the Pursuer

Also known as Defeated, Defeated One

Major
First seen · Book 4 · Ch. 34

the Pursuer is a major character in The Stormlight Archive (Book 4).

Gender: male
First appears: Book 4 · Ch. 34
Books: 1

The Pursuer is a feared Fused warrior whose reputation precedes his hulking, black-and-red form. Able to abandon a body as a ribbon of red light and leave a husk behind, he makes pursuit feel relentless and inescapable. His hunt culminates in a direct confrontation with Kaladin, who finally defeats him and earns him the name Defeated One.

Description

The Pursuer is a hulking male figure with a pure-black face, marbled red beneath the eyes, and glowing red eyes. Long dark hair is woven into a simple wrap of clothing, while black chitin and carapace create a heavily armored chest and sharpened arms; twisting horns and metal inclusions add to his severe silhouette. Against light stone he appears like a dark scar streaked with red, and his presence is relentlessly predatory. He is sometimes shown carrying a ruby.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

R
Rabonielcommander
Raboniel gives the Pursuer permission to hunt Kaladin, but limits his orders to killing only those who resist and collecting fallen Radiants. The Pursuer challenges her call for restraint.
Kaladinadversary
The Pursuer challenges Kaladin in a public duel, relying on his reputation for inevitable victory. Kaladin defeats him, breaks that reputation, and later kills him again when the Pursuer attacks.
L
Leshwiconflicting source relationships
Leshwi opposes the Pursuer’s violence and rejects his claim to an untarnished legacy. She cuts Lirin free and leads her troops against the Pursuer’s soldiers.