In The Rise of Nicholas the Noble, the latest middle-grade fantasy adventure set within Santa’s enchanted Santaverse™, few characters leave as strong an impression as Kendor.
A gifted snowcrafter and proud Barbegazzi ice gnome, Kendor is a princess by birth and a warrior by choice, a bold ally whose magic and bravery help defend One True North and the very Spirit of Christmas.
Unlike many heroes who stumble into destiny, Kendor chooses hers. She acts when others hesitate, speaks when silence could cost lives, and leads with courage and compassion. Fierce yet kind-hearted, elegant yet unflinching, she embodies the strength of those who fight not for glory but for goodness.
A Fantasy Character Rooted in Legacy and Magic
Deep beneath the snow-dusted Mountains of Enchantment lies the hidden realm of the Barbegazzi, a community of ancient ice gnomes whose craft shapes both beauty and survival. Long before the fabled Lumistella Stone fell from the heavens to kindle the Spirit of Christmas, these artisans channelled the earth’s frozen power to carve tools, armour and wonders from living snow.
Among them is Kendor, daughter of Chief Myleri. Raised in glittering caverns where crystal walls shimmer like northern lights, she learnt to mould snow with equal parts artistry and instinct. For Kendor, snowcraft is not a weapon; it is language, a dialogue with nature and history, a connection to her people and to the pulse of One True North itself.
Her pink-toned skin glints like the facets of her crystal crown, and her fur-lined cloak tells stories stitched through generations. Though royalty, Kendor’s loyalty lies not with privilege but with purpose.
Talkative . . . and Tactical
In a world of stoic warriors, Kendor’s confidence sets her apart. She is sharp-minded, outspoken and strategic, never afraid to question, to debate, or to rally others when danger looms.
“Lumincients! You must come shelter
inside the Mountains of Enchantment,
in the realm of the Barbegazzi!”
Kendor shouted, leading the charge.
Kendor’s words carry authority born of respect, not fear. Younger readers quickly sense that she is the kind of leader who listens as fiercely as she commands — a model of intelligence and empathy rare in fantasy fiction.
“Dress for the Victory Party, Not for the Battle”
Kendor doesn’t believe you have to sacrifice style for strength. Her signature phrase, “Dress for the victory party, not for the battle,” tells you everything about her personality: bold, expressive, and unafraid to be seen.
As a strong female fantasy character, Kendor redefines what it means to be battle-ready. She believes that how you carry yourself matters just as much as what you carry into battle. Her appreciation for beautiful things makes her well-rounded.
A Key Character in a Magical Winter Adventure
Alongside fellow heroes Delshimerry and Hollerdon, Kendor joins the alliance fighting to protect the Spirit of Christmas from the encroaching dark forces that threaten their realm. When Nicholas faces peril, it is often Kendor’s steady hand, and her snow-forged creations, that turn the tide.
Her snowcraft is practical magic: shields that blossom from frost, bridges conjured across icy chasms, delicate crystalline tools shaped in seconds. She draws power not from trinkets or wands but from the world itself, proof that true magic can be both elemental and purposeful.
Unlike many fantasy sorcerers, Kendor’s art is grounded. She works with what nature provides, showing that resilience and creativity often share the same heartbeat.
Snowcrafted Power, Wielded with Purpose
Kendor’s snow-based magic sets her apart from other middle grade fantasy characters. While many magical beings use wands or enchanted relics, Kendor conjures from the world around her. She doesn’t perform for show. She creates purposeful tools, shields, or support when her allies need it most.
This natural magic, rooted in tradition, reinforces her connection to her culture and her role as a protector. Her magic isn’t flashy. It’s functional, fierce, and uniquely her own.
A Legacy Forged in Action
While we won’t give away spoilers, readers will see that Kendor’s choices leave a lasting impact on the characters, the plot, and the Spirit of Christmas itself. Her actions reflect one of the most powerful themes in middle grade fantasy literature: that heroism is often sacrificial, in choices made to benefit others.
“Kendor dove in to the midst of the thickest,
fiercest section of the fighting… leaving Lightalf
bodies strewn behind her as she plunged toward
the center of the skirmish. Her white braids
flew gracefully, and her pink skin
seemed to glow in the arctic twilight.”
Kendor is not just a supporting character. She is a symbol of courage, community, and quiet sacrifice, and one of the most compelling examples of strength in the entire novel.
Why Readers Love Kendor
Kendor stands among the most beloved characters in the Santaverse because she is relatable and remarkable all at once. She laughs. She questions. She leads. And she never forgets to enjoy the beauty around her.
For young readers across the UK, those dreaming beside the fire on a frosty evening, or crafting their own worlds in school notebooks, Kendor is proof that heroism can sparkle. It can wear sequins and wield a sword. It can be kind and powerful in the same breath.
“Let’s go!” Kendor called to her friends.
“Adventure awaits!”
She’s the character who inspires us to be bold, speak up, and show up. Sparkle and all.
Kendor’s story reminds us that the brightest magic often comes from those who choose courage, even when no one is watching. And that kind of magic never fades.
