Hendel (Shannara)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hendel is a character from the Sword of Shannara novel by Terry Brooks.

A Dwarf warrior who wields an impressive mace, Hendel first appears to rescue the wandering Menion Leah from a Sirens. Taking him to Culhaven, he meets up with his old friend Balinor Buckhannah, and joins the company of Allanon. Along the way, Hendel serves to distract an army of Gnomes, and for a time is thought dead. However, he reunites with his companions at the Hadeshorn.

After leaving Paranor, Hendel travels to Callahorn with Balinor and the Elessedil brothers, Dayel and Durin. Hendel warns them of Balinor's unstable brother, Palance Buckhannah, and of his advisor Stenmin. He then departs for Culhaven to send word to the Dwarves to aid Varfleet. However, in Varfleet, he meets a Dwarf patrol and sends them to Culhaven while he returns to Tyrsis. He breaks into the palace, attempting to save Balinor and the others, but also ends up imprisoned.

Hendel is later freed by Menion, and helps coordinate the defense of Tyrsis. He remembers an old passage beneath the castle that enemies could use, and rushes with Menion to block it. The two fight a battle against overwhelming odds, somehow managing to kill all their assailants. However, Hendel dies in the fighting, and Menion beheads the fleeing Stenmin.