# Boake Valkanhayn — Space Viking character guide

> Boake Valkanhayn in Space Viking by H. Beam Piper.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Captain Valkanhayn, Valkanhayn, Boake, Baron Valkanhayn

**First appearance:** 0001-ii

## Snapshot

A Space Viking captain who bristles at Trask's harder orders but follows them anyway, his aghast conscience a running counterpoint to Viking ruthlessness.

## Who they are

Valkanhayn first appears as a rival squatting on Tanith with Garvan Spasso, then becomes one of Trask's captains — a man whose instinct is to loot and whose new commander keeps telling him not to. He is aghast at the idea of burning an unlooted city, and that very reluctance makes him useful: he is the reader's measure of how far Trask has moved from ordinary Viking practice. His presence in the fleet keeps the story honest about what the Vikings actually are.

## In the story

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/viii)

One of the two raiders who have claimed Tanith; attempts to negotiate with Trask and Harkaman, showing desperation and incompetence.

### [The Partnership on Tanith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/ix)

Objects to Trask's authoritarian style and paying locals, but eventually acquiesces.

### [Consolidation and Planning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/x)

Retains command of the Space Scourge; is trusted by Harkaman as a competent spaceman.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/xi)

His men pillaged villages the night before the second city was attacked.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/xii)

Commands the Space Scourge, expresses concern about the planet's radar and radio capabilities.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/xiii)

Captain of the Space Scourge, opposed the raid initially; remains stoic during the battle, later reports ship secure and offers brandy-laced coffee.

### [The Return of the Space Scourge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/xiv)

Returns commanding the Space Scourge, now a Baron; delivers news of King Angus's rise and the titles granted to Trask and Harkaman.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/xv)

Present during discussions about Dunnan's activities and the development of Tanith.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/xvi)

Returns from Gram with the title of Baron and a commission as Viceroy of Tanith.

### [The Terror-Raid on Tetragrammaton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/xvii)

Questions the purpose of the terror-raid on Tetragrammaton, pointing out the lack of valuable loot taken.

### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/xxiii)

Sent to Gimli in the Space Scourge; reports no sign of the Honest Horris and details of Mardukan political interference.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/xxiv)

Doubts the Xochitl threat ever existed; advocates for attacking Xochitl.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/xxv)

Articulate supporter of the Raid-Xochitl-Now party who switches to supporting Trask's Marduk focus; suggests Dunnan may have been on Marduk all along.

### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/chapters/xxvii)

Joins the headquarters in the Ministerial Council room after fighting in the Palace.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/characters/boake_alkanhayn
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/space_viking_se/characters