legendary, often described in the series as nearly invincible.
More significant than his physical resilience is his mental and emotional fortitude. Icarium's curse of losing his memory, repeatedly experiencing the pain of forgetting and rediscovering his tragic past, demonstrates extraordinary resilience. He endures a cycle of emotional trauma, yet continues to seek understanding and purpose.
Icarium's ability to recover from setbacks, both physical and emotional, is remarkable. Despite his losses and the burden of his curse, he persists in his quest for self-discovery and understanding. This resilience is a testament to his character's depth and complexity.
Considering these aspects, a rating of 9 in resilience seems fitting. This high rating acknowledges his exceptional ability to withstand physical harm and his profound mental and emotional fortitude in the face of continuous personal tragedy and loss. His resilience is not just a matter of enduring physical battles, but also the existential struggle he faces due to his lost memories and the fear he instills in others.
Icarium's Versatility
Icarium possesses a wide array of abilities. He is not only a formidable warrior with immense physical strength but also has access to ancient, powerful magic. His abilities are not limited to brute force; he is also an accomplished engineer and inventor, having created intricate mechanical devices and constructs. This combination of physical prowess, magical capability, and intellectual acumen provides him with a broad toolkit to handle different challenges.
Icarium's adaptability is somewhat nuanced. While he has a broad range of skills, his actions are often driven by his emotional state and the loss of his memories. This aspect can sometimes limit his ability to strategically apply his abilities in varied situations. For instance, in moments of clarity, his tactical thinking is evident, but when overwhelmed by rage or confusion, he tends to rely more on raw power.
Compared to other fantasy characters across various universes, Icarium's versatility is notable but not exceptional. His range of abilities is impressive, but his unpredictable nature and memory loss sometimes hinder his adaptability. Therefore, maintaining the previous rating of 6 seems appropriate. This rating acknowledges his diverse abilities while also considering the limitations in their application due to his personal struggles.
Icarium's Alignment
Icarium's actions and behaviors often reflect a chaotic nature. This is primarily due to his unpredictable memory loss and the subsequent confusion and rage that can ensue. He does not conform to societal norms or laws, often acting based on his instincts or emotional state at the moment. His actions are not guided by a desire to uphold order or follow rules, which is a hallmark of chaotic characters.
The neutral aspect of Icarium's alignment is a bit more nuanced. He does not exhibit a consistent inclination towards good or evil. His intentions are generally not malevolent; however, the consequences of his actions, especially when he is in a state of rage, can be devastating and unintentional. He is driven more by personal circumstances and internal struggles rather than a moral compass oriented towards good or evil. This lack of consistent moral direction aligns with a neutral stance.
The Chaotic Neutral alignment captures the essence of Icarium's character well. He is unpredictable and often acts outside the bounds of order (chaotic), and his actions are not inherently good or evil but rather centered around his personal struggles and the consequences of his lost memories (neutral). While he has moments of clarity and purpose, these are often overshadowed by his chaotic nature and the neutral morality of his actions.
Icarium Lifestealer's alignment as "Chaotic Neutral" is appropriate, reflecting his unpredictable nature and the lack of a consistent moral direction in his actions. This alignment acknowledges the complexity of his character, driven by internal turmoil and external circumstances that often lead to chaotic and morally ambiguous outcomes. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence
Icarium Arena Art
 |
| C'thun visits Icarium in Raraku |
Icarium's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #63 (of 107) |
Titles & Postseason Results
| Season | Result | All Time Occurence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Bid (#15 Seed) | 1st |
Overall Conclusion on Icarium and Position Across Planes of Existence
Icarium Lifestealer presents a unique case in the realm of fantasy character power assessments. His overall rating of 6.6, which places him above average but not in the elite tier across all fantasy universes, is a reflection of his highly polarized abilities and characteristics.
Raw Power and Resilience: The Extremes of Icarium's Abilities
Icarium's raw power and resilience are, without a doubt, his most formidable attributes. In terms of raw power, he is nearly unparalleled. His ability to unleash devastating magical and physical destruction, often described in cataclysmic terms, places him among the mightiest beings in any fantasy universe. His resilience, too, is extraordinary. Icarium can endure physical and magical assaults that would obliterate lesser beings, and his longevity speaks to an almost timeless endurance.
However, these extreme strengths are counterbalanced by significant limitations in other areas.
Tactical Ability, Influence, and Versatility: The Balancing Factors
Icarium's tactical ability, while not negligible, does not match the heights of his raw power. His actions are often impulsive and driven by emotion or confusion, rather than strategic calculation. This lack of tactical foresight limits his effectiveness in certain conflict scenarios.
In terms of influence and persuasion, Icarium is a solitary figure, more often a force of nature than a leader or influencer. His interactions with others are marked by his amnesia and the fear he instills rather than charisma or leadership.
Versatility is another area where Icarium does not excel. His abilities, while powerful, are not diverse. He is a hammer, and not every problem is a nail. His approach to challenges is often straightforward and lacks the adaptability seen in more versatile characters.
The Dichotomy of Icarium's Character
This dichotomy makes Icarium a fascinating character to analyze. On one hand, his raw power and resilience could place him among the top echelons of fantasy characters. On the other, his average to below-average ratings in tactical ability, influence, and versatility significantly temper his overall effectiveness.
The Role of Mappo Runt et al. and the Tragic Nature of Icarium
The relationship between Icarium and Mappo Runt adds another layer to this assessment. Mappo's role in guiding, protecting, and, when necessary, calming Icarium, highlights the tragic nature of Icarium's existence. His power is as much a curse as it is a blessing, often bringing destruction to those he cares about and to himself.
In conclusion, Icarium's rating of 6.6 is a reflection of his extraordinary strengths balanced against significant weaknesses. His character is a poignant reminder of the complexities and contradictions that can exist within individuals. While he possesses the power to change worlds, his limitations in strategy, influence, and adaptability prevent him from reaching the pinnacle of fantasy character power rankings. For all future Mappo Runts of the world, they face a daunting but crucial task in managing the might and the turmoil of a being like Icarium. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
