# Maskull — A Voyage to Arcturus character guide > Maskull in A Voyage to Arcturus by David Lindsay. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Maskull, Corpang, Spadevil, Oceaxe, Tydomin, Sullenbode **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-s-ance ## Snapshot A restless Earthling who abandons vulgarity for the star Tormance, only to find himself claimed as a servant of Surtur and remade by every world he crosses. ## Who they are Maskull arrives on Tormance with no wife, land, or profession to hold him back — a man deliberately unencumbered, which makes him both free and dangerously available to whatever force wants to use him. When Surtur appears and names him servant and helper, Maskull accepts a destiny he cannot yet imagine, and the thought lodges in him like the growing image in a creative artist's soul. His journey through Tormance's peoples and temptations — Joiwind's love, Oceaxe's hunger, Panawe's beauty — becomes a test of whether a man of destiny can keep faith with a purpose he doesn't understand. ## Relationships ### [Krag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters/krag) _psychological_ Krag is a mysterious, manipulative figure who guides and tests Maskull on his journey, often with harsh and cryptic motives. ### [Tydomin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters/tydomin) _romantic_ Tydomin becomes intensely obsessed with Maskull, leading to a possessive and ultimately tragic romantic entanglement. ### [Sullenbode](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters/sullenbode) _romantic_ Maskull and Sullenbode share a deep, passionate love that transcends their harsh surroundings, ending in mutual sacrifice. ### [Haunte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters/haunte) _rivalry_ Haunte is a hostile, deceptive figure who opposes Maskull, representing the darker aspects of the world. ### [Joiwind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters/joiwind) _friendship_ Joiwind is Maskull's first gentle guide on Arcturus, offering kindness and spiritual nourishment in a strange land. ### [Crystalman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters/crystalman) _rivalry_ Crystalman is the ultimate antagonist, a seductive and corrupting force that Maskull must resist and ultimately confront. ### [Polecrab](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters/polecrab) _friendship_ Polecrab is a loyal and practical companion who aids Maskull in his travels, sharing a bond of mutual respect. ### [Nightspore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters/nightspore) _psychological_ Nightspore is a detached, almost spectral figure who shares a deeper, metaphysical connection with Maskull, representing his higher self. ### [Panawe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters/panawe) _friendship_ Panawe is a wise and gentle being who teaches Maskull about the spiritual nature of Tormance, acting as a mentor. ### [Gangnet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters/gangnet) _social_ Gangnet is a fellow traveler and acquaintance who provides Maskull with information about the strange world they inhabit. ### [Catice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters/catice) _rivalry_ Catice is a hostile and cruel figure who opposes Maskull, representing the brutal side of nature on Arcturus. ### [Gleameil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters/gleameil) _romantic_ Gleameil is a beautiful but tragic figure who briefly captivates Maskull, leading to a doomed romantic encounter. ## In the story ### [I: The Séance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/i-the-s-ance) Arrives late with Nightspore; described as a giant with a full beard and sparkling black eyes; watches the séance with glittering anticipation. ### [II: In the Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/ii-in-the-street) Skeptical yet increasingly fascinated by Krag's proposal; feels a destiny bound to Arcturus. ### [III: Starkness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/iii-starkness) Arrives at Starkness with Nightspore, breaks into the observatory, and discovers the mysterious bottles. ### [IV: The Voice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/iv-the-voice) Hears a mysterious voice warning him of his fate; views Arcturus through the tower lens. ### [The Night of Departure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/v-the-night-of-departure) Anxious yet eager, Maskull undergoes a wounding ritual that grants him the strength to climb the tower; he drinks a farewell toast and falls asleep shortly after departure. ### [VI: Joiwind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/vi-joiwind) Drinks gnawl water, experiences sensory awakening, prays at Shaping's Well, receives blood transfusion from Joiwind, and discusses the nature of God and his journey. ### [VII: Panawe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/vii-panawe) Arrives at Panawe and Joiwind's cave, listens to Panawe's story, and observes the strange phenomena of Tormance. ### [Panawe's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/panawe-s-story) Listener to Panawe's story; comments on the lack of tools and civilization on Tormance. ### [VIII: The Lusion Plain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/viii-the-lusion-plain) Awakens at Poolingdred, resolves to explore the Marest, journeys across the Lusion Plain, encounters Surtur, and feels a growing sense of destiny. ### [IX: Oceaxe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/ix-oceaxe) Awakens with new organs (sorb and third arm), resists Oceaxe's advances, serves Surtur, feels conflicted about Oceaxe's nature. ### [IX: Oceaxe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/ix-oceaxe) Exchanges garments with Maskull, expresses desire for him, kills a fish with her sorb, explains 'absorbing' and the harsh ways of Ifdawn. ### [X: Tydomin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/x-tydomin) Awakens from a vision, declares he is 'awake,' and confronts Tydomin about her crimes. He witnesses Oceaxe's death and struggles with guilt and the desire for sacrifice. ### [X: Tydomin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/x-tydomin) Manipulates Oceaxe to her death, reveals her love for Crimtyphon, and proposes to take over Maskull's body to become male, dedicating her own body to Crimtyphon's funeral. ### [X: Tydomin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/x-tydomin) Killed by Tydomin's manipulation, walking off a cliff after being directed by Tydomin's finger. Maskull later reveals she was innocent of Crimtyphon's murder. ### [On Disscourn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xi-on-disscourn) Determined to execute Tydomin, but later hesitates when confronted with Spadevil's new law. ### [On Disscourn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xi-on-disscourn) Carries Crimtyphon's body, submits to Maskull's will, and undergoes transformation by Spadevil, expressing remorse for her past. ### [On Disscourn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xi-on-disscourn) Introduces himself as the bearer of a new law, transforms Tydomin's sorb, and offers Maskull a path of duty and renewal. ### [Spadevil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xii-spadevil) Acquires new organs that eliminate pleasure and pain; initially follows Spadevil, but after his probe is destroyed, he renounces Spadevil's teaching and sees the world as a charnel house. ### [Spadevil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xii-spadevil) Preaches iron obedience to duty and rejection of pleasure; leads Maskull and Tydomin to Sant, where he accepts martyrdom at Catice's hands. ### [Spadevil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xii-spadevil) Accompanies Spadevil and Maskull; expresses doubts and a vision of their deaths, but remains loyal; is stoned alongside Spadevil. ### [XIII: The Wombflash Forest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xiii-the-wombflash-forest) Awakens with three eyes and a nerveless third arm, horrified by his past actions; follows the drum taps through the forest. ### [XIV: Polecrab](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xiv-polecrab) Awakens from a vision, reflects on Surtur and Nightspore, and decides to pursue audacity. He agrees to go to Swaylone's Island. ### [Swaylone's Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xv-swaylone-s-island) Attempts to summon the Muspel-light through his music, causing destruction and the death of Earthrid. He is left stranded on the island. ### [Leehallfae](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xvi-leehallfae) Journeys with Leehallfae, experiences physical transformation (new eyes), and witnesses the birth of a plant-animal. ### [XVII: Corpang](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xvii-corpang) Hears a death prophecy, experiences Muspel-light, and decides to follow the drumming of Surtur. ### [XVII: Corpang](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xvii-corpang) Guides Maskull through Threal, reveals his twenty-five-year search for Thire, and joins Maskull in following the drumming. ### [Haunte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xviii-haunte) Experiences a vision of pain transforming into joy, reflecting on the nature of suffering and love. ### [Haunte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xviii-haunte) Travels with Maskull, observes the events with a calm and sullen demeanor. ### [Haunte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xviii-haunte) A woman of pure sex, initially asleep under a tree; she kills Haunte with a kiss. ### [XIX: Sullenbode](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xix-sullenbode) Travels with Sullenbode and Corpang, recounts his journey, and experiences a vision of Muspel-light. ### [XIX: Sullenbode](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xix-sullenbode) Guides Maskull and Corpang, speaks of love as sacrifice, and expresses willingness to die for Maskull. ### [XIX: Sullenbode](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xix-sullenbode) Accompanies Maskull and Sullenbode, criticizes Sullenbode's love, and climbs ahead toward Adage. ### [XX: Barey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xx-barey) Travels through Barey, experiences the rising of Alppain, loses his sense of self, and faces his impending death. ### [XXI: Muspel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/chapters/xxi-muspel) Maskull's corpse is noted as having disappeared from the raft, symbolizing the shedding of earthly identity as Nightspore approaches Muspel. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters/maskull - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_voyage_to_arcturus_se/characters