I started an article on blackrobes. I added descriptions of the horde and its weapons. I also added a compare/contrast section where I added some tables. Please add to or delete as you see fit. (I know this is Wiki policy but I want to encourage it) I will see what images are uploaded already that I can add. I particularily think that the cover art for the PAL format movie, Mattimeo "The Abyss". Also it would be good to see images from the book, particularilty Mr. Chalk's art for Chapter 43 and maybe Chapter 50.
Also, the link from hordes should be redirected to the list page but I don't know how. thx, JEV 68.82.31.156 18:29, 7 June 2006 (UTC)
The above user contributed the following, it belongs in an essay under a registered name. --LordTBT 
Talk! 00:12, 27 November 2008 (UTC)
Analogies & Similarities[]
The rats of Malkariss, the Blackrobes, are probably one of the most unique vermin groups in the Redwall Series. Their eerie description and also the fact that they only appear shortly in Mattimeo add to the mystery surrounding them. Whether intentional or providential, there are many similarities that can be drawn from within the series, and from without.
Blackrobes to Redwall[]
One of the most striking resemblances of the Blackrobes is the contrast between their community in Malkariss and that of the Redwallers.
| Redwall | Malkariss | |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing/Color | Green; Color of the forest and trees | Black; color of darkness and oppression |
| Statue | Statue of Abbess Germaine, founder of Redwall Abbey | Frightening statue of Malkariss, ruler of the Kingdom of Malkariss |
| Life | Abbot governs fairly with help of Badger mother; everyone helps, everyone eats | Malkariss presides over all; Nadaz speaks for rats only on Malkariss's behalf |
| Reputation | Good and abundant food with kind creatures; only to be imagined in dreams | Lands of slavery whose mention brings a shudder; sometimes called the land of nightmare |
| Setting | Bright, green forest blooming with life | Black, dark kingdom delved deep under the an old abbey with memories of death |
Malkariss to Moria[]
The idea of innumerable cave-dwelling foes was also used in the Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien. Despite the fact that Brian Jacques has never read this series, there are striking similarities between the two kingdoms and their inhabitants.
| Malkariss | Moria | |
|---|---|---|
| Fear/Awe inspired obedience | Statue (Malkariss) | Sauron |
| Frenzied fighting caused by | Drums accomp. by Nadaz chanting | Drums; lust for slaughter |
| 'Brute-ish' Champion | Wearet with chained net and heavy spear | Large Orc (cave troll in movie) with large spear |
| Large battle | Four travellers and shrew army | Nine travellers and no army |
| Demonic leader | Malkariss in person | Balrog, Durin's Bane |
| Heroic Fall | Matthias in the chasm then meets Malkariss | Gandalf falls into abyss fighting Balrog |
| Climactic Escape | Kingdom falls at the destruction of the statue | Mountainside falls at death of the Balrog |