Nayan

Major
First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 13

Nayan is introduced through the striking contrast of a Christian prince and a commander of immense cavalry forces. The cross on his banner gives his presence a solemn, unexpected note, while the text leaves his face and bearing largely unseen.

Gender: male
First appears: Book 1 · Ch. 13
Books: 1

Nayan, prince of Kwang-ning and a baptized Christian, commands a formidable host of hundreds of thousands of horsemen and bears the cross on his banner. When the Great Kaan's army catches up with him, Nayan is asleep in the arms of a wife he dearly loves; he is wrapped in a carpet and shaken so violently that he dies. His brief account is framed by the collision of princely power, faith, and a sudden, brutal end.

Description

The text identifies Nayan as a young man of about thirty but gives no details of his height, build, complexion, hair, eyes, or facial features. His most definite visual marker is the cross carried on his banner, alongside the bearing and dress appropriate to a prince and military commander. No particular garments, armor, or personal ornaments are described.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

K
Kaidukinsman
Nayan appeals to Caidu, described as a Tartar prince and kinsman, to join a coordinated revolt against Kúblái.
H
Hatanfellow rebel
Hatan is associated with the princes in Nayan’s league and threatens the northeastern provinces after Nayan’s defeat; the rebellion continues under Hatan’s leadership.
Kúbláiconflicting source relationships
After Nayan is captured, Kúblái orders his secret execution by suffocation within a carpet, avoiding the spilling of imperial blood.