Glokkpod was a bloodthirsty male shrike who became accidentally trapped in the prisons of Castle Floret. Urgan Nagru's horde kept him confined and poked at him for fun, but never got too close out of fear. He lusted for the death of the rats, threatening to slaughter them and anyone else who insulted him.
Glokkpod was liberated when Gael Squirrelking escaped with Dandin, Mariel Gullwhacker, and Meldrum. He allied with the escapees, assuring them that he would only kill the vermin under Urgan Nagru's command, against whom he desired vengeance.
When the group escaped to one of the highest towers, Glokkpod remained behind to fend off the horde as the others were in the rafters. The barbaric bird actually insisted that they let him stay and wreak his blood-soaked vengeance upon his foes. In the small space, the rat soldiers could only come at him a few at a time, and they were no match for the deadly shrike.
Among the known casualties of the fearsome claws and beak was Captain Riveneye, who foolishly charged in with his sword. In battle, one of Glokkpod's wings was wounded by a pike, and that hampered his ability to fly. However, he managed a short flight to the rafters when it was heard that the horde were going to use their arrows instead of just charging in to die. This was accomplished mainly through Meldrum insulting the shrike, which greatly offended his honor. Glokkpod had actually only flown up there to slay the hare for his words, but the rest of the group stopped him.
Glokkpod then flew down from the tower roof after it had been taken apart enough. He met up with Iris Streambattle, and others, and told them of the escapees' plight. During a storm, the shrike had another part to play, that was to carry a rope to the escape party so they could scale down the tower. The storm and his injured wing kept the ruthless bird from reaching the mice, hare, and squirrel however.
Meldrum had the answer to that, as he played on Glokkpod's pride again. Further insulting him, he inspired the shrike to get to them. This strategy had a cost, however, as Glokkpod then flew off, refusing to help them anymore. In fact, he told Meldrum that if he ever saw him again, he would kill him. Glokkpod is never mentioned again.
Trivia[]
- Glokkpodd is the only shrike mentioned in the Redwall series.
- Shrikes are known for impaling their victims on hawthorn and acacia barbs, hence Glokkpod's fitting title, "The Butcher Bird."