Koschei
A spoiler-free guide to A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR).
Only showing what’s been revealed up to your current progress. Future events, identities, and relationships are hidden.
Overview
Koschei is an ancient death-god and the Bone Carver’s older brother, once feared and worshipped by ancient Fae. A long-ago warrior could not kill him, and he is now confined and bound to a small lake.
By this point, Koschei is described as an ancient death-lord bound to his lake who enslaved Vassa and is suspected of supplying the power behind Briallyn’s growing reach.
Though still unable to leave his lake, he becomes Briallyn’s explicit ally, carrying words to her on the wind and directing her toward the Dread Trove in hopes of winning his freedom.
Koschei remains an active threat after Briallyn’s death, with Eris warning that Beron might also seek an alliance with him.
Appearance
When Koschei manifests above his lake, he resembles a tall, shifting shadow with fluttering edges and speaks in a slithering voice.
Personality and Behavior
Vassa describes Koschei as intent on escaping his binding and mastering the world if widespread chaos gives him the opportunity.
Relationships
Vassa identifies Koschei as the being who enslaved her and suspects him of supplying the power behind Briallyn’s expanding reach.
Koschei acts as Briallyn’s ally despite remaining bound to his lake, carrying his words to her on the wind and directing her toward the Dread Trove. He wants the Trove to free himself and may know of a greater power available through its combined objects.
His continuing claim over Vassa is possessive: while coordinating openly with Briallyn at the lake, he orders the Night Court to carry a message to her on his behalf.
Important Events
Koschei prepares a months-long trap that draws Cassian and Azriel to his lake. From atop the water, he taunts them and uses his power to transport Briallyn and the immobilized Cassian away.