Is the darkling misunderstood?

The Darkling's character is misunderstood, but his actions are not. He is manipulative, he is selfish, and he has done unforgivable things. The beauty of fantasy is that it is not reality. We can mourn the potential that was there with The Darkling finding redemption with Alina.

Why is the darkling problematic?

The intense attraction to and love of the character of the Darkling has been seen by some as troubling, with the tone from some corners of the internet coming across as downright offended that people are romanticizing such a manipulative and toxic character. And that's fair for people to feel.

How evil is the darkling?

The Darkling is more than just "evil." He's also a wounded person who did terrible things for what he considered a noble purpose. Of course, this means he's a complex character with believable motivations, not that he's a saint.

Is the darkling a good guy?

The Darkling is an extremely dark and manipulative person. He is power-hungry and had created the Fold with merzost, in order to use it against his enemies. In the process created the volcra which prevented him from expanding it.

Does the darkling have feelings for Alina?

He may not be capable of love in the ordinary way, but he definitely intends on being with Alina one way or another. However its a bit twisted because really the romance is just a side benefit to the power he gets from her. Maybe in a way, she sees through him and into the good, which is why he likes her.

don't let me be misunderstood | the darkling

Is Alina a virgin in Shadow and Bone?

Jessie Mei Li, who plays Alina, said: "It feels like more of a betrayal. She's drawn into this [attraction], and it's her decision. She has agency, she's not some blushing virgin who got taken advantage of. She makes this decision.

Did the darkling have a wife?

Many centuries ago, known then as the Black Heretic, the Darkling returned home to his partner Luda, who was also a Grisha Healer.

Is the darkling evil in the books?

In the books, the Darkling (Ben Barnes) is pretty much straight-up evil. He's still pretty evil on the show, but we get to see more of how he became the way he is.

Who is the real villain in Shadow and Bone?

It might not be hard to guess that a character who can manipulate shadow is a bad guy, but Ben Barnes is so god damn charming that some may be surprised by the mid-season reveal that General Kirigan, aka the Darkling, is actually the Black Heretic.

Is Alina in Six of Crows?

Alina isn't a part of the Six of Crows duology (although characters from those books are used in the Shadow and Bone series on Netflix.)

Why did Alina's hair turn white?

During The Darkling's attack at Os Alta, he reveals that he has set nichevo'ya on Genya Safin for sparing Alina. Alina fights him and uses merzost, which causes her hair to turn white, and nearly drains her of her power, defeating them both. This leaves her almost dead and the Darkling, also, badly wounded.

Are all Grisha immortal?

Normally, Grisha are not immortal in the sense vampires are. However, using their powers grants them health and strength. As Nina points out in the Six of Crows book, Grisha who use their power never get sick, so, unless they die in battle, they can be very long-lived and age slowly.

Does the darkling get redemption?

And though the Darkling isn't redeemed in the books, the show has already changed things from their book portrayal.

How old is Alina in the show?

In the books, the Darkling appears to be only a few years older than Alina, who is 17. But by making him look older, the series keeps the unhealthy power dynamic between these characters in the forefront of viewers' minds.

Why isn't he called darkling?

Here's what the actor told CinemaBlend: We chose to call him General Kirigan as opposed to the Darkling from the outset and have that be something more nefarious that other people could level with him later in the show.

Why did darkling create the fold?

As revealed in a flashback in Episode 7 of the series, the Darkling created the Fold when he was cornered by the King's men. He had already made an enemy of the King, who was afraid of the Darkling's power and was now hunting down and rounding up Grisha.

What did the darkling do to Genya?

Genya hasn't seen her parents since she was five. Because of her uniqueness of being a gifted Tailor, the Darkling sent her as a gift to the Queen at a young age, making Genya her servant. Since she had slept in the Grand Palace and received privileges, the other Grisha treated her with resentment.

Why is the darkling immortal?

As the Shadow Summoner, the Darkling is one of the most powerful (if not the most powerful) Grisha to have ever lived. His great power is what allows him to live as long as he does — the more he uses his Grisha abilities, which can rejuvenate and strengthen the body, the longer his lifespan becomes.

Who does the darkling end up with?

Ultimately, though, Mal and Alina are endgame. After three books of will they or won't they, Alina's dalliance with the Darkling, and near-engagement to Nikolai, the pair end up together running the old orphanage where they grew up in Keramzin.

Is Kirigan the black heretic?

In the big twist of season one, we find out that General Kirigan, also called the Darkling, actually is the Black Heretic. He has been alive for centuries, and created the Fold using merzost, a.k.a. the power of creation, to expand his own power and save the Grisha with him.

What did the darkling do to Baghra?

The Darkling leaves Baghra blind as punishment for helping Alina escape. Baghra is angry with Alina, arguing that she was supposed to disappear in the wild and never come back, not seek the stag, and get caught by the Darkling.

Is the darkling in King of Scars?

Both the Darkling and Elizaveta appear dead. Hanne realizes who Nina truly is: The girl who maimed her father months ago. Nina admits she's an agent of the Ravkan government working to free Fjerdans with Grisha power, just like Hanne.

Did Mal sleep with Zoya?

Mal was oblivious to Alina's love from before book one even began. He slept with Zoya and countless others before he realised who was waiting by his back door.

Did Luda love darkling?

In the cold open for episode seven, "The Unsea," the audience finally learns more about General Kirigan (also referred to as "the Darkling"). The show flashes back hundreds of years and shows how General Aleksander Kirigan was once in love with a healer named Luda.

Did Aleksander create the fold?

When the Ravkan army tracks him down to the Grisha hide out, a heartbroken and desperate Aleksander creates the Shadow Fold. The soldiers themselves are transformed into volcra and he in turn becomes the Darkling.