Balthazar

Mural of Balthazar in Gandara.

“

For weeks did the battle rage on, and those who had taken up the mantle of war grew weary and their courage began to falter.

Then did Balthazar, god of war and fire, appear to the soldiers, carrying with him a grand sword that did glow with such brilliance it blinded any who looked upon it. When he spoke, His voice was like thunder, and it shook the ground with force.

Then saith He, "Lift up thy weapons. For you are my soldiers, and must you be steadfast, strong, and brave of heart. They who neither hesitate nor stumble shall be rewarded. Then shall you have glory. Then shall your deeds be remembered for eternity."

And then did release from His sword a hundred thousand flames, which encircled the soldiers. For this was the fire of courage, and forthwith did they follow the god into battle without fear or hesitation. Thence was the enemy struck down.

— Scriptures of Balthazar, 48 BE

Balthazar is the God of War and Fire. He is the patron god of Warriors, Fire Elementalists, Protection and Smiting Monks, and Command Paragons, and is linked to the Season of the Phoenix in the Elonian calendar.

Balthazar arrived on Tyria carrying the head of his father and leading his fierce hounds, Temar and Tegon, sweeping Orr with a cleansing flame. He proclaimed the world for humanity to take, believing the other races would be easily defeated. When Abaddon fell, Balthazar forged the chains that bound the fallen god in the Realm of Torment. His forces currently battle with his half-brother, Menzies, in the Fissure of Woe. He is greatly revered and celebrated by the Zaishen Order, who host tournaments in Balthazar's name on the Battle Isles.

Depictions of Balthazar usually show him holding a greatsword with his battle hounds at his feet. In Cantha, the greatsword is usually of the single-edged imperial style, and the hounds are usually replaced with winged drakes. Elonian depictions occasionally replace the hounds with other predatory animals, such as lions. When the world has the Favor of the Gods, statues of Balthazar light up with flames burning along the base, and the eyes burn brightly.

Gallery

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  Golden statue of Balthazar.

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  Regular statue of Balthazar.

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  Concept art by Kekai Kotaki.

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  Mural of Balthazar.

Notes

• Kneeling at the foot of a statue of Balthazar while the world has Favor will cause a Champion of Balthazar to appear, who will grant blessings, for a price. Ascended players who visit the temple at the Temple of the Ages, Zin Ku Corridor or Chantry of Secrets will be able to travel to the Fissure of Woe for 1 .
• Balthazar has been given many titles, including He That Shows Us the Final Truth, Judge of the Powerful, Scourge of the Prideful, Revealer of Strength, Finder of Wisdom, and Bringer of War.
  

Trivia

• The name 'Balthazar' may refer to an alternate form of the Babylonian king Belshazzar, mentioned in the Book of Daniel. It is also a name commonly attributed to one of the Biblical Magi (Three Wise Men).

See also

The Guild Wars 2 Wiki also has an article on Balthazar.

• Statue of Balthazar

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