Gilean

Gilean is a fictional character within the Dragonlance fantasy world.

Background

Gilean, the Observer and Keeper of the Tobril, is the patriarch of the neutral gods, known for rarely taking a stance on issues, preferring to evaluate all possible outcomes before making a decision. His followers are usually those who seek knowledge such as historians and scientists.

Gilean holds the Tobril, given to him by the Highgod. The Tobril is a book that is said to contain the sum of all the knowledge known to the gods, and contain the plans of the universe. Although he has this vast store of knowledge, he is reluctant to reveal it to others, for fear that it should affect the future and upset the balance. For this reason, portions of the book are unknown to all but Gilean.

He is brother to Takhisis and Paladine and father to Lunitari.

Gilean is rumoured to take the form of Astinus, the librarian of the Great Library of Palanthas, who has recorded history upon Krynn since the dawn of time, but it has been revealed that in fact Astinus is his son. However, he can be sometimes seen as a grey-robed monk holding a book and writing the events as they pass. In Dragons of Summer Flame, Palin journeys to the Abyss, in search of his uncle Raistlin Majere. Where the Gods are holding conference, to debate on how to deal with the problem of Chaos. There, while all the Gods of Krynn meet, Palin realizes where he had seen Gilean before.

References

• Several; Edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman (1993). Leaves from the Inn of the Last Home. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0-88038-465-4. 
• Niles, Douglas (1997). Fistandantilus Reborn: Lost Legends vol. II. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0-7869-0708-8. 
• Several; Edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman (2003). The Players of Gilean - Tales from the World of Krynn. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0-7869-2920-0. 

See also

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