“Gallowglass: The Mysterious Heart of A Discovery of Witches That No One Saw Coming”
Let’s talk about Gallowglass. No, not the sword-wielding, brooding, thousand-year-old vampire who somehow makes being intimidating look like an art form. Well, okay, maybe a little bit of that. But more importantly, let’s talk about why we love Gallowglass in A Discovery of Witches, and why this particular character is a lot more than just eye candy with a mysterious backstory. You’ve seen him. You’ve heard his name. But do you really know him? Because, trust me, Gallowglass is not a man you want to miss out on. And I’m here to tell you exactly why.
If you’re like me and binge-watched A Discovery of Witches (I mean, who can resist that mix of history, magic, and, let’s be honest, ridiculously attractive vampires?), then Gallowglass might have entered your life in one of two ways: either you were immediately smitten by his charm, rugged exterior, and enigmatic persona, or you were the type who couldn’t figure out what made him so special—until the moment when you just knew.
If you’re in the first camp, congratulations—you’re among the millions of fans who ship him with everything you’ve got. But if you’ve found yourself wondering, “Why do I care so much about this guy with all the mystery and very little explanation?”—buckle up, because this blog is about to give you all the answers you need.
Gallowglass in A Discovery of Witches: The Underestimated Hero
Okay, let’s face it. Gallowglass doesn’t exactly get the main character treatment in Deborah Harkness’s All Souls Trilogy. Matthew de Clermont, with his brooding intensity and centuries-old vampire baggage, steals most of the spotlight. Diana Bishop, our incredibly talented, occasionally clueless, book-loving heroine, gets the rest. But let’s talk about Gallowglass, the one who slips in and out of shadows, a man who’s as powerful as he is subtle.
The problem with Gallowglass, though, is that his true depth isn’t immediately apparent. At first, you might find yourself thinking, “Okay, he’s just a little extra muscle around the de Clermont family,” and leave it at that. And, sure, he’s the bodyguard in a sense, the warrior who protects Matthew’s family and assists with their many, many complicated schemes. But the thing about Gallowglass is that he’s never just what he seems to be. The more you learn about him, the more you begin to peel back layers—of history, loyalty, vulnerability—and yes, that charm, the kind that doesn’t need to scream for attention, but quietly demands it anyway.
A Vamp with a Heart: The Soft Spot You Didn’t See Coming
Now, I’m sure many of you thought you knew what to expect from a character like Gallowglass. After all, he’s a vampire—probably a little aloof, with more muscle than empathy, right? Wrong. That’s where the magic of Gallowglass shines. He’s a warrior, sure, but he’s also a gentleman. And not the kind that walks around quoting Shakespeare while fighting with a sword (though, I wouldn’t say no to that either). He’s the type who looks out for people without asking for anything in return. And let’s be honest, that’s something special in a world full of characters who are mostly concerned with their own survival. Gallowglass, on the other hand, seems to care genuinely about those he loves.
He’s there for Matthew and Diana, but the depth of his loyalty to them—and his willingness to sacrifice for them—starts to feel less like an obligation and more like a quiet, selfless choice. His loyalty isn’t rooted in some grand gesture or need for recognition. It’s in the little moments. In how he interacts with others, how he defends them with such care, and how he gives without expectation. He may not have a showy arc or a ton of spotlight, but Gallowglass is the glue that keeps things together, even when he doesn’t realize it.
And oh, that vulnerability… Gallowglass is more than just a brooding, slightly tortured soul. He’s been through loss, regret, and pain. But unlike other characters who wear their pasts like armor, Gallowglass keeps his pain hidden, quietly acknowledging it in his actions rather than words. And when you start to understand why he is the way he is, you can’t help but root for him even more.
Gallowglass’s Relationship with Matthew: Brotherly Bond or Brooding Conflict?
What’s really interesting about Gallowglass is his relationship with Matthew. You might think that because they’re both vampires, and because Matthew is Matthew de Clermont, the “bad boy” of the vampire world, their dynamic would be one of simple camaraderie. But it’s so much more complicated than that.
Gallowglass, in his own quiet, intense way, adores Matthew. But let’s not fool ourselves into thinking it’s all sunshine and roses. Gallowglass is tough. He’s been around for centuries, and he’s seen things that could break a lesser man (or vampire). So when Matthew’s past comes to the forefront, Gallowglass’s reactions are often tinged with a mix of respect, admiration, and—honestly—just a little bit of resentment. It’s not because he doesn’t care for Matthew. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Gallowglass sees the humanity in Matthew, the same humanity that Matthew sometimes works so hard to deny. He’s protective, but not in a possessive way—rather, in a way that acknowledges the delicate balance of their bond, while also recognizing the weight of their shared history.
But what happens when the blood starts to run thicker? As the story unfolds and the characters grow, Gallowglass begins to not only accept his role in the de Clermont family but to embrace it, with all the complexity and emotions that come with it.
Gallowglass’s Story: The Untold Saga That Will Break Your Heart
Let’s talk about the thing that no one really wants to talk about but needs to be addressed: Gallowglass’s backstory. Oh, this one is a gut-punch. You want to talk about heartbreak? Strap in.
Gallowglass’s history isn’t all shining armor and heroic deeds. He’s experienced pain, betrayal, and loss. And one thing that makes him so tragically beautiful is that he hides it all beneath that smoldering exterior. You start to realize that his unwillingness to show his emotions isn’t because he’s cold—it’s because he’s learned the hard way that sometimes, showing your vulnerability can leave you with nothing. So he puts on a mask, one that only cracks open for those few he lets in. And when that mask does crack—when you see Gallowglass’s true soul, his raw need for connection, and his willingness to do anything for those he loves—it’s hard not to feel a deep sense of loss for him. What could have been?
It’s this backstory that propels Gallowglass from being just a side character into someone you can’t help but feel for. His loyalty to Matthew and Diana is noble, yes, but it’s also a bit tragic when you realize that Gallowglass may never get what he wants most—a family of his own. And while he may not say it outright, that desire lingers, an undercurrent that pulls him through the story. Gallowglass isn’t just a bodyguard—he’s a man who wants to belong. And that’s what makes him not just special, but unforgettable.
Conclusion: Why We’ll Never Forget Gallowglass
Gallowglass may not have had the flashiest storyline or the most screen time, but he’s the type of character that sticks with you. The more you watch, the more you realize that this complex, rugged, secretly tender vampire is so much more than just muscle or backup. He’s a man who understands what it means to fight for the ones you love, to sacrifice your own happiness for their well-being, and to carry your burdens silently, without complaint.
And while we may not have gotten the full love story we wanted for him (yet?), Gallowglass’s journey is one of subtle heroism, quiet strength, and deep emotional complexity. There’s something to be said for a character who doesn’t need to scream for attention in order to steal the show.
So, here’s to Gallowglass—the unsung hero, the quiet warrior, the heartbreak waiting to happen. We’ll be waiting for you to take center stage. Until then, we’ll be over here, rooting for you in all the ways we can.
