Durnik

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Durnik is a fictional character in the David Eddings book series The Belgariad which is followed by The Malloreon. At the beginning of the story, he is the blacksmith on Faldor's farm in Sendaria where Polgara and Garion live and work. He has brown hair, a plain face, and a muscular build. He is known as "The Man With Two Lives" in the Mrin Codex.

When Belgarath, Polgara and Garion embark on the quest to reclaim the Orb of Aldur, Durnik travels with them as he feels he must protect "Mistress Pol" (who, as a sorceress, is perfectly capable of protecting herself). He shows prowess in battle, but, compared to most of the other warriors in the Belgariad, he is somewhat reluctant to kill his opponents, preferring to knock them unconscious with his club. At the end of the Belgariad, in Enchanters' End Game, he is killed by Zedar. In her grief, Polgara realizes that she wishes to marry him, and agrees with the Gods' requirement that they will "live as equals" if he is restored. Garion, with the help of the Gods and the Orb, resurrects Durnik. Polgara believes she has lost her powers, but it is later revealed that instead, the Gods have granted Durnik the power of sorcery.

In the Malloreon, Durnik is happily married to Polgara. They live in what was Poledra's cottage, and are raising Errand/Eriond. Both Durnik and his wife travel with Belgarion on his journey to reclaim his son Geran. Near the end of the series, Durnik slays the Demon Lord Nahaz with a glowing blue sledgehammer and is afterwards made Aldur's disciple (at this point his name is technically Beldurnik). The picture on his amulet is (what else?) a hammer. Note that this is the only amulet that Belgarath didn't make. After Eriond becomes the new god of the Angaraks, Polgara gives birth to twins.

Most notably Durnik is known for his steady and reliable nature. A man that consistently chooses to do things in a correct manner, simply because it is the right way to do them. He values accomplishing things with hard work rather than with magic, although he is not averse to the use of The Will and The Word when the situation arises. Durnik's character is thoroughly and remains honest and practical, but his exposure to the varied morals of his companions in the Belgariad and Malloreon broadens his mental horizons considerably and lets him gain more acceptance of people who don't share his honesty or his own values.