Mandorallen

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Mandorallen is a fictional character in The Belgariad and The Malloreon, two related fantasy book series by David Eddings.

He is introduced in Queen of Sorcery, the second book of the Belgariad. He is the current Baron of Vo Mandor in the Duchy of Mimbre in Arendia. Mandorallen joins in Garion's quest for the Orb of Aldur. Mandorallen is a Mimbrate, the political majority of two opposing socio-economic factions in Arendia. Mandorallen is described as the greatest knight in Arendia, a warrior and jouster who has never lost a battle and who, when introduced to the reader, does not understand the concept of fear. As the story progesses, we see this change, and Mandorallen becomes a more rounded character by confronting the nature of fear. Mandorallen is one of the fated companions in the quest for the Orb, and is referred to in that capacity as The Knight Protector. He takes on that role by swearing to defend and protect Ce'Nedra from harm.

Eddings' interest in archetypal characters is seen clearly in Mandorallen, whose archaic style of speech is full of 'thees' and 'thous' and 'foreasmuches'. He acts in a manner comparable to the tales of romantic knights, demonstrating chivalric ideals and intense loyalty. He wears plate mail armor, carries a large sword and shield, and all other manner of stereotypical behavior for a knight.

Eddings also took the idea of a proper medieval tragic love triangle and incorporated it into Mandorallen. He loves Nerina, the wife of the Baron of Vo Ebor, the knight who trained him. The Baron knows they are in love, but he also loves Nerina, and Nerina loves both knights equally. Only the death of the Baron of Vo Ebor in "The Malloreon" resolves this situation, though even then, circumstances require involvement of Belgarion, Overlord of the West.