- "Bloodwrath is terrible, somethin' you don't ever want t'see or know about."
- ―Abruc
The Bloodwrath is a mental condition characteristic of badgers but not limited to the species. It causes the afflicted to go berserk with rage for a short period of time, leading to extraordinary acts of aggression, destruction, and violence. The effects of the Bloodwrath can include seeing red, increased physical stamina and strength, increased tolerance for pain, and the inability to distinguish friend from foe. Badgers, upon engaging their primary target, tend to crush them with their paws or body, rather than kill them with their weapons.
One who experiences the Bloodwrath can cause a fantastic amount of damage during battle and withstand an almost unreal amount of injuries from enemy combatants. Despite these apparent advantages, the Bloodwrath is sometimes considered to be a weakness. When discussed, it is described as a terrible and dangerous affliction.
It is possible to control the Bloodwrath, but this takes an inordinate amount of willpower and personal strength. The only badger known to have done this is Gorath the Flame.
All major Badger Rulers have been known to experience Bloodwrath, with the exception of Russano the Wise, Hightor, Mandoral Highpeak, and Violet Wildstripe. However, these Badger Rulers were not mentioned extensively, and they may have experienced the Bloodwrath at one time or another.
Non-Badger Bloodwrath Characters[]
Characters who have shown signs of the Bloodwrath that were not badgers include:
- Cuthbert Blanedale Frunk
- Ranguvar Foeseeker
- Martin the Warrior
- Rab Streambattle
- Grath Longfletch
- Matthias
- Jess Squirrel
- Dannflower Reguba
- Luke the Warrior
- Martin II
- Triss
- Deyna the Taggerung
- Rakkety Tam MacBurl
- Bisky
- Laird Bosie McScutta of Bowlaynee
- Buckler Kordyne
- Axtel Sturnclaw
- Skor Axehound
- Felldoh
- Glokkpod
History[]
The phenomenon of a strong warrior going berserk in the presence of a foe is, of course, not unknown. Brian Jacques may have based the Bloodwrath on the actions of Viking Berserkers.