Garion
A farm boy who hears the Voice of Prophecy, learns sorcery to heal a horse and kill Asharak, and journeys from his childhood home at Faldor's farm to fulfill an ancient destiny.
Garion is the protagonist of the five-book fantasy epic The Belgariad by David Eddings. His earliest memories are at Faldor's farm, a prosperous but not specifically large farm in Sendaria, and include the kitchen and farmyard, where he befriends Durnik the blacksmith. He encounters telepathic visions of the antagonist Asharak/Chamdar and hears a distinct 'dry voice' in his mind known as the Voice of Prophecy or 'Necessity'. When Belgarath, alias 'Mister Wolf', announces the theft of the Orb, Garion leaves the farm with Aunt Pol and Durnik. He later discovers that Polgara is Belgarath's daughter and his aunt by bloodline, identifying Belgarath as his grandfather.
- Role
- Protagonist
- Origin
- Faldor's farm (Sendaria)
- Affiliation
- Belgarath, Polgara, Silk, Barak, Durnik, Hettar
- First Appears
- Pawn of Prophecy
- Key Item
- Orb of Aldur (target of recovery), Will and the Word (power used)
Lore & Background
In Queen of Sorcery, Garion travels with his companions through Arendia and Tolnedra. He befriends master archer Lelldorin and must leave him behind after he is gravely injured by Algroths—goat-faced, gorilla-bodied monsters devised by Eddings. The party continues to Vo Mimbre where Garion reveals a plot against King Korodullin; Hettar kills the conspirator Nachak. Later, in Tolnedra, Garion performs his first act of sorcery, unknowingly healing a horse using the Will and the Word. Upon reaching Nyissa, he is detained by Queen Salmissra, who demands the hand of Princess Ce'Nedra in marriage. In a separate confrontation, when Asharak/Chamdar slaps Polgara, Garion strikes him back and speaks the word 'burn'. Remembering that Asharak killed his parents, Garion keeps the flames on the antagonist until he dies. This act reveals his birthright name, Belgarion, as called by Polgara.
In Their Own Story
Garion's journey begins in earnest when Mister Wolf announces the theft of the Orb of Aldur. Leaving Faldor's farm, they are joined by Silk (a Drasnian prince and spy) and Barak (a Cherek earl). The group follows an invisible trail until arrested and taken to a meeting of monarchs. Garion identifies a green-cloaked individual as a traitor; later, while hunting boar with Barak, he witnesses the spy's treachery but is attacked by a wild boar before he can warn anyone. Barak saves him in bear form. After exposing the spy and escaping capture, Garion learns his family connection to Polgara and Belgarath. The party adds Algarian prince Hettar and sets out for the Orb. In Arendia, they meet Mandorallen, who chases off Algroths. As they move south, Lelldorin stays behind to heal. In Tolnedra, Garion heals a monk, causing the monks to proclaim a miracle he knows is sorcery. Finally, in Nyissa, after being detained by Kador and accompanied by Asharak, Garion kills his parents' murderer with fire, marking his transition from farm boy to sorcerer.
Reader's Guide
Garion originates as an orphan raised on Faldor's farm in Sendaria under the protection of Aunt Pol. His role involves recovering the Orb of Aldur, created by the god Aldur and containing a living soul, which was stolen by Torak. He travels with Belgarath (Mister Wolf), Polgara, Durnik, Silk, Barak, and Hettar. Key turning points include his first act of sorcery healing a mad monk in Tolnedra and the killing of Asharak/Chamdar in Nyissa using the Will and the Word. He learns that Asharak is the same person as Chamdar. The group travels through Arendia, Tolnedra, and into Nyissa. Garion's development is marked by the revelation of his true name, Belgarion, after he uses sorcery to kill his parents' murderer. He must navigate political intrigue involving King Korodullin, Emperor Ran Borune, and Grand Duke Kador.
Did You Know?
- Garion's first act of sorcery was unknowingly healing a horse in Tolnedra.
- The antagonist Asharak and the spy Chamdar are revealed to be the same person.
- Garion kills Asharak by speaking the word 'burn' after learning the man killed his parents.
- Algroths are fictional monsters described as goat-faced and gorilla-bodied, devised by Eddings.
- After killing Asharak, Polgara calls Garion by his birthright name, Belgarion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Garion?
As the primary hero of the series, he starts life as a nameless orphan in Sendaria before awakening to his latent magical potential. His growth transforms him into a key figure capable of reshaping the destiny of the world.
What powers does Garion possess?
He commands immense psychic strength that enables telepathic communication and energy manipulation through the Staff of the Gods. These abilities expand significantly as he matures throughout his journey.
How does Garion's story end?
By completing the prophecy, he secures peace and takes on leadership responsibilities within Sendaria to protect the realm. He survives the final conflict and continues to serve as a guardian of magic.
Why is Garion important to the plot?
Ancient prophecies identify him as the only person capable of wielding the Sceptre of the Gods against the dark god Torak. Without his intervention, the world would fall into eternal chaos and darkness.
Who are Garion's guardians?
He is raised by Belgarath and Polgara, who guide his development while hiding his true divine lineage from him initially. Eventually, he learns that Polgara is actually his mother and a former goddess.
Related in The Belgariad
Links follow this subject's own source article.