Orlando the Axe



Orlando the Axe was a male badger whose primary historical purpose was in joining Matthias's group of Redwallers to flee Slagar's slaves. He was the father of Auma and the widower of Brockrose. In Mattimeo, he was referred to as the Lord of the Western Plain. His weapon of choice was a vast double-headed battleaxe. Though he occasionally experienced the Bloodwrath, it did not appear to consume him as it did other badgers.

After his wife died in unknown circumstances, his life revolved around his young daughter, Auma. She, along with Matthias's son Mattimeo and several others, was captured by Slagar to be sold to the evil Malkariss. Orlando joined Matthias and traveled with his group to the southern kingdom of Malkariss (see Loamhedge) to free the slaves. Orlando destroyed the limestone statue of Malkariss with his battleaxe and was also instrumental in causing Slagar's death, in which the fox was chased into a well by the badger and Matthias.

With the slaves rescued and Malkariss's kingdom destroyed, Orlando returned to Redwall Abbey, where he lived for many years. Constance was his firm friend and together they raised his daughter Auma, who succeeded Constance as Badger Mother when she died. Orlando lived a peaceful life at Redwall and hung up his battleaxe for many seasons. Eventually, however, he left the abbey to journey to Salamandastron, where he ruled as Badger Lord until his death.

Books
Orlando appears in Mattimeo.