- "Perhaps what is right is not like the sun, but more like the stars. There are an infinite number of stars in the heavens and they cancel out each other's light."
- ― Narsus' philosophizing to Arslan in the aftermath of their failed attempt to free Hodir's slaves, in The Heroic Legend of Arslan (anime), "The Lord and Master of Kashan Fortress"
Narsus was one of the members of the Camp of Arslan that fought against the Lusitanian invasion. He was Arslan's adviser, Daryun's close friend and the former chief adviser in the court.
Appearance[]
Narsus is described as a man with good looks. He had violet/blue eyes in the 2015 anime and light blonde (almost white looking) hair that went up to his shoulders. However, his hair was usually kept as a low ponytail that covered up most of his right eye.
He was well known for his swordsmanship and had a stature that went along with those abilities. He was tall with broad shoulders. He also had muscles well above what the average person may have.
Personality[]
While he may have been a slightly proud and narcissistic individual (usually and especially when it came to his mystifying artwork), Narsus also was calm and incredibly composed, even in the midst of plights. He had a formidable intellect, probably the highest among all characters in the works, and was capable of anticipating and thinking his way out of any tight spot, regardless of how impossible it would be to break through, making him a valuable strategist to Arslan's company.
Despite his rationality, resourcefulness, and composure, Narsus was quick to take offense when his painting was insulted or looked down upon, though these moments were usually depicted to be comical. Despite his formidable intellect, he saw himself as an artist first before anything else, and treated his capacity as a strategist to be merely convenient.
While still being respectful, he was also shown to be a headstrong man who was willing to speak up against those who did not share his beliefs, seen how he was removed from his office for standing firm on the subject of slavery.
Narsus was also shown to be a kind individual, and had been shown to be a wise man for his age, which was the very root of his disgust for slavery, as well as choosing to stay as a hermit after being removed from office, for despite his ability to read through schemes and trickery, he hated having to deal with them on a daily basis. Many situations had shown his patience and care for the people he cared about, especially those who were younger than himself such as Arslan, Elam, and Alfarīd. Beneath his soft and intellectual facade, Narsus was surprisingly an incredible swordsman.
History[]
Narsus' father Teos had several concubines in addition to a wife. Narsus' mother was one of these concubines. Upon his birth, he and his mother were sent to live in Ecbatana where he studied until the age of 10. Upon the realization that he did not have a male heir, Teos called for Narsus to return to Daylam. Narsus is the only male of 9 half-sisters.
Narsus was once a chief adviser and tactician under Andragoras, but because he found that there is no chance for him to clean up the corruption of the society in the government at that time, he left his office and become a hermit.
Relationships[]
Elam[]
Elam was the son of two slaves that Narsus had freed when he became master of the house. The two slaves in his debt, asked Elam to watch over Narsus and be his personal servant. Elam agreed and had henceforth been serving under Narsus since. Narsus cared very much for Elam which was shown when he wanted to originally leave Elam in the care of a merchant as to not make Elam fight in a war. This thinking of his was quickly refuted with Elam's speaking up about how Narsus could not do anything by himself, Daryun's complimenting Elam's skills as an archer, and Prince Arslan's asking who would make the meals if Elam was gone. But it was clear to know that Narsus cared very much for the boy and wished the best for him.
Daryun[]
Daryun and Narsus had been friends since their childhood and they remained friends even after Narsus' exile from the kingdom. They maintained a deep sense of respect for each other one seeking counsel from the other. Narsus however was the more level headed of the two and a master strategist.
Arslan[]
In exchange for his loyalty, Arslan wanted to compensate Narsus handsomely. Not with money nor power, he was willing to - although Arslan saw Narsus painting abilities first hand - make him court painter[1], once he became the King of Pars. Despite initially being skeptical of Arslan's merit, Narsus eventually grew to be incredibly loyal to him.
Etymology[]
Narsus resembles the Persian name Narseh, which is derived from Avestan Nairyosangha, meaning "man of words," and consists of nairyo, "male," and sangha, "word." Thus, Narsus shares his name with Andragoras III, whose Persian form is Narseh.
Inspiration[]
His name originates from a historical figure, Narseh, who was a Persian king and whose name is often spelled "Narses" or "Narsus." The historical figure was known for his religious tolerance. Additionally, it might be a reference to Narcissus.
Notes
References
- ↑ Episode 4