Demandred
The shadow's greatest general, forever haunted by the ghost of a rival he could never defeat.
Demandred stands as one of the Shadow's most formidable Chosen, defined not by a lust for power but by a bitter, lifelong rivalry. He served as the Dark One's top military general during the Age of Legends, having turned to the Shadow out of jealousy of Lews Therin Telamon's superiority. Consumed by jealousy and the knowledge that he would forever be second best, Demandred turned to the Dark One not out of devotion, but to prove his superiority over the Dragon.
Quick Facts
- Role:
- One of the Forsaken
- Affiliation:
- The Shadow; The Chosen
Lore & Background
While other Forsaken sought dominion or chaos, Demandred sought only validation through conquest. He treated nations like chess pieces and battles as mathematical equations, often manipulating enemy factions into self-destruction before striking the final blow. Sealed within the Bore for three millennia, his singular fixation on Lews Therin remained undimmed. In the Last Battle he leads the forces of the Shadow, bringing the armies of Shara against the Aes Sedai in Kandor and outflanking Egwene's forces.
Reader's Guide
Demandred is the embodiment of intellectual arrogance twisted by insecurity. Unlike his peers, who crave destruction or worship the Dark One, Demandred’s entire existence revolves around outperforming Lews Therin Telamon. His mastery of military strategy is unparalleled among the Forsaken; he prefers complex schemes and battlefield manipulation over brute force. Ultimately he falls at Tarmon Gai'don: after Galad Damodred wounds him, Lan Mandragoran kills him in single combat, letting Demandred stab him and then beheading the Forsaken while his blade is caught.
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