Paladins are warriors sworn to the service of a powerful supernatural being.
Abilities[]
Due to the bond with their master, a paladin's abilities are augmented. They are stronger, faster, and able to survive wounds that would normally be fatal. In addition, a paladin's bonded weapon is able to heal what it has harmed.
Most warriors became paladins willingly, and did not want to break their oath with their master. Paladins who refused to serve demons were usually torn apart by their masters as a warning. Resisting the will of their master can cause a paladin to experience extreme pain. A paladin remains in their position for life, and many met violent deaths. In some cases, the master may reject a paladin from service, though the paladin usually did not survive.[1]
History[]
There are stories of Shadowhunter paladins pledged to Raziel or other angels going back to the days of Jonathan Shadowhunter. As angels rarely manifest on Earth, there hasn't been a documented Paladin sworn to an angel among the Nephilim since before the 1400s. There are no official records of Shadowhunter paladins sworn to demons. There are, however, a few records of mundanes becoming paladins of Greater Demons.[1]
In December 1903, Lilith disguised herself as Wayland the Smith and tricked Cordelia Carstairs into becoming her paladin. During her battle against Belial, Cordelia found it difficult to resist Lilith's will, though was temporarily released from her control by James Herondale wounding Lilith.[2]
Cordelia and her friends tried to find a way to sever their bond but did not succeed. So, Cordelia struck a bargain with her master that she would release her from her service if Belial was killed by Cortana. When the deed was done, Lilith tried to find a way out of the deal but as she had sworn on Lucifer's name, her vow held and Cordelia was freed from her.[1]
Known paladins[]
- Cordelia Carstairs (bound to Lilith)
- Unnamed paladin who defeated an advancing army
- Unnamed parabatai pair[1]
Trivia[]
- In medieval history and literature, the Paladins were a group of twelve knights who fought with Charlemagne.