# King Helmas — Figures of Earth character guide

> King Helmas in Figures of Earth by James Branch Cabell.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Helmas, The wise King

**First appearance:** 0014-vii-the-crown-of-wisdom

## Snapshot

A monarch whose borrowed feather makes his judgments infallible in the eyes of all, until no one dares question the wisdom he no longer doubts himself.

## Who they are

King Helmas rules with a wisdom so celebrated that neighboring kings submit their hardest cases to him, and his people praise his merciful verdicts. Yet his confidence rests on a feather from the Zhar-Ptitza, and he wears it pinned to his second-best crown when he gives judgment. When young Manuel models his likeness but makes it young, Helmas gently presses him on whether wisdom is not requisite to the figure he seeks — a question that shadows Manuel's whole quest.

## In the story

### [VII: The Crown of Wisdom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/chapters/vii-the-crown-of-wisdom)

The foolish King of the Peohtes who buys the feather, becomes confident and wise in judgment, and praises Manuel's artistry.

### [X: Alianora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/chapters/x-alianora)

Referenced in the context of Manuel's past sorcery against him.

### [XI: Magic of the Apsarasas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/chapters/xi-magic-of-the-apsarasas)

Mentioned as the least foolish of mankind, contented by a delusion involving a goose feather.

### [XIII: What Helmas Directed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/chapters/xiii-what-helmas-directed)

The wise king who directs Manuel on how to summon Freydis.

### [XIV: They Duel on Morven](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/chapters/xiv-they-duel-on-morven)

Mentioned as having laid ready the magical pen used by Freydis.

### [XV: Bandages for the Victor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/chapters/xv-bandages-for-the-victor)

Mentioned as the wise king who advised Manuel about the nature of queens and women.

### [XVI: Freydis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/chapters/xvi-freydis)

Not directly present; no relevant action in this chapter.

### [XXVII: They Come to Sargyll](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/chapters/xxvii-they-come-to-sargyll)

Sends messengers to discuss alliances with Manuel.

### [XXIX: Sesphra of the Dreams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/chapters/xxix-sesphra-of-the-dreams)

King Helmas is referenced as one of the princes to whom Manuel writes insulting letters under Sesphra's dictation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/characters/king_helmas
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/figures_of_earth_se/characters