- “Come, my brothers and sisters! I know you're afraid, but never forget that fear is the precursor to valor. And to strive and triumph in the face of fear is what it means to be a hero! Together, we push back the darkness and those that would see our end!”
- ―Deya to her fellow trolls during the Battle of Killahead[src]
Deya the Deliverer (formerly known as Callista the Calamity) was a major character of Wizards and a posthumous character of Trollhunters.
She was a legendary Trollhunter known for exiling Gunmar and the other Gumm-Gumms to the Darklands, during the Battle of Killahead, and sealed the Killahead Bridge with the Amulet of Daylight.
It is later revealed in Wizards that Deya was originally a troll going by the name Callista, a supporting character in the series who was among the trolls that were captured by King Arthur during his war on magical creatures before becoming the first Trollhunter.
History[]
Comics Canon[]
The Felled[]
A century after Deya was chosen as the Trollhunter, she went to Rundle—Vendel's father—to talk to him while she wondered what her larger purpose is. Deya suggested that she go straight to the source, the source being Merlin, and Rundle scoffed in her face, but she ignored Rundle's counsel and followed her instincts.
During her many travels, she learned to quiet the inquiring voices in her head. Deya stopped many times to aid other Trolls in need and to slay any poor wretches misguided enough to impede her quest. Until one day, when—without any indication from the inscrutable amulet—Deya knew in her heart that she found Merlin in a cave. Upon entering his cave, Merlin said that he was expecting her then he handed a bag of seeds that she dropped on the ground. Before she asked, Merlin told her that he can't tell her what her ultimate part she has in his grand designs. Deya then punched the wizard in the face, she then scolded him on his decision to stay silent about what will happen in the future. Merlin then took out the Staff of Avalon and shot at her, telling her that he's more impressed than angered that Deya punched him in the face.
Deya then picked up an omniscienstone, Merlin warned her that wielding it without preparation will court madness, Deya didn't heed the wizard's warning and she used it anyway and saw future events such as the creation of the amulet, Jim battling Gumm-Gumms, Blinky's death, Jim as a half-troll hybrid, Draal as the Trollhunter and finally human bones of a Trollhunter. Deya then tore out the Amulet and collapsed onto the ground and attempts to apologize and told her that it is him who should beg forgiveness.
Merlin never meant to withhold details capriciously, he wanted to spare his champions the terrible, overwhelming dread that comes with understanding, he wanted to preserve their sanity. Deya then suggested Merlin tell the next Trollhunter that if it pleases him, Deya realizes her place is to follow orders, not comprehend them. Deya then said it's a fine destiny and will endeavor to earn it, one hunt at a time. Merlin then explains that he too has seen the future, and he knows her true fate is to lead not to follow.
The Secret History of Trollkind[]
In the great Battle of Killahead Bridge, Gunmar chased after Deya and she managed to strike a critical blow against Gunmar and then she placed her amulet within the stone of Killahead Bridge and sent Gunmar and his army to the Darklands. Blinky's brother was one of those who got sucked into the Darklands but Blinky thought he died during the battle. Deya instructed the trolls to dismantle the bridge so Gunmar could never escape from their exile in the Darklands. The stones were taken by several volunteer Trolls and scattered to the corners of the Earth after jumping a few centuries, Jim interrupts Blinky to ask why he's time jumping through the story because the story ends with the bridge pieces being separated. Blinky tells him that it's the storyteller who determines the tale's conclusion then resumes telling the story.
Sometime during the European Renaissance, a king and Vendel made a feeble truce known as "The Pact" between Mankind and Trollkind. The Trolls said they would limit their diet to Cats and used articles of Clothing. But as the years went by, a conservative segment of Trolls grew restless. They longed for the Gumm-Gumms' brutality and strength, they believed "The Pact" made them look weak, that humans 'looked down' upon them. It was time for them to venture forth to a new land, a land of hope and possibilities unlimited, for Vendel sensed a new and all-powerful Heartstone in a new place humans called the new world. The Trolls went to Plymouth, England to jump aboard the Mayflower in 1620 but before they set foot on the ship, Bular came rushing at Deya with his swords. Deya told the trolls to get onto the ship while she went to fight Bular, Draal tried to help Deya but Kanjigar stopped Draal and told him that Deya has given them the chance to escape Bular. The Mayflower set sail with the Trolls and a few Gnomes hid in the ship, Vendel and Blinky hope they done the right thing by leaving Deya behind. Bular and Deya tumble off the dock and into the water where they fight until Bular blinds Deya with sunlight reflected off his sword, the amulet somehow gave Deya sight but the sun came up and turned Deya to stone and Bular ran to keep himself from turning to stone.
Later, when the trolls had reached New Jersey, AAARRRGGHH!!! came to the troll's camp, bringing with him Deya's stone body.
After the trolls reached the new Heartstone under Arcadia Oaks, Deya's body was put on a pedestal in the Hero's Forge, where it stayed until the end of the Eternal Night War.
Series Canon[]
Background[]
During the age of Camelot, the youngling Deya was a victim of King Arthur’s forces when they ravaged her village, Tombro, and captured and imprisoned her within Camelot. She never knew her real name, and the knights gave her a human name: Callista.
Trollhunters[]
Deya did not appear physically in most of Trollhunters, other than a silhouette of herself in the history book, A Brief Recapitulation of Troll Lore. She is mentioned various times in the show regarding her greatness, and is often used in exclamations such as “by Deya’s grace!” and “Deya, guide them.” She was shown physically for the first time in the episode “For the Glory of Merlin,” in Merlin’s parlor trick where he showed the Trollhunters the Battle of Killahead, along with his fight with Morgana, though Deya’s appearance was not entirely clear to see.
Wizards (Limited Series)[]
“Callista” was a cellmate with Jim Lake when he got imprisoned in a time travel accident with his friends. Callista gave him the rundown on how King Arthur stole her homelands and imprisoned her, along with every other so-called “monster.”
After befriending Jim, she was one of the dozens who were liberated from Camelot’s prison. After all the escapees left Camelot by the skin of their teeth, they all fled to the Wild Wood, where Callista and Jim had to outrun various knights.
Callista took Jim to her old village Tombro, as a safe space from the knights guarded by traps. She told him about how she was just a youngling when the village was attacked, and how she never new her real name. Jim showed sympathy toward Deya but tried to make her look the other way regarding humans, saying they’re not all bad, and showing pictures of his own Trollhunting adventures on his phone. Unfortunately, Callista was shot in the leg with an arrow by Lancelot, and the duo had to flee the scene.
By sundown, Jim and Callista had come across Dwoza, a “safe haven” of good trolls where they could rest for the night and have their wounds healed, courtesy of Blinky and Dictatious Galadrigal. After punching Dictatious in the eyes upon waking up, her and Jim were forced out of Dwoza, as they do not like outsiders. After telling the two brothers that they’ll need to pick a side in the war eventually, the Gumm-Gumm general AAARRRGGHH arrived at Dwoza with one message: join Gunmar or die. When all of the Dwozan citizens hid away, it led only Jim and Callista to fend for the market. In a strategic decision, Callista abandoned Jim in order for a better way to take down the brute. After some time, Callista dropped a huge water bowl on top of AAARRRGGHH, trapping him in a small cave. The citizens of Dwoza, along with their elder, Vendel, came to congratulate Jim and Callista for taking down the threat.
After some time of residing in Dwoza, Callista was still resented towards by her fellow trolls, for being an outcast and bringing calamity wherrever she goes. It wasn’t long before King Arthur came to the trolls of Dwoza in search for help in the upcoming war, an offer initially rejected by Vendel due to Arthur’s prejudice against trolls, but he later accepted when he was told about Merlin’s plans to construct a magical weapon. This Amulet would choose the greatest warrior among the good trolls to become a champion, and a hero. A hero who would lead the trolls to victory.
Callista was present in the crowds when the Amulet was about to choose its first champion, and was nonchalantly anticipating who would be chosen. When the Amulet awakened, she was just as shocked as the Dwozans were astounded at the fact that she was chosen as the first Trollhunter. She was utterly confused, as she was never chosen for anything before. But as soon as Jim and Merlin started cheering her up to speak the incantation on the Amulet, the rest of the trolls started questioning Merlin’s plan as his “great weapon” chose someone they felt they could not depend on. Callista succumbed to the trolls’ doubts and ran away. Jim and Claire were initially confused, since a troll named Deya was supposed to be the first Trollhunter.
Jim and Claire Nuñez later found her in the entrance valley to Tombro, repeatedly trying to reject the Amulet’s decision by tossing it away as it kept flying back to her. When Jim and Claire entered the scene in a shadow portal, Jim lifted Callista’s spirits by telling her about his experiences carrying a burden in which everyone doubted his abilities. After some pep-talk before the War for the Surfacelands began, Jim told her that it’s okay to be afraid because she can do anything, even make a name for herself. Jim and Claire then left to prepare for battle.
Picking up a dusty old totem on the ground, she read the inscription on it: “DEYA.” She remembered that name. After reminiscing on it, the Amulet called to her again, this time with her real name.
Much time later, after the bloodstrewn battle had commenced, Deya showed up with all the good trolls, ready to turn the tide of the war. The good trolls raced down the hill, with Deya leading. She raised the Amulet and spoke the incantation, donning the Trollhunter for the first time. After reuniting with Jim, she told him and Claire that her name is actually Deya, and it always has. After King Arthur was killed in battle, the war came to a temporary standstill, where Deya trumpeted a speech to all her allies, and then charged at the Gumm-Gumms.
After getting to the heart of the battle, the Killahead Bridge, she faced Bellroc of the Arcane Order, who belittled her as a mundane, simple creature who sided with those who broke the Balance. In one swift slash of a sword, Deya defeated Bellroc by blinding her. Bellroc survived, but fled from the scene to return to her siblings.
After a swordfight with the warlord Gunmar, Deya got the chance to put the Amulet in Killahead Bridge, opening a portal to the Darklands where every Gumm-Gumm was sucked in and imprisoned. The battle was won, and Deya was congratulated by all knights and trolls and given her moniker, “Deya the Deliverer.” Soon after, Jim and his friends left to return to the present, and Deya wished her fellow Trollhunter good luck and thanked him.
Physical Description[]
In the comics, Deya largely resembles the troll Bagdwella, bulky and somewhat stout with a large chest and hips, except she has slightly more of a masculine look to her. She has orange eyes and an orange nose with a large nose ring. Underneath her Trollhunter armor she wears a basic brown short dress showing her cleavage and with a thin brown belt. Her hair is a small plume of brown on top of her head.
In Wizards, Deya is a medium-sized troll with olive green skin, wide hips, and a pointy chin. Her blonde hair is in a sort of bobcut style with bangs. She has magenta eyes and lips and a purple, koala-like nose like all trolls do, along with spiky teeth. Deya has two curved horns on the back of her head, the right one having a ring pierced through. She wears a blue shirt blouse which nearly reveals her midriff, a purple skirt, and a silver belt buckle which holds a box, pouch, and crystal. She also wears bands, which cover both her forearms, her right upper bicep, and her feet.
Despite the physical differences between the comic and Wizards, Deya’s Trollhunter armor is more or less depicted the same. Underneath the main armor, Deya wears the basic black Trollhunter underarmor, which covers her body up to her neck. Her armor is the classic Trollhunter armor fitted to her body shape: two differently-sized shoulder pauldrons, a double-layered chestplate where the Amulet is situated, small vambraces, very large cuisses, large kneepads, boot armor, and finger tips. Her helmet is the most striking out of all Trollhunter helmets, as it has six large, metal plume-like pieces surrounding her head, with holes at the back for her ears and horns. As usual, each piece of the Trollhunter armor has various intricate linings all over.
Personality[]
Callista is mentioned to be quite the troublemaker, causing calamity wherever she goes. Thus, she is branded an outcast amongst her fellow trolls and not exactly welcomed to any trollmarket.
Aside from her supposed mischievous nature, Callista does appear to be more open-minded and understanding. She seems to take Jim's word that the trolls must stand up and fight to protect the humans from Gunmar, despite not knowing Jim personally (yet she did admit she thought he was crazy). She also has a sassy side when she calls Blinky out for his arrogant cowardice after he makes a sarcastic comment about her "visit" to Dwoza. She even doesn't take too kindly to violence from anyone, especially if she's on the run and in need of refuge. Also, Callista does have a soft spot for younglings, as she was quick to help an injured Jim out of Camelot to get him to safe haven.
It should be noted that Callista has a strong sense of integrity, for despite being mistreated by humans and trolls, she was never tempted to join Gunmar's army of Gumm-Gumms, disgusted by their ruthless ways. Although, it doesn't hide the fact that being looked down upon caused her to feel insecure about her new destiny, like when the Amulet of Daylight chose her as its first champion, she was quick to deny the mantle, due the trolls' negative opinions about her. After a little pep talk from Jim and learning her true name, Deya, she regains her confidence and finally accepts her role as the Trollhunter, rallying the good trolls against the Gumm-Gumms during the legendary Battle of Killahead Bridge.
Powers & Abilities[]
Powers[]
- Troll Physiology: As a troll, Deya is significantly stronger and more durable than an average human.
- Superhuman Strength: As a troll, Deya is quite strong for her smaller build. In "Battle Royale", she was able to shove a large container of water with her large legs. Later. in "Killahead, Part Two", she is seen tossing several larger Gumm-Gumms around like dolls.
- Superhuman Durability: Thanks to her stone skin, Deya is much more durable than an average human. However, she was wounded by an arrow shot by Lancelot in "Witch Hunt".
- Superhuman Agility: Unlike other trolls, Deya is quite agile.
Abilities[]
- Combatant: Deya showed herself to be a great warrior at the Battle of Killahead Bridge, easily taking down multiple foes with amazing prowess and appeared to be dancing in the way she moved with acrobatic finesse and hardly anyone was able to land a hit on her at all. Even Steve and Jim were amazed by her natural fighting skills.
- Swordswoman: Deya showed herself to be naturally skilled with a blade, first wielding a random sword on the battlefield before tossing it aside to wield the Sword of Daylight, especially against the ruthless Gunmar. She was even able to blind Bellroc (a primordial demigod) effortlessly.
Weaknesses[]
- Identity Crisis (formerly): As strong as her sense of moral integrity is, Deya was considerably uncertain and confused of her own identity as she's been bashed and rejected by her fellow trolls, all because she doesn't remember her birth name. As such, when she was chosen to become the first Trollhunter, she was reluctant and quick to reject her newfound mantle as the trolls look upon her with nothing but negativity. Luckily, thanks to a little pep talk from Jim, she discovers her true name, Deya, and accepts her role as the Trollhunter. She gains the confidence to rally up her fellow trolls of Dwoza and participate in the Battle of Killahead Bridge, reclaiming her name Deya the Deliverer.
- Sunlight: Like other trolls, Deya is vulnerable to direct sunlight as it burns her skin and turns her to solid stone from contact.
Equipment[]
- Amulet of Daylight: As the first to be chosen by it, Deya was bonded to the Amulet of Daylight, making her the first Trollhunter. With it, she could become clad in the Trollhunter Armor.
- Trollhunter Armor: As the Trollhunter, Deya could summon the Trollhunter armor by speaking the Amulet’s incantation.
- Sword of Daylight: As the Trollhunter, Deya possesses the Sword of Daylight, which she can summon along with the armor.
Relationships[]
Friends/Allies[]
Rundle[]
Deya seemed to have a cordial relationship with Rundle but did not seem to heed his advice when he told her not to go after Merlin.
Merlin[]
Deya was mostly condescending and rude towards Merlin when she first met him at his place. But after she experienced the powers of the Omniscienstone, even though Merlin told her not to, she was more humble towards him.
Jim Lake Jr.[]
Jim Lake was one of Deya’s best and influential friends, having befriended Deya during their incapacitation in Camelot and helping each other escape. Jim was understanding of Deya’s past and tried to make her look the other way regarding humans, as she was not very fond of them, thanks to King Arthur. Jim also mentored Deya and inspired her to fulfill her destiny as the Trollhunter, and make a name for herself.
Enemies[]
Gunmar[]
Gunmar and Deya are enemies. Gunmar thought of Deya as nothing more than a “gutter troll,” and his arrogance led him to believe he wouldn’t fall so easily by the hands of Deya, unlike Bellroc did. Deya was presumably not a fan of Gunmar’s brutal nature leading the Gumm-Gumms, and was more than willing to take him down once she became the Trollhunter.
Quotes[]
- Main article: Deya the Deliverer/Quotes
Trivia[]
- Deya was the very first Trollhunter.
- In "Wherefore Art Thou, Trollhunter?", Blinky reveals to Jim that the Trollhunter was created in the Age of Merlin, which is revealed to be 12th century Camelot in Wizards, and goes on to explain that the Trollhunter Amulet was created specifically to defeat the Gumm-Gumm Army.
- In "Gnome Your Enemy," Deya is shown defeating said Gumm-Gumms at the Battle of Killahead Bridge, an event also depicted in Wizards.
- The books and tie-in novels mention other Trollhunters preceding Deya, but the creators have stated those materials could be considered alternate timelines or universes, similar to Star Wars canon. Instead, the other Trollhunters mentioned in the show were meant to come in the 900 years after Deya, but before Kanjigar.
- Deya seems to have used an edited version of Bagdwella’s character model in the episode “For the Glory of Merlin.”
- Deya claims to be half-goblin after Jim tells her that he’s half-fleshbag.
- In Greek, “Callista” means “most beautiful.”
- In Latin. “Deya” means “goddess.”
Gallery[]
