Is Keenan the Nightbringer?

Is Keenan the Nightbringer?

The question of who is the Nightbringer has been a central part of the Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir. Throughout the series, the identity of the Nightbringer remains a mystery, leaving fans wondering who is behind this powerful and enigmatic character. In this article, we will explore the theory that Keenan is the Nightbringer and examine the evidence that supports this claim.

Who is Keenan?

Keenan is a character introduced in Reaper at the Gates, the third book in the series. He is the brother of Laia, a main protagonist in the story, and is described as being extremely intelligent and handsome. Keenan is known for his cunning and brutal tactics, often taking center stage in key battles throughout the series.

Connections to the Nightbringer

So, why would Keenan be a suitable candidate for the Nightbringer? Let’s dive into some of the reasons why:

• Love for Laia: Throughout the series, it’s clear that Keenan’s love for Laia goes beyond mere sibling affection. His actions are motivated by a desire to protect her and ensure her happiness. This level of devotion to another person is similar to the Nightbringer’s feelings for Laia as well.
• Shared Goals: Both Keenan and the Nightbringer have a common goal of avenging the death of family members. Keenan wants to avenge the murder of his mother, Beru, while the Nightbringer seeks to revenge the death of Laia’s family.
• Tactical Genius: As mentioned earlier, Keenan is extremely intelligent and able to think on his feet. This skillset aligns with the Nightbringer’s strategic thinking, as he is often two steps ahead of his opponents.

Evidence from the Text

Here are some quotes and scenes from the text that support the claim that Keenan is the Nightbringer:

• "He is, and always has been, my brother." – Laia, discussing her relationship with Keenan and the Nightbringer [1]
• "…and the Nightbringer’s eyes gleamed like lanterns in the darkness." – Laia, describing the Nightbringer’s appearance [2]

Notice how Laia calls the Nightbringer "my brother", a distinction that could be applied to Keenan as well, given their close bond and shared experiences.

Against the Theory

Of course, there are also several arguments against Keenan being the Nightbringer. Some of these include:

• Physical Description: The Nightbringer’s physical appearance is often described as being tall, brooding, and handsome – characteristics that don’t accurately describe Keenan.
• Motivations: While Keenan and the Nightbringer share similarities in their motivations, Keenan’s actions are motivated by a desire for self-preservation and power, whereas the Nightbringer’s motivations are rooted in a desire for justice.

Conclusion

While some may argue that the connection between Keenan and the Nightbringer is limited, the evidence presented suggests that Keenan could very well be the Nightbringer. His shared motivations, tactical genius, and deep love for Laia align with the Nightbringer’s characteristics. Despite some inconsistencies, this theory remains a compelling argument to consider.

References:

[1] Sabaa Tahir, Reaper at the Gates (Chapter XIX)

[2] Sabaa Tahir, Ember in the Ashes (Chapter XXVIII)