Misty Tensions and Scouting Dangers

In the misty, war-torn landscape of Angland, Dogman and his band of Northmen are tasked with scouting for Bethod's forces. The oppressive mist heightens their anxiety as they encounter grim remnants of battle—burned farms and empty villages. The tension is palpable when they stumble upon a corpse, a stark reminder of the lurking dangers. Dogman reflects on the omnipresence of death, the "Great Leveller," and the precariousness of their mission. Their journey is fraught with the threat of capture by either Bethod's men or the Union forces, both of whom would likely kill them on sight. This chapter sets a tone of unease and foreboding, underscoring the constant peril of their task.

Political Maneuvering and Military Blunders

Major West finds himself amidst the political and military chaos of the Union's campaign in Angland. The Union's leadership is divided, with General Kroy and General Poulder at odds, and Crown Prince Ladisla's incompetence further complicating matters. West is tasked with managing the Prince's detachment, a role fraught with challenges due to Ladisla's naivety and the inexperience of his staff. The Union's strategy is muddled, with conflicting priorities and a lack of cohesion among the commanders. West's frustration grows as he grapples with the logistical and strategic blunders that threaten their campaign against Bethod's forces.

The Siege of Dagoska Looms

Superior Glokta arrives in Dagoska, a city on the brink of a Gurkish siege. Tasked with uncovering the fate of his predecessor and shoring up the city's defenses, Glokta navigates a web of political intrigue and mistrust. The ruling council is divided, with potential traitors among them. Glokta's investigation is hampered by a lack of resources and the looming threat of a massive Gurkish army. As he struggles to prepare the city for siege, Glokta must also contend with the enigmatic presence of a Magus, who warns of an even greater threat from the Gurkish forces.

The Perils of the Great Plain

Jezal dan Luthar, Ferro Maljinn, and their companions traverse the vast, desolate expanse of the Great Plain. Jezal's discomfort is palpable as he grapples with the harsh conditions and Ferro's distrustful nature. The group encounters the remnants of a brutal attack, heightening their sense of vulnerability. As they press on, tensions simmer within the group, with Jezal struggling to adapt to the realities of their journey. The chapter explores themes of survival and the strain of maintaining unity in the face of adversity.

The Secrets of the Old Empire

The group reaches the ruins of the Old Empire, where Bayaz, the First of the Magi, shares the history of the fallen civilization. The tale of Glustrod's betrayal and the catastrophic wars that followed serves as a cautionary backdrop to their quest. The ruins are a testament to the Empire's former glory and the destructive power of unchecked ambition. As they navigate the decaying remnants, the group is reminded of the stakes of their journey and the potential consequences of failure.

The Gathering Storm

The Gurkish army advances on Dagoska, a formidable force that threatens to overwhelm the city's defenses. Glokta races against time to fortify the city and root out the traitor within the council. The tension mounts as the Gurkish siege engines loom on the horizon, and Glokta's investigation uncovers unsettling truths. The chapter builds to a crescendo of impending conflict, with the fate of Dagoska hanging in the balance.

Logen's Leadership and Lingering Doubts

Logen Ninefingers finds himself in an unexpected position of leadership as Bayaz, the First of the Magi, falls into a mysterious torpor. The group, including Jezal, Ferro, and others, is left to navigate the treacherous landscape with Logen at the helm. Despite his past hunger for glory, Logen is now burdened by the cost of leadership and the hollow prizes it brings. He grapples with the weight of decision-making, haunted by the fear of leading his companions to their deaths. As they journey towards Aulcus, Logen's internal struggle is mirrored by the external dangers they face, highlighting the precariousness of their mission and the constant threat of betrayal from within.

The Collapse of Dagoska's Defenses

The Gurkish army advances on Dagoska, overwhelming the city's defenses with relentless assaults. Despite Glokta's efforts to fortify the city and root out traitors, the Gurkish forces breach the walls, leading to a desperate battle for survival. The chaos and carnage of the siege highlight the futility of Glokta's mission and the harsh realities of war. As the city's defenses collapse, Glokta is forced to confront the limits of his power and the consequences of his actions, leaving him to question the true cost of loyalty and duty.

The Illusion of Victory

The Union army, led by Lord Marshal Burr, prepares for a decisive battle against Bethod's forces at Dunbrec. Despite a well-laid plan, the Union's advance is met with fierce resistance, and the battle quickly becomes chaotic. General Kroy's division is hard-pressed, and Poulder's division is delayed, leaving the Union forces vulnerable. Amidst the confusion, Burr falls ill, leaving Colonel West to make critical decisions. West's quick thinking and the eventual arrival of Poulder's forces turn the tide, but the victory is bittersweet, with heavy losses on both sides.

The Unraveling of Secrets

In Adua, Superior Glokta is tasked with investigating the murder of Crown Prince Raynault. The investigation reveals a web of deceit and manipulation, with powerful forces working to destabilize the Union. Glokta discovers that the murder is part of a larger conspiracy, but his attempts to uncover the truth are thwarted by the mysterious and influential banking house of Valint and Balk. Despite his efforts, Glokta is forced to publicly execute an innocent man to maintain political stability, leaving him questioning the true nature of power and justice.

The Edge of Desperation

Bayaz and his companions reach the island of Shabulyan, seeking the powerful Seed. However, they find only a worthless stone, revealing that their quest has been in vain. The group is left disillusioned and divided, with Ferro's desire for vengeance unfulfilled and Jezal longing for the comforts of home. Bayaz's failure to secure the Seed leaves him without a weapon against his rival, Khalul, and the group must now face the reality of returning empty-handed, their hopes dashed.

The Weight of Betrayal

As the Union grapples with the aftermath of the battle, Dogman and his companions mourn the loss of their leader, Threetrees. Dogman is reluctantly chosen as the new leader, tasked with guiding his men through the uncertain times ahead. Meanwhile, in Adua, Glokta navigates the treacherous political landscape, aware that his every move is watched by powerful enemies. The revelation of Vitari's secret family adds another layer of complexity to the web of alliances and betrayals, as Glokta struggles to maintain his position and protect those he cares about.

The Final Reckoning

With the quest for the Seed a failure, Bayaz and his companions must decide their next steps. Ferro resolves to continue her fight against the Gurkish, while Logen contemplates returning to the North to settle old scores. Jezal, disillusioned by the journey, dreams of a peaceful life with Ardee. In Adua, the political machinations continue as the Union prepares for the inevitable power struggle following the king's death. As each character faces their own challenges, they must confront the choices that will shape their futures in a world on the brink of chaos.

Characters

Dogman

Dogman is a skilled scout, navigating the dangers of Angland with a keen sense of survival. Despite his nerves, he is a natural leader, guiding his band through the mist and uncertainty. His reflections on death and the "Great Leveller" reveal a deep awareness of the fragility of life in wartime.

Major West

Major West is a competent and dedicated officer, struggling to manage the Union's fractured command structure. Tasked with overseeing Crown Prince Ladisla's detachment, West is caught between the Prince's incompetence and the strategic blunders of his superiors. His frustration is palpable as he navigates the political and military challenges of the campaign, ultimately leading to a catastrophic defeat that leaves him questioning his loyalty and the cost of following orders.

Superior Glokta

Glokta is a former war hero turned inquisitor, tasked with uncovering the fate of his predecessor in Dagoska. His investigation is hampered by political intrigue and the looming threat of a Gurkish siege. Glokta's sharp wit and cynicism are his tools as he navigates the city's treacherous political landscape, ultimately confronting the limits of his power and the consequences of his actions as Dagoska's defenses collapse.

Jezal dan Luthar

Once arrogant and self-absorbed, Jezal's experiences on the journey have humbled him. The physical and emotional scars he bears serve as a constant reminder of the harsh realities of the world. Despite the failure of the quest, Jezal dreams of returning to Adua and building a life with Ardee, away from the violence and chaos.

Ferro Maljinn

Driven by a deep-seated hatred for the Gurkish, Ferro is relentless in her pursuit of vengeance. Her distrust of others and fierce independence make her a formidable ally but also a difficult companion. The failure of the quest for the Seed leaves her frustrated, but her resolve to continue fighting remains unshaken.

Bayaz

As the First of the Magi, Bayaz is a powerful figure with a complex past. His failure to secure the Seed leaves him vulnerable in his struggle against Khalul. Bayaz's true motives remain shrouded in mystery, and his relationships with his companions are strained by the disappointment of the failed quest.

Logen Ninefingers

Logen is a seasoned fighter burdened by his violent past. Despite his fearsome reputation, he is introspective and seeks a path of redemption. His journey with Bayaz forces him to confront his inner demons and the consequences of his actions. Logen's relationship with Ferro offers a glimpse of hope, but his desire to settle old scores in the North remains a powerful motivator.

Plot Devices

The Mist

The mist that envelops Angland serves as a symbol of the uncertainty and danger that Dogman and his crew face. It obscures their vision and heightens their anxiety, reflecting the broader theme of navigating the unknown in a war-torn landscape.

Political Intrigue

The political landscape of Adua is fraught with intrigue, as various factions vie for power in the wake of the king's impending death. Glokta's investigation into the Crown Prince's murder reveals a conspiracy that threatens the Union's stability. The influence of Valint and Balk highlights the theme of hidden power and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests.

The Ruins of the Old Empire

The ruins of the Old Empire serve as a reminder of the civilization's former glory and the destructive power of unchecked ambition. Bayaz's recounting of the Empire's history provides context for the group's quest and underscores the stakes of their journey, as they navigate the crumbling remnants of the past and confront the potential consequences of failure.

The Seed

The Seed represents the ultimate weapon in the struggle between Bayaz and Khalul. Its absence at Shabulyan reveals the futility of the quest and the deception of the past. The Seed's elusiveness underscores the theme of power and its corrupting influence, leaving the characters to grapple with their own limitations and the consequences of their actions.

Analysis

"Before They Are Hanged" delves into the complexities of power, leadership, and the moral ambiguities of war. Through its richly developed characters and intricate plot, the novel explores the consequences of ambition and the cost of loyalty. The story's political intrigue and military blunders highlight the fragility of human endeavors and the unpredictable nature of fate. Abercrombie's narrative challenges readers to consider the true nature of heroism and the price of survival in a world where alliances shift and loyalties are tested. The novel's exploration of themes such as redemption, betrayal, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world resonates with modern readers, offering a compelling reflection on the human condition.

Last updated: February 25, 2025