“Tough Traveling” is a weekly Thursday feature created by Nathan at Review Barn where participants make a new list each week based on The Tough Guide to Fantasyland by Diana Wynne Jones. This hilarious little book cheerfully pokes fun at the most prevalent tropes in fantasy. All are welcome to take part, and there is a link up over at his site. Join in any time!
I’ve been reading these posts for a few weeks now and have been wanting to join in. I may or may not have intentionally chosen a week with an easy trope as my first…The topic this week is:
MINIONS OF THE DARK LORD are all over the place. The DARK LORD has been busy planting them for years. They can be either male or female. All will be carefully supplied with the means to slaughter Tourists appropriate to their station.
NOTE: Spoilers abound.
Fidelias – Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
It’s not entirely clear when Fidelias became a minion, as he was once loyal to Gaius, First Lord of Alera. In the ned though, this turncoat has no qualms about hunting down his protege, let alone slaughtering hundreds of innocent people in the Calderon Valley.
Sepp – Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder
Sepp is a powerful death mage and a member of the resistance against the nefarious King Tohon. But wait! In the most obvious twist ever, it turns out that Sepp has been a member of Tohon’s camp since day one. He’s even embroiled in a plot to murder the only person who can contest Tohon’s right to rule.
Mr. Tumnus – The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Lucy meets the adorable Mr. Tumnus when she first arrives in Narnia, who turns out to be an agent of the White Witch. He’s been tasked with capturing any humans who make their way into this magical realm, but Lucy’s sweet charm – and his desire to do good – convinces him to let her return home. While Mr. Tumnus does ultimately fall on the side of our heroes, he was a minion of the White Witch for many years beforehand.
Draco Malfoy – The Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
It was a tough call between the bratty blonde and Peter Pettigrew, but ultimately the boy who snarked won out. He is the quintessential kiss ass – I mean minion. Honestly, I feel kinda bad for the guy. His family’s place among Voldermort’s followers basically guaranteed his minion status from birth. That said, he may have failed in his Dumbledore assassination attempt, but he helped Death Eaters invade Hogwarts. Also he’s an arse.