Black Company Character Analysis: One-Eye

Race: Human (D'loc Aloc)

Sex: Male

Faction: Black Company

Overall Rating: 5.5

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Arena Status: Active (S1)

One-Eye, an enigmatic figure of Glen Cook's "The Black Company" series, emerges as one of the most captivating characters to be found in dark fantasy literature.

One-Eye by De-Prime, Deviant Art

A wizard of considerable yet mysterious ability, he is known as much for his one-eyed visage as he is for his cunning and occasional mischievousness. Though often grumbling and seemingly irascible, there's a depth and complexity to One-Eye that becomes more apparent as readers delve into the series. This blog post will explore his character, noting key appearances, plot points, and features that make One-Eye a standout in the vast universe of fictional characters. Let's embark on a journey to understand this wizard, but beware, there will be spoilers ahead!

Part 1: The Early Years - "The Black Company"

In the first book of the series, "The Black Company," One-Eye quickly establishes himself as a formidable presence, both in the company's ranks and within the narrative as a whole. His character is introduced with the words:

"One-Eye, the other wizard, was cantankerous, contrary, and suspicious. He had some charm, but he worked at being offensive." - "The Black Company"

His title as "the other wizard" reveals something essential about One-Eye; he is defined by his relationship with the fellow wizard, Goblin. The duels and banter between the two provide both comic relief and insights into his personality.

Part 2: The Wars - "Shadows Linger" and "The White Rose"

In these installments, One-Eye's participation in the company's conflicts comes to the forefront. In "Shadows Linger," he is instrumental in helping the Black Company fight against the Dominator's dark forces. His mystical prowess is depicted in scenes that feel surreal, imbued with an ancient and inscrutable power. His role as a healer within the company also becomes apparent during these wars.

"The White Rose" further cements One-Eye's significance, with passages hinting at a past steeped in mysteries yet to be revealed. His connection to the storied history of the Black Company and the world's magic becomes a focal point of the series.

Part 3: The Southern Campaigns - "Shadow Games" and "Dreams of Steel"

One-Eye's complexity is unraveled further in these novels, where his tactical mind, cunning strategies, and loyalty to the company are put to the test. A prominent scene in "Shadow Games" showcases his capability as he faces a magical battle:

"One-Eye's staff was a shambles of conflicting illusions. Where it was real, it showed serious signs of wear." - "Shadow Games"

His weathered staff symbolizes the very essence of One-Eye; a complex intermingling of illusion, reality, and battle scars.

Part 4: Return of the Company - "Water Sleeps" and "Soldiers Live"

In the concluding chapters of One-Eye's arc, his depth as a character is revealed, as well as his ultimate fate. The vulnerability beneath the tough exterior becomes more apparent, and his importance in the intricate web of the series' plot is solidified.

[Spoiler Alert!] The end of One-Eye's story is poignant, reflective of a character who has lived, fought, and eventually found his place within the world. His legacy within the Black Company endures.

One-Eye is not merely a wizard; he's a survivor, a trickster, a healer, and a soldier. The narrative weaves his presence throughout the series in such a way that he feels both timeless and inherently mortal. From his bickering with Goblin to his profound insights into the nature of warfare, magic, and existence, One-Eye stands out as a multifaceted character.

The labyrinthine nature of One-Eye's character is precisely what makes him so engaging. With a blend of magic, wisdom, humor, and pathos, he embodies a uniquely human experience in a world steeped in darkness and intrigue. The words of the series often reflect a sense of nostalgia and longing, and One-Eye's character is no exception:

"The three of us, we immortals, we old-timers, we survivors, we lingered, reminiscing, recalling the good and bad times, remembering fallen friends and enemies who had become friends." - "Soldiers Live"

Through Glen Cook's artful storytelling, One-Eye transcends the boundaries of the page, becoming a figure who resonates with readers long after the books are closed. His story is a testament to the power of character development, imaginative world-building, and the timeless allure of fantasy literature. Whether you're revisiting the Black Company or meeting One-Eye for the first time, his tale is a fascinating study in contrasts, a dance of light and shadow that continues to captivate readers across the globe.

One-Eye's Raw Power

One-Eye, the mysterious and seasoned wizard from Glen Cook's "The Black Company" series, is a character that showcases a significant level of raw power. Despite his occasional portrayal as a cantankerous and unpredictable figure, his magical abilities are often at the forefront of the Black Company's various campaigns and battles.

His raw power manifests in his magical prowess, whether it's conjuring illusions, engaging in wizardly duels, or utilizing ancient spells. One memorable instance from "Shadow Games" illustrates the chaotic yet potent nature of his abilities:

In terms of scaling this raw power against all fantasy characters across various universes, it might be tempting to see One-Eye as somewhat overshadowed by the more epic and god-like figures found in other works. However, within the gritty and grounded context of the "Black Company" universe, his power is considerable.

His magical abilities are often critical in turning the tide of battles, and his wisdom in wielding this power often marks him as one of the more potent magical beings within his universe. It is this nuanced yet forceful depiction that makes One-Eye's raw power noteworthy.

Considering the diverse array of fantasy characters and the different ways raw power can manifest, One-Eye's original rating in this category seems fitting at a 7. Comparing him to omnipotent beings or characters with nearly limitless magical abilities would undoubtedly rank him lower. However, within the context of his universe and his embodiment of raw, unrefined, and essential magical power, this ranking seems just.

One-Eye's magic doesn't only lie in the grandiosity of spells but in the rugged, battle-hardened way he wields his abilities. His raw power is a blend of experience, wisdom, and the unfettered force of magic, making him a fascinating study in what it means to possess power that's both untamed and profoundly human. The rating of 7 is a reflection of these very traits, capturing the unpolished yet formidable nature of his magical strength.

One Eye's Tactical Ability

One-Eye's tactical ability in Glen Cook's "The Black Company" series represents an intriguing confluence of experience, intuition, and sheer unpredictability. While not necessarily portrayed as a master strategist or military genius, One-Eye often shines in tactical planning, especially when it comes to the deployment of magic within the broader battle strategy.

In assessing his tactical ability, it's important to recognize the environments in which he operates. The "Black Company" series is rich in conflicts, ambushes, sieges, and full-blown wars, and One-Eye's participation in these events often includes elements of strategic thinking and planning.

A moment from "Shadows Linger" illustrates this tactical mindset:

"One-Eye took his time getting his protective spells just right. He didn't want to end up like Tom-Tom."

One-Eye's tactical approach isn't always about grand battle plans but rather about the careful and thoughtful application of his magical skills within the larger context of conflict. His spells and enchantments are often meticulously designed to maximize their impact, reflecting a deeply strategic approach to warfare.

Despite these strengths, it's also true that One-Eye is not portrayed as a military mastermind or a prodigious strategist on the scale of some other fantasy characters. His tactics are often grounded in the moment, driven by necessity, and sometimes colored by his quirky and unpredictable nature.

Given these considerations, the original rating of 4 for One-Eye's tactical ability appears accurate when compared to the vast array of characters across all fantasy universes. It is a reflection of his solid but not extraordinary strategic thinking. While capable and often effective in his planning, he doesn't consistently demonstrate the level of tactical genius that would warrant a higher rating.

A critical reader of the "Black Company" series might even argue that One-Eye's strategic thinking is often overshadowed by his more flamboyant magical abilities. But to overlook his tactical acumen would be a mistake. It is precisely in the nuanced, careful, and sometimes idiosyncratic way he approaches conflict that One-Eye's tactical ability comes to light. Though not a grand strategist, his tactical mindset is essential to understanding his character and his contributions to the Black Company's numerous campaigns. Thus, the rating of 4 accurately captures this blend of strategy, intuition, and unpredictability.

One Eye's Influence

One-Eye, the grizzled wizard from Glen Cook's "The Black Company" series, possesses an influence that's both peculiar and subtle. It's not marked by commanding leadership or persuasive charisma, but rather by an understated form of influence rooted in experience, relationships, and sometimes just sheer persistence.

His influence is most often seen within the tight-knit circle of the Black Company itself. Whether engaging in banter with his eternal rival, Goblin, or offering up his insights on matters of magic and war, One-Eye often plays a key role in shaping the decisions and direction of those around him.

However, One-Eye's influence doesn't often extend far beyond the confines of the Black Company. He's not a figure who commands armies, sways the masses, or manipulates the course of kingdoms. His influence is more localized and personal. For example, in "The White Rose," One-Eye is instrumental in training and supporting Darling in her fight against the Dominator. But this is more a matter of mentorship and support rather than wide-reaching influence.

A quote from "The Black Company" illustrates his typical manner of influence:

"One-Eye's charms were always different. Nothing worked the same way twice, but everything worked."

This statement encapsulates his idiosyncratic nature, which lends itself to influence through uniqueness and unpredictability rather than conventional leadership or authority.

Considering the context and the broader landscape of all fantasy universes, the original rating of 3 for One-Eye's influence seems appropriate. He's neither a charismatic leader nor a manipulative puppet master, and his influence is often confined to those directly around him.

Some might argue that his role as a mentor and guide could warrant a slightly higher rating, but it must be remembered that One-Eye's influence is rarely the driving force behind major plot developments or significant shifts in power. It is more the influence of a wise but quirky uncle than that of a king, general, or prophet.

So, while his influence is real and sometimes profound within the context of the Black Company's adventures, it doesn't reach the levels of persuasive power exhibited by many other fantasy characters. The rating of 3 captures the unique, localized, and often understated nature of One-Eye's influence, positioning him correctly in the broader spectrum of influential characters across all fantasy universes.

One Eye's Resilience

One-Eye from "The Black Company" series epitomizes the concept of resilience. He's an aged wizard who has seen and endured numerous battles, betrayals, magical duels, and all manner of physical and emotional trials. Yet, he continually pushes forward, not only surviving but often thriving amidst chaos.

His resilience is showcased not just in the way he deals with physical challenges, but in his mental fortitude as well. One-Eye's encounters with his rival Goblin, full of pranks and counter-pranks, demonstrate his capacity to engage in mental warfare without losing focus or resolve. He bounces back from defeat, learning from his experiences and applying that knowledge to future encounters.

One notable example of his resilience comes from "Shadows Linger," where he faces extreme peril:

"We were trapped between the monster and its creators. One-Eye got his shield spell up just in time."

This moment epitomizes One-Eye's ability to quickly recover from unexpected challenges and utilize his magical abilities to adapt to life-threatening situations.

However, it's essential to understand that while One-Eye's resilience is remarkable, it does not make him invulnerable. He's not a character who simply brushes off any injury or defeat. His resilience is rooted in his ability to endure and adapt rather than an inexhaustible well of physical or emotional strength.

In considering a rating for One-Eye's resilience across all fantasy universes, a score of 6 seems fitting. He's certainly more resilient than the average character, demonstrating both physical endurance and mental tenacity. However, his resilience is not supernatural or superhuman. It's grounded, realistic, and subject to limitations.

There is no justification to change the previous rating of 6, as it accurately reflects One-Eye's remarkable but not unparalleled resilience. His ability to bounce back from defeat or injury, adapt to changing circumstances, and persist in the face of adversity makes him a standout character in this aspect, but not one that surpasses the resilience of all characters across the vast landscape of fantasy literature.

One Eye's Versatility

One-Eye's versatility in "The Black Company" series is evident throughout his appearances in various challenging situations. His range of abilities and skills is significant, providing the Black Company with an edge in numerous scenarios.

His magical abilities are versatile, allowing him to cast spells for attack, defense, healing, and more. His ability to adapt to different situations is seen in his use of shields and offensive spells that suit the context of the battle. This versatility in magic reflects his deep understanding of the arcane arts, and he deploys these spells with creativity and efficacy.

One of the examples of his versatility comes from his longstanding rivalry with Goblin. Their continuous battle of wits and magic demonstrates the depth and breadth of their capabilities. The creativity and innovation that he shows in these pranks and duels illustrate his ability to apply his skills in unpredictable and varying ways:

"The wizards were at it again, with One-Eye playing chase with an animated bush while Goblin jeered."

Furthermore, One-Eye's role within the company is multifaceted. He's not only a mage but a mentor, a tactician, and sometimes even comic relief. His ability to wear many hats without losing efficiency is a testament to his versatility.

However, it's worth considering that One-Eye's powers and skills, though versatile, are not limitless. His magic, while broad, has its constraints, and there are other characters in fantasy literature who possess a more extensive array of abilities.

Considering this, the original rating of 8 seems slightly inflated. Though One-Eye is undoubtedly versatile, comparing him to the entire spectrum of fantasy characters may necessitate a slight adjustment. A rating of 7.5 would better represent his standing among all fantasy characters. This does not diminish his impressive versatility but recognizes that there may be characters with even broader capabilities. The adjustment from 8 to 7.5 emphasizes that while One-Eye is highly adaptable and possesses a broad skill set, his versatility has its limitations and is not unparalleled in the vast landscape of fantasy literature.

One Eye's Alignment

One-Eye's moral alignment can be considered neutral, as his actions do not strictly adhere to a code of morality focused on the greater good, nor do they consistently serve selfish or malicious intents. He is often motivated by self-interest or loyalty to the Company, rather than adherence to a defined moral code. This often leads to actions that are neither wholly good nor wholly evil but instead lie somewhere in between.

In terms of the ethical axis, One-Eye leans towards the chaotic alignment. His methods are often unpredictable, and he does not strictly follow laws or traditional structures. Whether in magical duels, interactions with others, or his overall approach to problem-solving, One-Eye's behavior is marked by a tendency to rely on intuition, improvisation, and individualism, rather than order, rules, or systematic planning.

Combining these two aspects, One-Eye's alignment can be described as Chaotic Neutral. He is guided more by personal whims, loyalties, and interests rather than universal laws or a strict moral code. His actions can be unpredictable, and while he is not driven by malevolence or a quest for righteousness, he operates on a plane that can sway in either direction depending on the circumstances. This alignment underscores the complexity of his character and the unpredictability that defines many of his actions and decisions throughout the series. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.

One-Eye Arena Art

One-Eye and Goblin visit Ragnaros in the Molten Core

One-Eye's Trophy Case

PPET Rankings

Season	Rank
1 (2023-2024)	#94 (of 107)

Overall Conclusion on Goblin and Position Across Plane of Existence

One-Eye, a central character in the "Black Company" series, is an intricate figure, marked by unpredictability, craftiness, and a blend of magical talents. With an overall rating of 5.5, he stands as a slightly above average character across all fantasy universes, but far from the most potent or dominant.

Comparison with Goblin

The rivalry between One-Eye and Goblin is a recurring theme in the series, a pissing contest that often manifests in comical magical duels and banter. When assessing their individual attributes, we notice that the ratings reflect distinct strengths and weaknesses between the two.

Raw Power: One-Eye surpasses Goblin with a 7 rating compared to Goblin's 6. His magical prowess, particularly in combat scenarios, lends him an edge in this category. The whimsical and often deadly duels between the two are a testament to this slight advantage.

Tactical Ability: Goblin scores higher here with a 6, while One-Eye is rated at 4. This highlights One-Eye's chaotic and intuitive approach, which may lack the strategic depth that Goblin sometimes exhibits.

Influence: Both characters are not known for their charisma or leadership, but Goblin's slightly higher rating of 4.5 compared to One-Eye's 3 indicates a subtle advantage in influencing others.

Resilience: One-Eye's resilience is rated at 6, reflecting his ability to bounce back from setbacks, a quality essential for his survival and successes in the series.

Versatility: Though both characters are versatile, Goblin's rating of 8 surpasses One-Eye's 7.5, reflecting a broader range of adaptability and skills to draw upon in various situations.

This comparative analysis illustrates the complex relationship between the two characters. While neither is outright more powerful, their contrasting strengths make them unique, resulting in the close yet distinct ratings.

One-Eye's overall rating of 5.5 is justified by examining his attributes in comparison to characters across all fantasy universes. While his raw power and resilience are notable, his lower tactical ability and influence mark him as a character who, although compelling and colorful, does not reach the echelons of the most powerful figures in fantasy literature. His chaotic neutral alignment further add to this characterization, painting a picture of a talented yet flawed figure.

The downgrading from the original 5.6 to 5.5 reflects a nuanced understanding of his abilities, particularly when considering his shortcomings in influence and tactics. This adjustment is not significant but is indicative of a more refined analysis.

One-Eye's rating and his rivalry with Goblin offer fascinating insights into the characters' depths, their relationship, and how they fit within the broader landscape of fantasy literature. While neither stands as an overpowering figure, their complexity, quirks, and interplay make them memorable and distinct, justifying their respective ratings. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.