Malazan Book of the Fallen · Character

Laseen

  • Supporting
  • First seen · Book 2 · Ch. 8

An empress whose presence commands attention even in whispers of her name. She carries the weight of empire in her title, a figure both distant and formidable.

Gender
female
First appears
Book 2 · Ch. 8
Books
1

Laseen, Empress of the Malazan Empire, emerges as a distant yet omnipresent force whose decisions shape the fates of continents and characters alike. In Deadhouse Gates, her authority is felt through the outlawing of Dujek Onearm, the assassination plot by Kalam Mekhar, and the appointment of Tavore Paran as Adjunct, all while facing rebellion from Korbolo Dom. Across the series, Laseen evolves from a shadowy ruler into a figure whose political machinations and personal choices reveal a complex blend of ruthless pragmatism and enigmatic loyalty to the Empire she commands.

Description

A withered female corpse with wisps of hair, peeled-back lips, and empty eye sockets. Despite her lifeless state, her voice emerges from unmoving lips with imperial authority.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

  • TP

    Tavore Paranservant

    Tavore's appointment as Adjunct establishes a formal servant-master relationship, with potential for deeper loyalty and influence as events unfold.

  • Kalam Mekhartarget

    Kalam's mission to assassinate Laseen marks him as a direct threat, but their dynamic hints at deeper political intrigue and shifting allegiances.

  • KD

    Korbolo Domrival

    Korbolo Dom's rebellion positions him as a rival challenging Laseen's authority, escalating tensions within the Empire's military hierarchy.

  • DO

    Dujek Onearmoutlaw

    Initially outlawed by Laseen, Dujek maintains secret loyalty to the Empire, transforming their relationship from overt enmity to covert alliance.

Story so far

  1. BOOK 2Deadhouse Gates
    • Outlaws Dujek Onearm, forcing him into a secret alliance with the Empire.
    • Becomes the target of Kalam Mekhar's assassination attempt.
    • Appoints Tavore Paran as Adjunct, signaling trust in a new generation of leaders.
    • Faces open rebellion from renegade Fist Korbolo Dom, threatening her rule.

Key events

  1. Book 2
    Ch. 26
    Kalam's Confrontation with LaseenKalam infiltrates Malaz City, systematically eliminates Claw assassins, and confronts Empress Laseen in Mock's Hold, where her defense of her rule convinces him to spare her life.

Appearances

Meet Laseen in Bookworm

Meet Laseen in your EPUB — spoiler-safe to the book you're on.

Get Bookworm

Letters from Bookworm

Occasional notes. We email you only after you confirm.