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SPOILER WARNING!
This article contains plot and/or ending details for Pandora Hearts.
Read at your own risk.
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This article is about the character Oswald.
You may be looking for the collective name for the head of the Baskervilles; or Pandora Hearts Chapter 101 "Oswald".
Then stop thinking. Do nothing. It's fine for you to just stay sleeping.

—Retrace XCIV: Blaze

Introduction

Oswald (オズワルド, Ozuwarudo), more frequently known as Glen Baskerville (グレン=バスカヴィル, Guren Basukaviru), was a major antagonist from Jun Mochizuki's Pandora Hearts. The head of the Baskerville Clan, he ordered that all humans within the capital city of Sablier be executed in an event that came to be known as the Tragedy of Sablier. His death at the hands of Jack Vessalius, once his best friend, led to the end of the Tragedy and the instatement of the new government. A century later, the Baskervilles returned, along with Jack Vessalius's soul, and Pandora was tasked with preventing Glen's return to the material world.

Little is certain about Oswald's early childhood. He was born around thirty years prior to the Tragedy of Sablier, his younger sister, Lacie, born a year or two after. As Lacie was a Child of Ill Omen, it can be assumed that the two were abandoned or otherwise separated from their biological parents. When the two were around the age of ten, they were found by the Droplets of Golden Light and became Baskervilles. In Sablier, it was determined Oswald was the next incarnation of Glen Baskerville. He and Lacie were thus raised by Levi, the then incarnation of Glen, Oswald intended to one day execute his sister and succeed him.

About two years prior to the Tragedy of Sablier, Oswald first met Jack, who would then make periodic returns to the Baskerville estate. Oswald grew increasingly obsessed with him, and the two formed a tenuous friendship. However, a few days before Lacie's execution, Jack would be sent away from the manor. When Jack returned, Oswald informed him of her death, and the two had no contact for a month. Alice, Lacie and Levi's biological daughter, birthed by the Core of the Abyss, was discovered a few days later and raised by him. Jack returned to the estate shortly after, hoping to see Alice. The two then reentered communication, Jack eventually bringing him brothers Gilbert and Vincent, whom Jack believed to be Baskervilles. Gilbert was discovered to be the next incarnation of Glen Baskerville, Vincent a Child of Ill Omen to be executed by him in adulthood.

A few months later, on the day Gilbert was to inherit the Raven, the Tragedy of Sablier would occur. In order to prevent any humans from being dragged into the Abyss alive, excluding them from the Hundred Cycles, Oswald ordered the deaths of every human in Sablier. He discovered Jack to be responsible only after sending out the Black Winged Chains in hopes of restricting the damage to Sablier, significantly weakening himself. Jack would kill and dismember Oswald, binding Glen's soul to the pieces of his body to prevent his reincarnation. However, the Tragedy was temporarily prevented from reaching a world-ending scale, only Sablier destroyed in the process.

Appearance[]

Glen Pics

Oswald's anime design

Oswald was a tall, slender, pale skinned young man. His face was long and thin, with a gently defined chin and narrow, long-lashed violet eyes. It was rare for his expressions to show strong emotion. Straight, black hair parted at the center fell to just beyond his chin, his bangs sometimes falling into his eyes. He had pierced ears, and wore studs in both. Jun Mochizuki says she felt the need to draw him with a frightening image for more of his early appearances.

In most of his appearances, Oswald wore a long, black, gold-trimmed coat over a dark vest and black pants. His shirt was white, and he wore a white cravat. White gloves protected his hands, and he wore tall black boots. In many appearances, he wore a long, red Baskerville cloak pinned to his right shoulder.

When possessing Leo's body, the two were not visibly distinguishable, though Oswald made no attempts to disguise himself and was easily identified as "not Leo" by outside observers.

Personality[]

During tragedy - oswald mempertegas perintahnya

Oswald's orders

In his initial appearances, Oswald took the role of Glen, and thus little was outright stated regarding his personality. He was presented as a serious, standoffish person who rarely smiled. He was nonetheless open with Jack Vessalius, to a degree, and seemed to truly regard him as a friend. As Glen, he was commanding and decisive, and showed anger towards any question of his authority. When asked why all humans in Sablier were to be killed, he refused to elaborate, shouting that his commands were to be followed without interrogation.

As he was further developed, his personality shown beyond his role as Glen, Oswald was shown to be quiet and somewhat shy. While he was often quite blunt and took no issue with stating his feelings towards others, Jack going so far as to say he was unable to lie, he was far more concerned with propriety and hierarchy than his younger sister Lacie. Though intelligent and intuitive, Oswald was not shrewd, and seemed in general disinterested in other people. Lacie and Jack were exceptions, and he developed a fascination with the latter for the belief he could not understand him.

Though he earnestly loved his sister, Oswald was devoted to his role as Glen Baskerville. With Lacie's impending execution at his hands, he begged her to run away, stating he did not want her to die, yet killed her nonetheless. After her death, Oswald was deeply affected, though he attempted to conceal this. He thus grew increasingly emotionally dependent on Jack, his only regular associate to not be under his command. From the start, Oswald had believed Jack to be insane and capable of great evil, but refused to exile him from the Baskerville estate and hoped to maintain his friendship with him. This would facilitate the Tragedy of Sablier.

Following Jack's betrayal and his death at his hands, Oswald grew spiteful and full of resentment. He repeatedly expressed anger with himself for not having rejected Jack, and anger with all reminders of him. When met with resistance, Oswald would show no mercy, doling out punishments considered disproportionate to the crime. Even his allies were not beyond contempt, as when he referred to Leo as "it" (それ, sore, literally 'that') and physically assaulted Vincent on the basis of his being an Ill Omen. The Tragedy was blamed on his sister, whom Oswald swore to kill in early childhood. Still, Oswald was unable to let go of his love for his sister, and found himself unable to harm Alice for her resemblance to her. At the end of his journey, Oswald failed to murder Lacie a second time, though he was not physically prohibited. Multiple characters remarked that Oswald was weak willed and had hoped for his own defeat.

Powers and Abilities[]

  • Swordfighting - Oswald excelled at swordfighting, and was possibly the best humanoid combatant in the entire series.
  • Limited Immortality - As a Baskerville, Oswald's body was more similar in construction to that of a Chain than a human, and thus cannot be killed by mortal weapons, though he can be harmed or disabled. Only weapons charged by Chain Killers or exceptionally powerful Chains are capable of causing fatal wounds to Baskervilles.
  • Eternal Youth - Though not confirmed, it is likely that, had Oswald not been killed, he would've indefinitely retained his appearance as it had been in his twenties. However, the strain the soul of Glen Baskerville put on his body would've caused it to die within two to three decades.
  • Reality Warping - As an incarnation of Glen Baskerville, Oswald passively warped reality around him, though the specific nature and full extent of this warping is unknown. It was through this warping that Lacie was created.
    • All denizens of Abyss, Baskervilles included, have the passive ability to slightly warp reality for humans. However, this is not considered advantageous, as it generally encourages humans to act in a violent manner, and makes Baskervilles far more likely to be subjected to abuse.
  • Immunity to Abyss - All Baskervilles have an increased resistance to the negative effects of Abyss, due to being denizens of Abyss themselves. They are able to maintain "illegal" contracts indefinitely, and do not suffer the same madness induced in humans who interact with Abyss.

Chains[]

Oswald previously held Contracts with each of the five Black Winged Chains, granting him access to numerous abilities by extension. Each of The Black Winged Chains could pass judgement on a target. If the target was found guilty of a sin against the harmony of the Abyss, The Black Winged Chains would then open Path and summon forth the Chains of Condemnation to drag the target into the darkness of the Abyss to be destroyed. They could contain what damage was caused by the severing of "Chains", though they were unable to repair what damage had been done.

Following his reincarnation, Oswald lost his contracts to all but one Chain, Jabberwock.

Raven

Following Oswald's death, Raven was given to the Nightray Dukedom. His contractor for most of the series was Gilbert Nightray.

  • Sealing Powers - Raven was able to seal the powers of other Chains in his contractor's left hand, making the Chain unable to exert its full power. This power could be unsealed when Raven's contractor touches the sealed Chain's contractor with his bare left hand.
    • This seal would lose effect if Raven was summoned, or any of his other powers were used.
  • Feathery Flames - Raven could create blue flames from his wings that, as an exceptionally powerful Chain, are dangerous even the Baskervilles. These flames appeared to have physical properties, capable of breaking several windows, but did not appear to set fires.
  • Portal Opening - Raven had the ability to open portals to other dimensions, such as from the material world to Abyss, or Cheshire's Dimension back to the material world. However, this put considerable strain on his contractor.
    • Chains of Condemnation - Like all Black Winged Chains, Raven was able to open a portal to Abyss and summon the Chains of Condemnation, chains which bind those his contractor deems "sinners" and drag them to the depths of Abyss.

Owl

Following Oswald's death, Owl was given to the Rainsworth Dukedom. Her contractor for most of the series was Sheryl Rainsworth.

  • Shadow Generation - Owl is capable of producing a black haze from her wings that takes away her target's ability to hear and see.
  • Tying - Without the target's knowledge, Owl can spin an invisible thread that can only be seen by the holder of said thread. This thread will lead a person directly to the individual it's connected to.
  • Shape-Shifting - Upon her Contractor's command, Owl can transform into a larger version of her preferred form.
  • Aerial Transportation - Owl is able to shift to a larger form, allowing her contractor and any companions to ride on her back.
  • Chains of Condemnation - Like all Black Winged Chains, Owl was able to open a portal to Abyss and summon the Chains of Condemnation, chains which bind those his contractor deems "sinners" and drag them to the depths of Abyss.

Dodo

Following Oswald's death, Dodo was given to the Barma Dukedom. His contractor for most of the series was Rufus Barma.

  • Illusion Generation - Dodo can create illusions with a physical form, which are said to have the potential to scare his victims to death depending on their severity.
  • Chains of Condemnation - Like all Black Winged Chains, Dodo was able to open a portal to Abyss and summon the Chains of Condemnation, chains which bind those his contractor deems "sinners" and drag them to the depths of Abyss.

Gryphon

Following Oswald's death, Gryphon was given to the Vessalius Dukedom. His contractor for most of the series was Xai Vessalius.

  • Aerial Transportation - Gryphon is large enough to allow his contractor and any companions to ride on his back.
  • Chains of Condemnation - Like all Black Winged Chains, Gryphon was able to open a portal to Abyss and summon the Chains of Condemnation, chains which bind those his contractor deems "sinners" and drag them to the depths of Abyss.

Jabberwock

Jabberwock was the only Chain to remain with the Baskerville Clan after Oswald's death. Leo formed a contract with him, allowing Oswald to use his powers.

  • Energy Beam - Although it takes time to generate the power necessary for it, Jabberwock can produce a powerful explosive blast that is capable of destroying anything in his path.
  • Aerial Transportation - Jabberwock is large enough to allow his contractor and any companions to ride on his back.
  • Chains of Condemnation - Like all Black Winged Chains, Owl was able to open a portal to Abyss and summon the Chains of Condemnation, chains which bind those his contractor deems "sinners" and drag them to the depths of Abyss.

Quotes[]

  • "Do you know this man, Lacie?"
  • "When you're gone...I will be...lonely without you."
  • "You don't sound crazy. If that is the answer you came up with, that's unquestionably true for you."
  • "Lacie Baskerville, with my Chains of conviction, I pass judgement upon you, your sin…is that of being born with the eyes of a Child of Misfortune; which threatens the peace of the Abyss."
  • "Are you going to betray me...Gilbert?"
  • “What’s the matter…Were you unable to fall asleep again?”
  • (To Gilbert about Oz) "Gilbert. Shoot him."
  • “…There’s no helping it. The night before my first ceremony I couldn’t get to sleep at all.”
  • “That’s right. But after doing the same thing four times…I got used to the unpleasantness. Be rest assured. Since it is your first time, be as nervous as you want about it.”
  • “…Gilbert, do you love Jack?”
  • “…I see. Yes, that’s right. I too, more than anything else, cannot doubt that guy, and want to continue being his friend—-…”
  • "Yes. Like a stretch of water so silent and still, even fish avoid it. When you look into it, the only thing you see is your own reflection. You can't see his true nature. Even though he's right in front of me… I can't shake the uncomfortable feeling that no one's actually there…"
  • "Lacie is dead...I killed her"
  • "Are you insane!? What if you fall?"
  • "Jack ... what did you see?"
  • "No. My job is to keep watch on everyone of importance. This is the first time we've actually met."
  • "So it's you today?"
  • "I thought I told you to do something about that language of yours."
  • "You're right. I couldn't help but be interested in him."
  • "It's just since I first saw him I couldn't help wondering… Why does this man make my skin crawl?"
  • "It's not easy to put into words."
  • "To me… Jack Vessalius… feels like water."

Appearances[]

Manga Appearances
Anime Appearances
Light Novel Appearances
Omake Appearances

(*) - Denotes that the character did not appear physically, but as a part of another character's memories.

Trivia[]

PH 24 plus 1 Oswald profile 1

Oswald's profile in 24 + 1: Last Dance

  • "Oswald" is a name that derives from the Old English name "Osƿeald," "Os" meaning "god" and "ƿeald" meaning "rule."[1]
  • Oswald is loosely based off of the Red King[2] from Lewis Carroll's Alice Through the Looking-Glass.[3] The Red King throughout the entire novel is absent on account of being asleep for its duration, reflecting Oswald's own fondness for taking naps.
  • His likes are, in order, afternoon naps, sunlight filtered through trees, and Lacie's songs. He dislikes noise.
  • His skills include being able to fall asleep in any place. He is weak when it comes to betting and gambling, tomatoes, and brewing tea.
  • Mochizuki's comment on him is that even though he was the "last boss" that needed to be defeated, many times as she drew him she felt the urge to tell him that to not push himself and he'd done enough.
  • Oz (initially misspelled 'Os') was named after him by Alice.[4]

References[]

Navigation[]

v - e - t Pandora Hearts
Characters

Main: AliceGilbert NightrayOz Vessalius
Vessalius: Ada VessaliusAda's CatsJack VessaliusMrs. KateOscar VessaliusRachel CecileSara VessaliusXai Vessalius
Nightray: Bernard NightrayBernice NightrayClaude NightrayEchoElliot NightrayErnest NightrayFred NightrayHansLeoMrs. FinnRaymond NightrayVanessa NightrayVincent Nightray
Rainsworth: EmilySharon RainsworthShelly RainsworthSheryl RainsworthXerxes Break
Barma: Arthur BarmaCalum LunettesGrunerMiranda BarmaReim LunettesRufus Barma
Baskervilles: CeliaDugFangGlen BaskervilleGlen Baskerville (♀)JuryLacieLeviLilyLottieNoiseOswald
Abyss: The Core of the AbyssThe Intention of the Abyss
Other: Flower GirlThe GeneralHarris WatsonHeadhunterIsla YuraJyantaMariePhillipe WestRytasTurnerWilliam West
Chains: AlbusB-RabbitBandersnatchCardsCheshireThe CookDemiosDodoDormouseDuldeeDuldumEquusFawnFlower Girl's ChainGrimGryphonHedgehog ChainsHumpty DumptyThe Intention's DollsJabberwockLacie's ChainLarsLeonMad BabyMad HatterMarch HareOwlRavenRocking-Horse-FlySnap-Dragon-FlyTove
Caucus Race: Dahlia GarlandGarland ButlerGeraldGreat MotherJosephineMarcelMia

Nobility Barma DukedomBaskerville ClanNightray DukedomRainsworth DukedomSinclair FamilyVessalius DukedomWest Family
Terminology Species & Factions: Black Winged ChainsChainsContractorsIsla Yura's CultPandora

Objects: Arthur Barma's Memoirs"Chains"Doors to the AbyssJack Vessalius' Pocket WatchKeys to the DoorsSilent Clock TowerStone Seals
Events: Coming-of-Age CeremonySuccession CeremoniesTragedy of Sablier
Miscellaneous: AngelsChildren of Ill OmenLacie (Song)Holy KnightStatice

Locations AbyssBarma HomelandCarillonDimensional PlaneÉbaucheHouse of FiannaLacie's TombLuca's GateLutwidge AcademyReveilSablierTower
Volumes IIIIIIIVVVIVIIVIIIIXXXIXIIXIIIXIVXVXVIXVIIXVIIIXIXXXXXIXXIIXXIIIXXIV
Omake Maidora HeartsBumbling Sleuth BreakMagical Girl Ill-Omened❤LaciePandora Academy
Episodes 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425Special Episodes
DVDs IIIIIIIVVVIVIIVIIIIXBonus Story
Guidebooks & Artbooks 8.518.524 + 1Official Animation Guide〜Odds and Ends〜「There is.」
Light Novels 123
Drama CDs Pandora Hearts Drama CDNightmare of Vessalius Academy!Alice's Tea PartyAnimedia Radio SpecialRadio Special 1Radio Special 2Radio Special 3Retrace 42.5Another Story of A Promise Lost
Soundtrack OST 1OST 2Parallel HeartsMazeWatashi wo MitsuketeEverytime you kissed me
Character Songs Swear to...Kinjirareta AsobiTruth
Calendars 20102011201220132014
Extra Pandora HearchuMochizuki's MusingsTimelineReal-World References
Author Jun Mochizuki
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