In the dark and twisted world of Throne of Glass, few creatures inspire as much terror as the Ilken, Erawan's specially crafted aerial death squad. While heroes like Celaena Sardothien fought against the forces of darkness, these eight-foot-tall winged nightmares served as the elite hunters of the Valg army, bringing devastation wherever they flew.
Origins of Terror
Unlike other Valg creatures, the Ilken were unique creations of Erawan himself, crafted using the power of the Wyrdkeys. Their existence represents a terrifying fusion of dark magic and military strategy, designed specifically to add aerial superiority to Erawan's already formidable forces. Like Abraxos who ruled the skies for different reasons, these creatures dominated the aerial battlefield with unmatched savagery.
Anatomy of a Nightmare
The physical appearance of the Ilken is nothing short of horrifying. Standing at eight feet tall on backward-bending legs, their mottled blue-black skin and bat-like features create an image of pure terror. Their double rows of needle-like teeth and flesh-shredding claws make them perfect killing machines. But perhaps most terrifying are their soulless black eyes, windows into the darkness that created them.
Warriors of Darkness
Unlike their Valg cousins, Ilken lack the signature abilities of umbrakinesis and psychic manipulation. However, like Manon Blackbeak and her Thirteen, they compensate with exceptional combat skills and aerial superiority. Their venomous claws deliver a slow, agonizing death to their victims, while their ability to melt magical shields makes them particularly dangerous to magic users.