The Last Crochan Queen: 7 Reasons Why Manon Blackbeak Is The Most Compelling Character In Throne Of Glass

Few characters in modern fantasy ignite the passion and debate among readers quite like Manon Blackbeak. As of December 11, 2025, discussions about her journey from a ruthless Ironteeth Witch to the compassionate, yet still terrifying, Last Crochan Queen continue to dominate *Throne of Glass* fan communities. Her introduction in *Heir of Fire* marked a pivotal shift in the series, forcing readers to confront complex themes of morality, destiny, and the true cost of freedom. Her story is a masterclass in character redemption, making her one of the most compelling figures Sarah J. Maas has ever created.

Manon’s complex narrative arc, which spans the latter half of the series, is often cited as the most powerful and emotionally resonant storyline outside of Aelin Galathynius’s main quest. Her brutal upbringing, her fierce loyalty to The Thirteen, and her unexpected capacity for tenderness—especially toward her Wyvern, Abraxos—create a captivating contrast. This deep dive explores the seven core reasons why Manon Blackbeak’s story is essential, unforgettable, and arguably the most vital to the success of the entire *Throne of Glass* saga.

Manon Blackbeak: Biography, Lineage, and Key Entities

Manon Blackbeak is the heir to the Blackbeak Clan, one of the three major clans of the Ironteeth Witches, and later revealed to be the Last Crochan Queen. Her life is a tapestry woven with ancient magic, brutal tradition, and a destiny she was initially trained to suppress.

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• Full Name: Manon Blackbeak.
• Titles: Heir of the Blackbeak Clan, Wing Leader of The Thirteen, The Last Crochan Queen.
• Species: Ironteeth Witch (later revealed to be half-Crochan).
• Affiliations: Blackbeak Clan (formerly), The Thirteen, Crochan Witches, The Alliance.
• First Appearance: *Heir of Fire*.
• Signature Weapon: Three-foot-long iron nails and a broom of black rock.
• Mates/Partners: Dorian Havilliard (King of Adarlan).
• Wyvern: Abraxos.
• Mortal Enemy: The Matron of the Blackbeak Clan (her grandmother).
• Key Allies: Elide Lochan, Asterin Blackbeak, Sorrel, Dorian Havilliard, Aelin Galathynius.

Her lineage is critical: the Ironteeth Witches were historically enemies of the Crochan Witches, yet Manon's heritage secretly links her to both, setting the stage for her role as the bridge between two fractured peoples. This hidden truth is the foundation of her entire redemption arc.

1. The Evolution of the Ironteeth Witch: From Killer to Queen

Manon's character arc is a masterclass in redemption, rooted in a culture of violence and survival. She is introduced as a cold, ruthless killer, a product of the Ironteeth Matron’s brutal training, designed to be the perfect weapon. The Matron stripped away all signs of softness, ensuring Manon was nothing but a killing machine.

Her transformation begins subtly in *Heir of Fire* and accelerates through *Queen of Shadows* and *Empire of Storms*. The catalyst is her bond with her Wyvern, Abraxos. Unlike the other Wyverns, Abraxos is described as clumsy and scarred, yet his gentle nature slowly chips away at Manon's hardened exterior. This relationship introduces the concept of unconditional love and loyalty—a foreign idea to the Ironteeth.

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This internal conflict—the battle between her ingrained brutality and her burgeoning compassion—is what makes her so captivating. She doesn't suddenly become "good"; she struggles, she makes mistakes, but she ultimately chooses a path of self-discovery and sacrifice, breaking cycles of hatred that defined her people for centuries.

2. The Unforgettable Tragedy of The Thirteen

No discussion of Manon is complete without acknowledging The Thirteen, her fierce and loyal coven. Composed of the best and most brutal witches, The Thirteen were Manon's found family, her sisters in blood and battle. Their collective arc is one of the most heartbreaking and heroic storylines in the series.

The Thirteen’s ultimate sacrifice in *Kingdom of Ash* is a moment of profound emotional devastation. Led by Manon, they choose to use the Wyrdkeys to seal the Wyrdgate, saving Erilea but costing them their lives. This act of "yielding" is the ultimate expression of the Ironteeth's newfound honor and Manon's leadership.

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The loss of her coven, particularly her Second, Asterin Blackbeak, is the immense price Manon pays for her redemption and the world's survival. The emotional weight of this sacrifice is a central theme, leaving her with a compelling inner conflict and a profound sense of grief that fans desperately want to see explored in a potential spin-off.

3. The Slow Burn Romance with King Dorian Havilliard

The relationship between Manon Blackbeak and Dorian Havilliard is one of the most unexpected and highly-shipped pairings in the *Throne of Glass* universe. Their dynamic is an intoxicating mix of political tension, mutual respect, and undeniable physical chemistry.

Their first encounters are marked by a fascinating power struggle. Dorian, the King of Adarlan, is drawn to Manon's raw power and lack of pretense, while Manon is intrigued by his hidden strength and compassion. Their romance is a true "enemies-to-lovers" trope, built on a foundation of shared trauma and a mutual desire to protect their people.

Fans continue to debate the future of this couple. As of the series' end, their relationship is left open-ended, with both characters stepping into their respective roles as rulers—Manon as the Last Crochan Queen and Dorian as King. The question of whether they will ever truly reunite remains a major focal point for fan theories and a key reason why readers clamor for a sequel or novella focusing on their lives post-*Kingdom of Ash*.

4. The Symbolism of Abraxos, Her Gentle Wyvern

Abraxos is more than just a mount; he is the physical manifestation of Manon's humanity. While the other Wyverns are sleek and terrifying, Abraxos is scarred, clumsy, and has a curious fascination with flowers. This contrast is deliberate and serves as a mirror to Manon's own hidden nature.

The deep, telepathic bond between Manon and Abraxos is the first pure relationship Manon experiences. He teaches her gentleness, not through words, but through his own innocent nature. The scene where Manon realizes Abraxos loves flowers is a small, quiet moment that speaks volumes about her capacity for change. The Wyvern acts as her moral compass, his well-being directly tied to her emotional state, making their partnership one of the most moving in the entire series.

5. Topical Authority: Her Role as the Last Crochan Queen

Manon's true identity as the Last Crochan Queen is a crucial piece of world-building and topical authority in the *Throne of Glass* mythology. The Crochans and Ironteeth Witches were locked in an ancient, bloody war. Manon, being a descendant of both (a Blackbeak witch with Crochan blood), is the destined figure to end the conflict and unite the witch clans.

This revelation elevates her from a mere supporting character to a central figure in the fate of Erilea. She inherits the responsibility of healing centuries of hatred and leading her people into a new era. Her eventual acceptance of the Crochan heritage, symbolized by her golden eyes and the acceptance of the Crochan crown, is the final step in her transformation, solidifying her status as a true heroine and a leader of immense power and compassion.

6. The Unconventional Female Rivalry with Aelin

Unlike traditional fantasy narratives, Manon and Aelin Galathynius’s relationship is not a simple rivalry, but a complex, evolving alliance built on mutual respect. Their interactions are brief but impactful, often showcasing a grudging admiration for each other’s strength and ruthlessness.

They are two sides of the same coin: fierce, powerful women raised in brutal environments, both destined to save the world. Their eventual alliance is a testament to the series' theme of unity over division. When they finally fight side-by-side, it is not a clash of egos, but a formidable display of power, cementing Manon’s place as an equal, not a subordinate, to the main protagonist.

7. The Legacy and Demand for a Spinoff

Seven years after the conclusion of the *Throne of Glass* series with *Kingdom of Ash*, fan demand for a Manon-centric spin-off remains incredibly high. Readers feel her storyline, particularly her recovery after the loss of The Thirteen and her future with Dorian, was "sold short" despite her compelling development.

A spin-off focusing on Manon's efforts to rebuild the witch clans, navigate her relationship with Dorian, and deal with the lingering grief of her coven would provide the closure and deep dive that her arc deserves. Her legacy is one of fierce independence, tragic sacrifice, and ultimate redemption, ensuring her place as a beloved and enduring icon in the Sarah J. Maas universe.