Teft
| House / Order | Windrunners; Bridge Four |
|---|---|
| Race / Culture | Alethi |
| Status | Deceased |
| Origin | Alethkar; Urithiru |
| Born | Alethkar |
| Died | Battle for Urithiru (Rhythm of War) |
| Weapon | Phendorana (living Shardblade); spear |
| Fate | Windrunner of the new Knights Radiant; killed defending Urithiru |
| Portrayed by |
Teft is a beloved character in The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. An older soldier and member of Bridge Four, Teft becomes one of the first Windrunners of the new Knights Radiant, bonded to the honorspren Phendorana. Gruff, wise, and burdened by addiction and a guilt-ridden past, Teft is the steady heart of Bridge Four and a mentor figure to Kaladin.
Teft's story is one of failure and redemption: raised in a cult that awaited the Radiants' return, he believes he betrayed that hope, and he wrestles with firemoss addiction even as he becomes the very thing his family longed for.
Background
Teft was raised among the Envisagers, a secret group in Alethkar who believed the Knights Radiant would return in humanity's hour of need -- and who took drastic, fatal measures (deliberately endangering their own lives) trying to trigger the bond. As a youth, Teft informed on his family to the authorities, leading to their deaths, a betrayal that haunts him for the rest of his life. He drifted into soldiering and, eventually, into slavery and Bridge Four.
Biography
The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance
As one of the older bridgemen, Teft becomes a key lieutenant to Kaladin, recognizing early the signs that Kaladin is becoming a Radiant. His knowledge from the Envisagers helps the crew understand what is happening to them. Teft himself begins drawing in Stormlight and ultimately bonds the honorspren Phendorana, becoming a Windrunner.
Oathbringer and Rhythm of War
Teft battles his firemoss addiction, which periodically undermines his self-worth and his bond. Despite his struggles he remains devoted to Bridge Four and steadily advances in his oaths. During the occupation of Urithiru in Rhythm of War, Teft is one of the few Radiants who can still access his powers. He is captured and, in the climactic battle to retake the tower, is killed -- a death that devastates Kaladin and the whole of Bridge Four and becomes a turning point in Kaladin's own arc.
Character
Teft is gruff, profane, and self-deprecating, masking a deep tenderness and loyalty. His addiction and his guilt over betraying the Envisagers make him feel unworthy of the Radiant bond he always believed in -- yet his very humanity, his ability to keep going despite failure, is what makes him worthy. He is a father figure to the younger men of Bridge Four and one of Kaladin's most trusted friends.
Powers and abilities
- Main article: Windrunners
As a Windrunner, Teft wields the Surges of Adhesion and Gravitation, drawing on Stormlight to heal, to bind objects and surfaces, and to fly via Lashings. His bond with the honorspren Phendorana grants him a living Shardblade. His advancement is at times hampered by his addiction and self-doubt, which strain his connection to the oaths.
Relationships
- Phendorana -- his honorspren, sharp-tongued and protective, his living Shardblade.
- Kaladin -- the younger leader he mentors and follows; their bond is deeply fraternal.
- Bridge Four -- his found family, including Rock, Sigzil, and Moash.
- The Envisagers -- the cult of his youth, whose hope and whose ruin he carries with him.
Quotes
Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination.
I've spent my whole life waiting for the Radiants to return. Turns out I was waiting for myself.