# The Ash — Phantastes character guide

> The Ash in Phantastes by George MacDonald.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Ash, the horrible Ash, The Ash

**First appearance:** 0009-vi

## Who they are

A sentient tree or spirit in the fairy landscape.

## Relationships

### [Unknown Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/characters/unknown_narrator)

_rivalry_

The Ash is a malevolent, tree-like entity that threatens and antagonizes the narrator.

### [The Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/characters/the_woman)

_rivalry_

The Ash and the Woman are opposing dark forces, each vying for control over the narrator's fate.

### [Unknown Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/characters/unknown_narrator)

_rivalry_

The Ash is a malevolent, tree-like entity that threatens and antagonizes the narrator.

### [The Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/characters/the_woman)

_rivalry_

The Ash and the Woman are opposing dark forces, each vying for control over the narrator's fate.

## In the story

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/chapters/iii)

The malevolent Ash tree that threatens the cottage; its shadow appears as a distorted hand, and it is described as an ogre with thick fingers.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/chapters/iv)

A malevolent tree-creature whose shadow threatens Anodos; he seeks to bury Anodos at his root.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/chapters/vii)

The malevolent tree entity that attacked Anodos; its defeat is attributed to a wandering hero.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/chapters/ix)

Mentioned indirectly as the Alder-maiden; the knight has also encountered her.

### [The River Journey and the Chamber of Sir Anodos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/chapters/x)

Goblin-fairies mock Anodos but are silenced by his shadow; not directly present but referenced as part of the desert region.

### [The Hall of Statues](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/chapters/xiv)

The missing demon shadow that descends in the dream to hide the lady, causing a shudder.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/chapters/xviii)

The beech-tree is recalled as a comforting presence, soothing the narrator after his trials.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/chapters/xxi)

The Shadow; reappears after the battle, haunting the narrator.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/characters/the_ash
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phantastes_se/characters