description The Darkness That Comes Before Overview
The Darkness That Comes Before is a grimdark fantasy novel by R. Scott Bakker published in 2003, serving as the opening volume of The Prince of Nothing trilogy. The narrative centers on the manipulative monk Anasûrimbor Kellhus, who is drawn into a brutal holy war declared against the heathen Fanim in the world of Eärwa. The worldbuilding is highly philosophical, drawing inspiration from real-world history and the works of J.
R. R. Tolkien and Frank Herbert. It explores themes of determinism, free will, and the catastrophic consequences of human desire.
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Who is Anasûrimbor Kellhus in The Darkness That Comes Before?
Kellhus is a Dûnyain monk raised in isolation to read and manipulate human behavior with extraordinary precision. He enters the wider world while searching for his father, Moënghus.
What is the Holy War fighting over?
The Inrithi Holy War seeks to capture Shimeh from the Fanim, echoing the political and religious structure of medieval crusades. Kellhus joins its leaders and gradually turns their beliefs and rivalries to his advantage.
What are the Consult and the No-God?
The Consult is a secretive organization working toward the return of the No-God, whose earlier reign nearly destroyed humanity. This apocalyptic threat operates behind the novel's visible political and religious war.
What comes after The Darkness That Comes Before?
The Prince of Nothing trilogy continues with The Warrior Prophet and The Thousandfold Thought. Bakker later returned to the same world in The Aspect-Emperor series.
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