| Melongel | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Vital statistics | |
| Title | Lord Holder |
| Gender | Male |
| Rank | Lord Holder Seaman |
| Era | Eighth Interval |
| Affiliation | Tillek Hold |
| Spouse | Juvana |
| Children | Nine unnamed in book Oterel |
| First appearance | The Masterharper of Pern |
| Notable appearance | The Masterharper of Pern |
Melongel was the Lord Holder of Tillek Hold during the Eighth Interval.
Biography
Melongel was a hard worker who understood the needs of the Fishercraft, as well as the agriculture and forestry that made Tillek a profitable hold. Melongel had actually qualified for his captaincy, but never took a command, though he occasionally went out with the fishing fleet at times. He made a when on a cruise around the Southern Sea to Nerat Hold, met his wife Juvana, a major Holder’s daughter. He espoused her, and carried her back to his Hold.
Melongel was Lord Holder while Robinton was a journeyman assigned to Tillek Hold. The two men became close, especially after Robinton fell in love with and married Melongel's sister in law Kasia. After Kasia's sudden death, Melongel graciously released Robinton from his contract, realizing that being in Tillek Hold was causing Robinton more pain. Melongel would eventually discover that Fax had taken over High Reaches Hold. Though initially assuming Fax would be content with the hold, he eventually became suspicious as Fax became more power-hungry. Melongel would assign guards to his borders as a defensive measure.
Some years later, Melongel fell ill after falling off a runnerbeast. Having broken almost every bone in his body, Melongel would die from the resulting fever. It was strongly suspected (but not proven) that the fall was not an accident and that Fax or his men had been behind it (having given the runnerbeast lur-weed to eat). Melongel would be succeeded as Lord Holder by Oterel.
Personality and Traits
Melongel was noted as a hard-worker and was considered a fair Lord Holder. He was well-read, but did not believe that Thread would return. He developed a close relationship with Robinton, and eventually came to consider the Harper as family.
