Matthias at the entrance to the Kingdom of Malkariss from the Redwall TV Series
The Kingdom of Malkariss consisted of the ancient ruins of the long abandoned Loamhedge Abbey. Founded by Malkariss, it was built by young slaves captured by Slagar the Cruel and his gang and defended by Blackrobe Rats.
History of the Kingdom of Malkariss[]
After a plague forced Abbess Germaine and her order to vacate the region, a great earthquake occurred, causing the Abbey buildings to collapse and flounder underground. Some stone chambers from the Abbey had remained somewhat intact, while most others were destroyed. Malkariss, aided by Nadaz and the Blackrobe Rats, built his empire of evil and slavery on the ruins.
Architecture of the Kingdom of Malkariss[]
Malkariss statue from the Redwall TV Series
The Kingdom of Malkariss was built under a copse on the Great South Plateau. Its surroundings were mixed; some areas were former orchards and gardens, while other areas were wild and unkempt. Thick foliage covered a stone step decorated with carved mice. One of the carved mice was taken as a talisman by the Old Rabbit and given to Matthias. The entrance opened to a set of stairs leading to the underground realm. These stairs probably used to be the dormitory or attic stairs of the former Abbey.
The kingdom itself consisted of an intricate maze of green misted tunnels and caves, large amphitheaters and high arched caverns, connected by causeway steps to a broad stone ledge located at the center. On the ledge stood a great limestone statue carved in the image of Malkariss (despite actually being very distinguished). The result of stalagmite merged with stalactite, the statue was actually hollow and its mouth, covered with teeth of rock crystals, was used by Malkariss to transmit orders from a hidden area. Nadaz unsuccessfully tried to hide inside this statue during the Battle of Malkariss.
In the lowest depths of the kingdom, slaves were forced to carve huge blocks of stones and lift them using pulleys to the upper levels. They were kept in chains, whipped, and guarded by a Wearet. Malkariss himself stayed deep below hidden inside a large basket.
Due to its dual origins, the Kingdom of Malkariss presented contrasting areas. Some areas were well constructed by master crafters, presumably during the time of Loamhedge Abbey. Other areas were holes gouged crudely from the rocks, presumably by the slaves of Malkariss. The caverns and tunnels were lighted by torches and the moss-covered rock and stone walls were studded with mica and crystals. One of the tunnels led to a wall carving representing woodland creatures in chains and a relief of the statue surrounded by robed rats. The mural carving was actually a door and the left paw hid a latch which led to a secret exit. Slagar used this passageway to flee the revolting slaves, but did not manage to get very far. This exit used to be the well of Loamhedge Abbey.
The Kingdom of Malkariss was eventually destroyed by Matthias and Orlando the Axe, starting with the idol statue. The collapse of the kingdom transformed the copse into a valley. The entire area was covered with rocks and soil as a result, hiding all traces of the original Loamhedge Abbey.
Known Residents of the Kingdom of Malkariss[]
- Malkariss (Ruler)
- Nadaz (Chief of Blackrobe Rats)
- Blackrobe Rats
- Wearet (slavemaster)
- Elmtail (slave)
See also[]
Books[]
The Kingdom of Malkariss appears in Mattimeo.