Abraxos
Quick Facts
Abraxos is the seemingly weak and broken wyvern who becomes Manon Blackbeak's mount. He first appears during the wyvern selection in Heir of Fire. Their bond becomes the most important relationship for both characters.
Who He Is
Initially dismissed as a "bait beast," Abraxos defies expectations, proving to be intelligent, loyal, and surprisingly gentle. His connection with Manon transcends the typical rider-mount dynamic, challenging her ruthless worldview and revealing her capacity for compassion. He is a symbol of hidden strength and the transformative power of unexpected bonds.
Personality & Traits
Despite his brutal past, Abraxos possesses a unique blend of strength and gentleness. He demonstrates remarkable intelligence and unwavering loyalty, making him an exceptional companion and a catalyst for Manon's character development.
- Intelligent and Cunning: Abraxos defeats the larger bull, Titus, through strategy, showcasing his intelligence. He seems to understand Manon's commands and emotions, responding with a deep cognitive awareness.
- Gentle and Curious: He prefers sniffing wildflowers to devouring raw meat, a stark contrast to his violent upbringing. This gentleness surprises Manon and hints at a deeper, more sensitive nature.
- Fiercely Loyal and Protective: Abraxos shields Manon from the cold with his wing and uses his tail as a barrier at a cliff's edge, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty. He willingly risks his life to protect her.
- Brave and Resilient: Despite his scars and smaller size, Abraxos possesses a "warrior's heart," surviving years in the fighting pits. He faces stronger opponents without hesitation, showcasing his remarkable resilience.
Character Journey
Abraxos's journey is one of revelation. Initially seen as worthless, his true nature as a clever and courageous warrior is revealed during his fight with Titus. His bond with Manon deepens as he learns to trust her, allowing her to train him and care for his injuries. Overcoming his fear of the Crossing symbolizes his growing confidence and their deepening connection. He evolves from a creature fighting for survival into a loyal companion who willingly faces danger for his rider, embodying the theme of Found Family and Friendship.
Key Relationships
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Manon Blackbeak: Their relationship is the cornerstone of Abraxos's story. Manon shows him compassion, defending him and risking her life for him. In turn, Abraxos offers Manon unconditional loyalty and affection, challenging her belief that she is heartless. Their bond, forged in violence and built on mutual respect, reveals Manon's capacity for love and mercy.
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Keelie: During the War Games, Abraxos seems to understand the sacrifice of Petrah's dying wyvern, Keelie. He works with Manon to save the Blueblood heir, demonstrating empathy and honor beyond his bond with Manon. This moment highlights his noble character and strengthens Manon's reputation.
Defining Moments
- The Selection: When Manon is forced into the training pit, Abraxos chooses to fight alongside her against Titus. His strategic victory saves Manon's life and solidifies their bond. This moment marks the beginning of their unique partnership.
- The Wildflowers: Manon discovers that Abraxos prefers sniffing wildflowers to eating meat. This reveals his gentle nature, contrasting with the Ironteeth witches' brutality and softening Manon's hardened exterior.
- The Crossing: Initially terrified, Abraxos overcomes his fear of the Crossing with Manon's encouragement and the support of the other witches. His subsequent flight symbolizes his freedom and his trust in Manon.
- Saving Petrah: During the War Games, Abraxos dives to save the falling Petrah without a direct command. This act of heroism demonstrates his noble character and solidifies Manon's reputation as an honorable leader.
Essential Quotes
The bait beast had trounced him—not because he was bigger or stronger, but because he wanted it more. Titus had been a brute and a killer, yet this wyvern before her … he was a warrior.
This quote highlights that Abraxos's strength comes from his will and determination, not brute force. It emphasizes his warrior spirit and sets him apart from the other, more savage wyverns.
Manon named her wyvern Abraxos, after the ancient serpent who held the world between his coils at the behest of the Three-Faced Goddess.
The name Manon chooses for him connects Abraxos to ancient power and mythology. It suggests that he is more than just a mount; he is a significant force in the world, capable of great influence.
He huffed but plopped down, shooting grayish dust into the air. He draped his long tail along the length of the cliff’s edge, a physical barrier between Manon and the plunge.
This quote illustrates Abraxos's protective nature and his growing bond with Manon. He acts as a physical barrier, ensuring her safety and demonstrating his unwavering loyalty.
And then she told him of the princess whose heart had burned with wildfire, of the mighty kingdom in the north, of its downfall and of the sacrifice of Lady Marion. It was a long story, and sometimes she grew quiet and cried—and during those times he leaned over to wipe away her tears.
This passage reveals the depth of their connection, as Manon shares her most vulnerable memories with Abraxos. His gentle response, wiping away her tears, shows his empathy and the profound impact he has on her.
And Manon, because no one was watching, because she did not care, flung out her arms as well and savored the freefall, the wind now a song in her ears, in her shriveled heart.
This quote captures the sense of freedom and joy that Abraxos brings into Manon's life. It symbolizes the softening of her heart and her newfound ability to experience genuine emotion.