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Malazan Character Analysis: Trull Sengar

Race: Tiste Edur

Sex: Male

Faction: Hiroth

Overall Rating: 6.6

Alignment: Lawful Good

Arena Status: Active (S1)

Trull Sengar is a figure of profound complexity and depth. His journey, marked by honor, loyalty, and a profound sense of duty, weaves through the intricate tapestry of the series, leaving an indelible mark on the narrative and the readers alike.

Trull Sengar from Malazan Book of the Fallen
Trull Sengar

Background and Early Life:

Trull Sengar, a member of the Tiste Edur, is introduced as a warrior of significant skill and moral fortitude. His story begins in earnest when he discovers Letherii ships violating a treaty by harvesting Tusked seals. This act of treachery sets in motion a series of events that deeply impact Trull and his people. His report of this violation to his father, an elder warrior, and subsequently to Hannan Mosag, the Warlock King, highlights Trull's commitment to his people and his sense of justice.

Family Dynamics:

Trull's relationship with his family, particularly his youngest brother Rhulad, is fraught with tension and complexity. Rhulad's ambition and recklessness stand in stark contrast to Trull's more measured and thoughtful approach. This dynamic is a recurring theme in Trull's story, influencing his decisions and shaping his path.

The Warlock King and the Edur:

Trull's involvement in the Edur's military actions, under the command of Hannan Mosag, reveals his prowess as a warrior but also his growing disillusionment with the Warlock King's methods. The summoning of a Demon spirit-god, rather than relying on the power of Kurald Emurlahn, begins to sow seeds of doubt in Trull about the direction in which his people are being led.

Journey to the Ice Fields:

A significant turning point in Trull's narrative is the journey to the northern ice fields, where he and his brothers are tasked with retrieving a mysterious, powerful sword. The ambush by the Jheck and the subsequent death and resurrection of Rhulad as a servant of the Crippled God are pivotal moments that profoundly affect Trull's worldview and his relationship with his brothers.

Martial Prowess and Isolation:

Trull's isolation from his group during the retreat from the Jheck and his subsequent survival against overwhelming odds is a testament to his extraordinary combat skills and resilience. This event also serves to highlight his growing sense of isolation from his people and his own beliefs.

The Rise of Rhulad and Trull's Dilemma:

Rhulad's ascension to the throne as the Emperor of the Edur, under the influence of the Crippled God, presents Trull with a moral and ethical dilemma. His loyalty to his brother and his people is tested against his understanding of right and wrong, leading to a deep internal conflict.

"In my heart, I remain an Edur. But what I see with my eyes, what I hear with my ears, that tells me my heart is wrong."

The Battle of High Fort and Beyond:

Trull's participation in the Battle of High Fort and his actions thereafter further illustrate his complex character. His decision to save a Kenyll'rah demon, his growing disenchantment with the Edur's path under Rhulad, and his eventual shorning (exile) by Rhulad for his perceived betrayal are critical moments that define his character.

"I have stood upon the edge of the world. I have looked into the abyss and it has looked back at me. There is nothing left in me but the truth of what I am."

Trull's Legacy:

Trull Sengar's journey is one of honor, conflict, and tragedy. His unyielding adherence to his principles, even in the face of immense personal loss and betrayal, sets him apart as a character of great depth and integrity. His story is a poignant exploration of loyalty, family, and the cost of standing by one's convictions in a world rife with moral ambiguity.

Trull Sengar's Raw Power

Trull's physical strength is considerable, especially when contextualized within his race, the Tiste Edur. He is a skilled warrior, proficient in the use of traditional Edur weapons, particularly the spear. His endurance and resilience in battle are noteworthy, as seen during his harrowing experiences fighting the Jheck, where he displayed remarkable stamina and combat skills. Trull's ability to fight continuously against overwhelming odds and emerge victorious is a testament to his raw physical power.

While Trull does not possess the overt magical abilities seen in some of Erikson's other characters, his connection to ancient forces and the realm of Shadow imbues him with a subtle but significant mystical aspect. This connection does not manifest in the typical casting of spells or manipulation of elements but rather in a deeper, more intrinsic understanding of the ancient powers at play in his world.

When compared to characters across all fantasy universes, Trull's raw power is significant but not extraordinary. Characters in other universes might display more overt magical abilities or superhuman strength. However, Trull's combination of combat skills, endurance, and his connection to ancient forces places him above average.

Considering the above factors, Trull Sengar's rating in the category of "Raw Power" would be a 6/10. This rating acknowledges his superior combat skills and endurance while recognizing that he does not possess the more spectacular magical abilities or superhuman strength seen in some fantasy characters.

Trull Sengar's Tactical Ability

Trull's strategic acumen is evident in his ability to assess situations quickly and respond appropriately. He demonstrates a keen understanding of the battlefield, often making decisions that reflect not only immediate tactical needs but also longer-term strategic goals. His experiences, especially those involving conflicts with formidable foes like the Jheck and the Letherii, have honed his ability to think several steps ahead of his adversaries.

Trull is not only a planner but also an executor. His actions during battles show a clear, methodical approach, balancing aggression with caution. He is adept at adapting his tactics to the evolving nature of the battlefield, showing flexibility in his approach without losing sight of his overall objectives.

In the broader spectrum of fantasy universes, Trull's tactical ability is noteworthy. While he may not possess the grandiose magical prowess or the commanding presence of some legendary figures in fantasy literature, his tactical mind is among the best. He combines practical combat skills with a strategist's mind, a trait that is invaluable in any conflict scenario.

Considering these factors, Trull Sengar's rating in "Tactical Ability" would be a 7/10. This rating reflects his exceptional strategic planning and execution skills, acknowledging his proficiency in adapting to various combat situations and outthinking his opponents.

Trull Sengar's Influence

Trull's influence is primarily moral and ethical. He often stands as a voice of reason and conscience, particularly in contrast to the morally ambiguous or corrupt characters around him. His steadfast adherence to his principles, even when they bring him into direct conflict with his own people and family, speaks volumes about his character. This moral fortitude influences those around him, often leading them to question their own actions and beliefs.

Trull leads more by example than by command. His actions during various conflicts and his willingness to stand up for what he believes is right, even at great personal cost, earn him the respect and loyalty of others. His influence is subtle yet profound, as he inspires those around him to strive for better, often in ways they had not considered.

In the grand tapestry of fantasy universes, Trull's type of influence is somewhat rare. He does not sway masses with charismatic speeches or manipulate others through magical means. Instead, his influence is more personal, one-on-one, making a significant impact on individuals rather than large groups or societies.

Considering these aspects, Trull Sengar's rating in Influence would be a 5/10. This rating acknowledges his ability to impact those around him significantly, albeit in a more individual and moral manner, rather than through widespread persuasion or leadership.

"It is not by commanding that one leads, but by being the one others choose to follow."

Trull Sengar's Resilience

Trull's physical resilience is evident in his survival of numerous battles and physically demanding situations. He endures harsh environments, combats formidable foes, and survives situations that would have overwhelmed a lesser warrior. His endurance in combat, especially when he faces overwhelming odds or powerful enemies, is a testament to his physical resilience.

Trull's true resilience, however, lies in his mental and emotional strength. He faces betrayal, loss, and moral dilemmas that would break many individuals. Despite the emotional toll of these events, Trull remains steadfast in his convictions. He endures the pain of betrayal by his own brother and the burden of witnessing the corruption and downfall of his people. His ability to maintain his moral compass in the face of such adversity speaks volumes about his inner strength.

In the broader context of fantasy universes, Trull's resilience is remarkable. While many characters display physical toughness, Trull's combination of physical endurance and profound mental fortitude makes him stand out. His resilience is more nuanced than simply recovering from physical injuries; it encompasses his ability to endure and persevere through emotional and psychological trauma.

Given these considerations, Trull Sengar's rating in "Resilience" would be a solid 8/10. This rating reflects his exceptional ability to withstand physical harm and, more importantly, his remarkable mental and emotional fortitude in the face of personal tragedy and moral challenges.

Trull Sengar's Versatility

Trull's versatility is most prominently displayed in his combat skills. He is a master of spear combat, demonstrating not only proficiency but also creativity in battle. His ability to adapt his fighting style to different opponents and situations is a key aspect of his character. He faces a wide range of foes, from other skilled warriors to supernatural entities, and adapts his tactics accordingly.

Beyond physical combat, Trull's versatility extends to his mental and emotional adaptability. He navigates complex social and political landscapes, often finding himself in the midst of intricate power plays and moral dilemmas. His ability to understand and adapt to these situations, while maintaining his moral integrity, is a testament to his mental agility.

Trull's journey through various harsh and unforgiving environments showcases his survival skills. He demonstrates an ability to adapt to different climates and terrains, a crucial aspect of versatility in a fantasy setting.

When compared to characters across all fantasy universes, Trull's versatility is notable. While he may not possess the magical abilities or sheer physical power of some characters, his adaptability in combat, mental acumen, and survival skills place him above many others.

Considering these factors, Trull Sengar's rating in "Versatility" would be a 7/10. This rating acknowledges his multifaceted adaptability, which, while not the highest in fantasy literature, is certainly above average.

Trull Sengar's Alignment

Trull Sengar often adheres to a personal code of honor and loyalty, particularly to his family and people. He respects traditions and customs, as seen in his interactions with his brothers and his adherence to Edur customs. However, his willingness to question and, when necessary, oppose his own people's leadership, especially when he perceives moral corruption or injustice, indicates a flexibility that straddles the line between lawful and neutral. He is not chaotic, as he does not actively seek to disrupt or disregard order and structure.

Trull's actions are predominantly driven by a strong sense of morality and justice. He shows compassion and empathy, often putting the welfare of others before his own. His opposition to the tyrannical and morally corrupt actions of his brother Rhulad and the Warlock King Hannan Mosag, even at great personal risk, highlights his commitment to what he perceives as good. He does not exhibit traits associated with evil, such as malevolence or cruelty.

Based on these considerations, Trull Sengar's alignment can be best described as "Lawful Good." This alignment reflects his adherence to a personal code of conduct and a strong moral compass, guiding his actions towards the greater good, even when it means challenging his own people's leadership. His lawful aspect is tempered by his willingness to question authority, but it does not veer into chaotic territory. His actions and motivations are consistently aimed at achieving what he believes to be just and right, aligning him with the good aspect of the spectrum. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.

Trull Sengar Arena Art

Trull Sengar from Malazan Book of the Fallen against goblins from World of Warcraft
Trull Sengar facing the machinations of Gnomeregan

Trull's Trophy Case

PPET Rankings

Season Rank
1 (2023-2024) #55 (of 107)

Overall Conclusion on Trull Sengar and Position Across Planes of Existence

Trull Sengar, a character from the "Malazan Book of the Fallen" series, stands as a remarkable figure in the realm of fantasy literature. His overall rating of 6.6, a slight increase from the initial 6.2, positions him as an above-average entity in terms of power and capability across the diverse spectrum of fantasy universes. This assessment is based on a comprehensive evaluation of his attributes across five key categories: raw power, tactical ability, influence/persuasion, resilience, and versatility.

Trull Sengar, while not the most physically dominant character, demonstrates considerable prowess in combat, particularly with his skillful use of the spear. His endurance and combat abilities, especially evident in his encounters with formidable foes like the Jheck and his stand against Icarium, showcase his significant martial capabilities. However, in a broader fantasy context, where characters often wield immense magical or supernatural powers, Trull's physical prowess places him above average but not at the top tier.

Trull's strategic thinking and planning are evident in his various military engagements and personal decisions. He often displays a keen understanding of the battlefield and the broader political landscape. His ability to navigate complex situations, like the internal politics of the Edur and the larger conflicts of the Malazan world, underscores his strategic acumen. However, he is sometimes overshadowed by more strategically dominant characters in the Malazan series and other fantasy universes.

Trull's influence is more subtle and often rooted in his integrity and moral stance rather than overt leadership or charisma. He inspires those around him through his actions and convictions rather than through manipulation or rhetoric. This aspect of his character, while admirable, does not place him in the higher echelons of influential fantasy characters.

Trull's resilience is arguably one of his most defining traits. He endures physical, emotional, and spiritual trials, often standing firm in the face of overwhelming adversity. His survival against the Jheck and his resistance to the corrupting influences in his world are testaments to his extraordinary resilience.

Trull demonstrates adaptability in various situations, from combat to navigating complex social and political landscapes. However, his versatility, while notable, is not as pronounced as some other fantasy characters who exhibit a wider range of skills and abilities.

In conclusion, Trull Sengar's overall rating of 6.6 is a reflection of his balanced skill set, with particular strengths in resilience and raw power. While he may not possess the overwhelming magical abilities or the commanding influence of some top-tier fantasy characters, his moral complexity, tactical acumen, and enduring spirit place him firmly above average in the fantasy realm. 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.