# Asad-ed-Din — The Sea Hawk character guide

> Asad-ed-Din in The Sea Hawk by Rafael Sabatini.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Asad, the Lord Asad - ed - Din, Lion of the Faith Asad - ed - Din

**First appearance:** 0012-i-the-captive

## Snapshot

The Basha of Algiers, a gaunt and commanding ruler whose authority rests on past victories but whose grip on his crew is slipping to a younger captain.

## Who they are

Asad-ed-Din, the Lion of the Faith, rules Algiers with a voice that once hurled men into death without protest, but he has lain too long in port while his fleets sailed under other captains. When his crew murmurs for Sakr-el-Bahr instead of him, the humiliation cuts deep, and his pride becomes a weapon others can turn against him. His devoutness and his jealousy are both played upon by those around him, making the Basha a pivot on which the novel's Mediterranean intrigues turn.

## In the story

### [Part II: Sakr-El-Bahr](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/part-ii-sakr-el-bahr)

The Basha of Algiers, who becomes Sakr-el-Bahr's master and later his adversary.

### [II: The Renegade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/ii-the-renegade)

Basha of Algiers who confirms Oliver as commander of a galley and later loves him as a son.

### [Lion of the Faith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/v-lion-of-the-faith)

Walks in the orchard with Fenzileh, defends Sakr-el-Bahr against her accusations, and is depicted as a devout but conflicted ruler.

### [VI: The Convert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/vi-the-convert)

Confronted by Fenzileh's insinuations, begins to doubt Sakr-el-Bahr.

### [Marzak-Ben-Asad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/vii-marzak-ben-asad)

Welcomes Sakr-el-Bahr warmly but upholds the law requiring all captives to be sold at the sôk, showing tension between affection and duty.

### [VIII: Mother and Son](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/viii-mother-and-son)

The Basha receives news of the treasure galley, summons Sakr-el-Bahr, and later decrees Marzak shall sail as his lieutenant. He violently silences Fenzileh's protests.

### [IX: Competitors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/ix-competitors)

Arrives at the slave market on a white mule, rebukes Fenzileh for her public behavior, and resolves to purchase the English slave for his harem.

### [XIII: In the Sight of Allah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/xiii-in-the-sight-of-allah)

Outmaneuvered by Sakr-el-Bahr's marriage declaration; his piety prevents him from dissolving the union.

### [XIV: The Sign](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/xiv-the-sign)

Struggles with his conscience and love for Sakr-el-Bahr, ultimately deciding to seek a divine sign.

### [The Voyage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/xv-the-voyage)

Aboard the galeasse, he attempts reconciliation with Sakr-el-Bahr but remains watchful; his presence complicates Oliver's plans.

### [The Pannier](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/xvi-the-pannier)

Observes the contest with amusement and authority, but orders the pannier opened when his son's life is threatened.

### [The Dupe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/xvii-the-dupe)

Feels duped by Sakr-el-Bahr, whom he trusted most; struggles between anger and caution, ultimately deciding to consider the matter further to avoid a mutiny.

### [XVIII: Sheik Mat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/xviii-sheik-mat)

Consumed by desire for Rosamund, he refuses to release her despite Marzak's warnings and the risk of mutiny.

### [XIX: The Mutineers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/xix-the-mutineers)

Angrily rejects Sakr-el-Bahr's proposal regarding Rosamund, leading to a declaration of war between them.

### [XX: The Messenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/xx-the-messenger)

Observes the staged conflict and approves of the punishment, unaware of the deception.

### [XXII: The Surrender](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/chapters/xxii-the-surrender)

Initially angry at Sakr-el-Bahr's betrayal, but later pleads with him to return to his senses during the standoff.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/characters/asad_ed_din
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sea_hawk_se/characters