Morgawr (character)

Morgawr is a fictional character in Terry Brooks's Shannara series.

Biography

Born the brother of the Witch Sisters Mallenroh and Morag, the Morgawr is half Mwellret, half Man. His name comes from an old dialect, and means wraith. He has stayed alive for centuries by feeding on the life force of others, adding their lifespans to his own. He is rumored to have been an ally to the Shadowen, but was not destroyed as they were.

He first became a threat to the heroes of Shannara, Walker Boh in particular, when he abducted the child Grianne Ohmsford. Training her in the use of her magic and deceiving her into opposing Walker, he gave her the name Ilse Witch. He did this as he realised that the Druid was the only one who may be a match for his powers, and so took an Ohmsford with power like Walker's. He gave her his approval to search for the books of magic in Parkasia. But when he realized she meant to betray him, he came after her with a fleet of airships and a crew of zombies. He procurred them by enlisting Sen Dunsidan, whom he arranged to receive the position of First Minister.

Despite his efforts, the heroes' airship, the Jerle Shannara, escaped the Morgawr but he later managed to find it again. He eventually confronted his apprentice in a sentient fortress, but by now she had learned of his deception and turned against him. The Ohmsford siblings used their magic to deceive the fortress around them, prompting it to crush the Morgawr and end his threat forever.

As a Mwellret, the Morgawr has the ability to change his shape and appearance.