Shadowthrone
Also known as: Ammanas, Emperor Kellanved, King of High House Shadow | Race: Human (ascended) | Warren/Affiliation: High House Shadow, Meanas/RashanSummary
Shadowthrone is the King of High House Shadow and one of the most influential manipulators in the Malazan world. In his mortal life, he was Kellanved — the founder and first Emperor of the Malazan Empire, a seemingly unassuming old man who, alongside his partner Dancer, conquered an empire through cunning, audacity, and ruthlessness. When Laseen staged her coup, Kellanved and Dancer faked their deaths and ascended through the Deadhouse to become the gods of Shadow.
Shadowthrone is characterized by his manic energy, apparent madness, and staggering genius. He giggles, he schemes, he rages, and he manipulates events across the entire world with a complexity that becomes apparent only in the series' final volumes. Beneath the seeming insanity lies one of the most formidable intellects in the Malazan world — a mind capable of orchestrating plans that span decades and continents.
The grand plan that Shadowthrone and Cotillion pursue across the entire series — the liberation of the Crippled God — reveals that behind all the manipulation and apparent self-interest lies a genuine desire to end suffering. Shadowthrone's willingness to use anyone and anything as a tool is balanced by the ultimately compassionate goal his machinations serve.
Arc by Book
Book 1: Gardens of the Moon
Shadowthrone operates from behind the scenes, his Hounds of Shadow unleashed upon Darujhistan as part of his and Cotillion's schemes. His influence is felt through the possession of Sorry and the manipulation of events around the city. The true scope of his plans remains hidden, but his willingness to act against the Empire he once ruled establishes that his ambitions have transcended mortal politics.
Book 2: Deadhouse Gates
Shadowthrone's presence is felt through the convergences occurring across Seven Cities and through the paths of Shadow that various characters traverse. His interest in the Whirlwind and the Apocalypse is apparent, though his specific goals remain opaque.
Book 4: House of Chains
Shadowthrone becomes more directly involved, appearing in person and revealing more of his nature. His manipulations extend to Karsa Orlong and other key figures. He demonstrates both his power and his characteristic blend of brilliance and apparent insanity. His schemes begin to coalesce around the threat of the Crippled God.
Book 6: The Bonehunters
Shadowthrone's plans advance significantly as the Bonehunters become a key instrument in his grand design — whether they know it or not. His interactions with other gods and ascendants reveal the vast web of alliances and manipulations he has constructed. His famous confrontation scenes display both his fearsome power and his maddening unpredictability.
Book 10: The Crippled God
The full scope of Shadowthrone's millennia-spanning plan is finally revealed. Everything — every manipulation, every scheme, every seemingly random act — has been building toward the liberation of the Crippled God and the reshaping of the divine order. His role in the final convergence is pivotal, and the revelation of his true purpose recontextualizes the entire series.
Key Relationships
- Cotillion — partner since mortal days; complementary opposites who are inseparable in purpose
- Laseen — the woman who took his Empire; complex mixture of enmity and grudging acceptance
- Tavore Paran — the Adjunct who unknowingly serves his grand design
- Quick Ben — a mortal who has dealt with Shadowthrone and survived; mutual wariness
- Apsalar — an agent of Shadow whom Cotillion cares for
- Anomander Rake — fellow schemer and uneasy ally
- Icarium — a being whose power Shadowthrone both covets and fears
- Iskaral Pust — the High Priest of Shadow; comic foil and unwitting servant
Notable Quotes
"I am not a nice god. But I am a thorough one." — BH
"Do you know what the problem is with the assumption of godly omniscience? Everything. That is the problem." — HoC
"Hee hee hee." — (multiple books; his characteristic giggle)
Appearances
| Book | Role |
| 1. Gardens of the Moon | Major |
| 2. Deadhouse Gates | Minor |
| 3. Memories of Ice | Minor |
| 4. House of Chains | Major |
| 5. Midnight Tides | Mentioned |
| 6. The Bonehunters | Major |
| 7. Reaper's Gale | Minor |
| 8. Toll the Hounds | Major |
| 9. Dust of Dreams | Minor |
| 10. The Crippled God | Major |