CHARACTER
Kingdom of Ashby Sarah J. Maas

Ansel of Briarcliff

Ansel of Briarcliff

Quick Facts

Ansel of Briarcliff, the Queen of the Wastes, is a crucial ally to Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius in the war against Erawan. First appearing in The Assassin's Blade, she honors her blood oath to Aelin in Kingdom of Ash, bringing her army to Terrasen and becoming a key military commander.

Who She Is

Ansel is a warrior queen, defined by her unwavering loyalty, strategic mind, and fierce courage. Her commitment to Aelin, born from a complex past of rivalry and respect, drives her to fight for Terrasen, embodying the strength and resolve of a leader who stands by her promises, no matter the cost.

Personality & Traits

Ansel is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the battlefield. She combines strategic brilliance with a warrior's heart, making her an invaluable asset to Aelin's cause.

  • Loyal and Honorable: Ansel travels across the continent to fulfill a blood oath, demonstrating unwavering commitment to Aelin, even when others question their queen.
  • Fierce and Courageous: As a warrior-queen, Ansel fights alongside her soldiers, showing no fear in the face of overwhelming odds.
  • Strategic and Cunning: During war councils, she devises a clever excuse for why "Aelin" (Lysandra in disguise) isn't using her fire magic, turning a potential weakness into a psychological weapon.
  • Bold and Outspoken: Ansel isn't intimidated by rank or tradition, freely speaking her mind and challenging the cautious views of lords like Darrow (Chapter 16-20 Summary).

Character Journey

Ansel's journey in Kingdom of Ash is one of unwavering commitment tested by devastating loss. Already an established ruler, she arrives in Terrasen to honor her oath to Aelin. The slaughter of her reinforcing army becomes a pivotal moment, testing her resilience. Despite the grief, Ansel channels her sorrow into a hardened resolve, proving her strength as a warrior and a queen who deeply loves her people. She stands firm, fighting alongside her allies until the very end, solidifying her position as a major power in Erilea.

Key Relationships

  • Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius: Ansel's bond with Aelin is the foundation of her involvement in the war. Bound by a blood oath and a shared past, Ansel's loyalty is absolute. She supports Aelin's claim and leadership without question, even when it is Lysandra wearing the queen's face.

  • Lysandra: As Aelin's stand-in, Lysandra receives Ansel's unwavering loyalty and respect. Ansel treats her as the rightful queen and cleverly defends her during a tense war council, demonstrating her commitment to the cause above all else. This act highlights Ansel's ability to see beyond appearances and focus on the greater good.

  • Aedion Ashryver: Ansel fights as part of the allied army, often under Aedion's command. She respects his military prowess and works with him as a fellow commander, contributing to their joint strategy. Their shared dedication to Terrasen and Aelin allows them to form a strong working relationship, essential for coordinating the allied forces.

Defining Moments

Ansel's defining moments in Kingdom of Ash showcase her loyalty, strategic mind, and resilience in the face of tragedy.

  • Arrival with the Allied Fleet: Ansel's arrival in Terrasen with her army is a pivotal moment, bolstering the kingdom's forces and signaling the fulfillment of Aelin's plans (Chapter 1-5 Summary).
  • Defending Aelin in the War Council: When Lord Darrow questions why "Aelin" hasn't used her fire, Ansel steps in with a strategic lie, claiming it's a mind game to keep Erawan guessing. This moment showcases her quick thinking and staunch loyalty (Chapter 16-20 Summary).
  • Loss of Her Army: The slaughter of Ansel's reinforcing army by Morath is a moment of profound tragedy, highlighting the brutal costs of war (Chapter 41-45 Summary).
  • The Final Battle for Orynth: Despite her devastating losses, Ansel fights with unrelenting ferocity in the final siege, standing with her allies until the very end.

Essential Quotes

“Erawan likes to play his little mind games, to drum up fear. Let him wonder and worry why Aelin hasn’t wielded hers yet. Contemplate if she’s storing it up for something grand.” A roguish wink at her. “I do hope it will be horrific.”

Ansel's quick thinking and strategic mind are on full display here. She understands the psychological aspect of warfare and uses it to her advantage, turning a potential weakness into a weapon against the enemy.

I came this far to help you beat that bastard into dust. I don’t see why I’d go home now.

This quote encapsulates Ansel's unwavering loyalty and determination. Despite the immense challenges and personal sacrifices, she remains committed to the cause, demonstrating her strength and resolve as a warrior and a queen.