Tough Traveling - Enforcers

Tough Traveling is a fun meme that aims to tour all the tropes big and small, abhorred and loved that are littered across the fantasy landscape. It was conceived of and is hosted by Nathan at Fantasy Review Barn and here's how it's explained on the blog: 

Each Thursday, our copy of ‘The Tough Guide to Fantasyland’ in hand, we shall tour the mystical countryside looking for adventure and fun (and tropes) from all over fantasy.

This week's trope is Enforcerss:

Some people are made to give orders; others are made to make sure they are carried out. Be it through muscle or guile there are just some people you don’t want to hear are looking for you.

This list was pretty difficult because because a LOT of fantasy books have characters or a group that could fall into this category.  I tried to focus on the the idea of having to be directed by a "master" and having a bit of reputation so that there name strikes fear. I also tried to stick with individuals (with one exception).  I still came up with quite a few and feel like I probably missed a ton.

source

- The Nazgul or Ringwraiths in The Lord of the Rings by J. R. Tolkien

Servants of the Ring and subject to the whims and orders of Sauron, these are creatures you don't want to meet on a lonely road in the middle of nowhere.

Source

- Nahadoth (and his sibling deities) in The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin

I think I may be the only reader on the planet that didn't love this book but I have to admit I found Nahadoth and his siblings who are desperately scheming to release themselves from servitude to the human Arameri an interesting concept.  Nahadoth himself was a fascinating character - both seductive and terrifying.  The Arameri have been known to have him destroy whole countries.

I actually look kind of sweet and sad in this picture but don't be fooled. I can be a right bastard.

- The Hound or Sandor Clegane from A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

You know when you get a scary sounding nickname, you've made it in the world of enforcers.  Sandor Clegane may not be as brawny or even as evil as his brother but he earns points for being the heavy of the (arguably) most despised character in A Song of Ice and Fire - Prince/ King Joffrey. Thankfully he sees the light (sort of) and moves on from this role.

I killed Inigo Montoya's Fathet.  I am prepared to die:).

- Count Tyrone Rugen in The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Known for his obsessive interest in the Study of Pain, Count Rugen is Prince Humperdinck's enforcer and ends up mostly killing Westley aka Dread Pirate Roberts.  He is maybe a little weak in the reputation department I think he counts. 

I did so enjoy rooting for Logen but Joe Abercrombie is mean.

- Logen Ninefingers in The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie

You know what I said above about having a nickname that inspires fear?  That rule fits hear as Logen is also known as The Bloody Nine which is actually the name for a ultra violent fugue state he enters when provoked.  When we meet him he's a free agent who has recently broken away from his role as "King" Bethod's "Champion" which is a fancy word for an enforcer.

- Morgan from The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher 

Bringing in a little Urban Fantasy, Morgan is the enforcer for The White Council who Harry dreads more than anyone.  He's very strict and doesn't have much of a sense of humor.


I'll stop there and see who everybody else comes up with.  I think this could be a week with a lot of variety...we shall see. Check it out over at Fantasy Review Barn.