“ | Creatures made of unnatural parts are monsters by definition, created long ago by evil sorcerers and gods. | „ |
~ Kit Helconer to Connor Wolf in Fables #155 — "The Black Forest Chapter Five: Unboxing Day" |
Kit Helconer is a human Fable and a self-proclaimed hero, who debuts in Fables #154 — "The Black Forest Chapter Four: Trouble." He meets Connor Wolf in the Hesse and takes him under his wing as an apprentice. But eventually, Connor discovers that Helconer is not the heroic figure he claims to be.
Biography
The new apprentice
Connor Wolf is encouraged by his father, Bigby, to go on her own adventure. While wandering through the Black Forest, the boy encounters Kit Helconer, who finds it amusing that he is exploring alone and singing a joyful tune. While Connor boasts about being a hero, Helconer points out that he is holding his sword incorrectly and could accidentally decapitate himself. Embarrassed, Connor confesses that he has no experience with swords and realizes he needs a scabbard to carry it properly. Helconer expresses that he requires other items as well.[2]
Connor introduces himself, and Helconer reveals that he is a wandering hero, much like Connor. Connor inquires about Helconer's plans, wondering if he is off on an exciting journey, perhaps on a quest to save someone from danger. Helconer confirms that he is indeed on such a mission. He says that his current mission is risky, and he could use someone skilled with a sword by his side. He invites Connor to join him, and Connor agrees.[2]
Helconer introduces himself, also revealing that he goes by the moniker of the Hero of Last Resort due to his wandering nature; the gods made him too restless to settle down. Connor admits he doesn't have any legendary names, but Helconer is certain that their upcoming adventures will earn him some renowned titles. "We'll rescue some pretty girls. Kill monsters. Put a few varlets and ne'er-do-wells to a sword's justice," he says.[1]
Suddenly, Helconer notices a peculiar creature preparing to disturb a beehive with a stick. Without hesitation, he takes action and brutally kills the creature in front of Connor, leaving him stunned. Helconer defends his actions by claiming he only killed a monster, but Connor points out that the creature showed no signs of aggression towards them. In response, Helconer maintains that the creature would have attacked if given the opportunity. He instructs Connor to examine the deceased creature, pointing out that it does not resemble any known animal. He declares that creatures composed of unnatural elements are considered monsters, having been created by wicked sorcerers and deities in ancient times. He emphasizes that real heroes must make difficult decisions.[1]
Helconer hangs three individuals for theft, claiming they were guilty of the crime. Connor questions the necessity of hanging them and wonders how Helconer determined their guilt without giving them a chance to defend themselves. Helconer asserts that their clothing resembles that of the impoverished, yet they still possess valuable items that are typically not found in the possession of those living in poverty. Connor highlights the fact that Helconer had already judged these individuals before discovering any valuables in their possession. However, Helconer argues that this only confirms his initial gut feeling and boasts that he could tell they were guilty just by looking at them. According to him, he is the expert in this field and Connor is a student who needs to absorb information quickly if he wants to survive in this world.[1]
Death
Suddenly, a man, Sam, shows up, walking through the forest. Helconer aggressively demands Sam's reason for being on this path, but Sam politely declines to answer, instead chiding him for his improper behavior.[1] Helconer then accuses him of being an evildoer based solely on the color of his skin, saying that the gods made Sam black to mark him as evil. Connor is disgusted by Helconer's racism, saying that they had all sorts of black people in the mundane world, where he comes from, and his mother taught him that different colors don't mean anything good or bad. Helconer shoots back that Connor's mother is a fool, or one of Mephæsto's own whores, who has been filling Connor's head with poisonous ideas from the very abyss.[3]
Connor is upset and demands that he takes that back. Sam adamantly claims that he is able to protect himself. In response, Helconer attempts to pierce him with his sword, but misses when Sam begins to run around Helconer in circles, readying himself to use his magic. Suddenly, Connor transforms into a massive creature and bites the man's head off. He proclaims that Helconer is not worthy of being called a hero, simply a bad man. He then spits out Helconer's head, commenting on how terrible he tastes.[3]
Legacy
Afterward, Connor expresses his disappointment in himself for sticking with Helconer for so long. But Sam offers a different perspective, saying that although mistakes need to be corrected, every wrong decision doesn't have to define you forever. He encourages Connor to seek out an alternative mentor.[3] Connor runs the Wolf family business for some time, until the hero trade begins calling him again.[4] He grows up to be a bold hero and adventurer of renown, facing countless evils across hundreds of different worlds.[5]
Appearances
Fables
- Fables #153 (first appearance)
- Fables #154 (first identified as Kit Helconer)
- Fables #155
Trivia
In Fables #156 — "The Black Forest Chapter Six: The Tinker Bell Dilemma," Helconer refers to Connor's mother as "one of Mephæsto's own whores." This is a reference to Mephisto, also known as Mephistopheles; a demon from German folklore, associated with the Faust legend.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Fables #155 — "The Black Forest Chapter Five: Unboxing Day"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Fables #154 — "The Black Forest Chapter Four: Trouble"
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Fables #156 — "The Black Forest Chapter Six: The Tinker Bell Dilemma"
- ↑ Fables #162 — "The Black Forest Chapter Twelve: Rightful Prey"
- ↑ Fables #150 — "The Summer Prophecy"