Editing Drizzt Do'Urden

{{Short description|Fictional character from Dungeons & Dragons}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox character
| name      = Drizzt Do'Urden
| image     = File:Drizzt.png
| caption   = Drizzt and his panther companion Guenhwyvar.
| first     = ''[[The Crystal Shard]]''<!--This is the first published appearance of Drizzt; Homelands is a prequel-->
| creator   = [[R. A. Salvatore]]
| race      = [[Drow (Dungeons & Dragons)|Drow]]
| class     = [[Fighter (Dungeons & Dragons)|Fighter]]/[[Ranger (Dungeons & Dragons)|Ranger]]
| alignment = Chaotic good
| home      = [[Menzoberranzan]]
| series    = [[Forgotten Realms]]
}}

'''Drizzt Do'Urden''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|d|r|ɪ|t|s|t|_|d|oʊ|ˈ|ɜːr|d|ɪ|n}})<ref name="Weinlein"/> is a fictional character appearing in the [[Forgotten Realms]] [[campaign setting]] for the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' [[fantasy]] [[role-playing game]]. Drizzt was created by author [[R. A. Salvatore]] as a supporting character in the ''[[Icewind Dale Trilogy]]''. Salvatore created him on a whim when his publisher needed him to replace one of the characters in an early version of the first book, ''[[The Crystal Shard]]''. Drizzt has since become a popular heroic character of the Forgotten Realms setting, and has been featured as the main character of a long series of books, starting chronologically with ''[[The Dark Elf Trilogy]]''. As an atypical [[Drow (Dungeons & Dragons)|drow]] (dark elf), Drizzt has forsaken both the evil ways of his people and their home in the [[Underdark]], in the drow city of [[Menzoberranzan]].

Drizzt's story is told in Salvatore's fantasy novels in ''The Icewind Dale Trilogy'', ''The Dark Elf Trilogy'', the ''[[Legacy of the Drow]]'' series, the ''[[Paths of Darkness]]'' series, ''[[The Hunter's Blades Trilogy]]'', the ''[[Transitions (novel series)|Transitions]]'' series, and the ''[[Neverwinter Saga]]'', as well as in the short stories "The Dowry", "Dark Mirror", and "Comrades at Odds". All of the novels featuring Drizzt have made [[The New York Times Best Seller list|''The New York Times'' Best Seller list]]. A number of the novels have been adapted into [[graphic novels]] by [[Devil's Due Publishing]]. Drizzt has also been featured in ''D&D''-based [[role-playing video game]]s, including the ''[[Baldur's Gate]]'' series and ''[[Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone]]''.

== Concept and creation ==
Drizzt Do'Urden's stories are set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for ''Dungeons & Dragons''.<ref name="TS Debut"/> The character has been a mainstay for author R. A. Salvatore, appearing in his novels for over 30 years. Drizzt is a [[Drow (Dungeons & Dragons)|drow]] who acts against the drow stereotype, favoring friendship and peace over hatred and violence. His unusual personality creates the conflict that allows Salvatore to create so many novels with stories about courage and friendship.<ref name="PM">{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/sojourn-the-legend-of-drizzt-book-3|title=Sojourn: The Legend of Drizzt Book 3|last=Welsh|first=Andrew|date=March 2006|publisher=[[PopMatters]]|access-date=2009-01-08}}</ref> Drizzt therefore fights the dark traits that are inherent in the drow.<ref>{{cite book|last=Drew|first=Bernard Alger|title=100 More Popular Young Adult Authors|publisher= Libraries Unlimited|year=2002|isbn=1-56308-920-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WwFR5tZ9bTQC&q=r+a+salvatore+interview+drizzt&pg=PA279}}</ref>

Salvatore uses Drizzt to represent issues of racial prejudice, particularly in ''The Dark Elf Trilogy''. For instance, Drizzt is concerned that if he and his love [[Cattie-Brie]] (a human) have children, their offspring will face hostility from both races.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-22501259_ITM|title=Salvatore, R. A. The Thousand Orcs|date=February 1, 2003|publisher=School Library Journal|access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref> Drizzt is also troubled by the lifespan discrepancy between himself and Cattie-Brie.<ref name="PW">{{cite web|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-24369568_ITM|title=The Lone Drow: the Hunter's Blades Trilogy, Book II|date=September 1, 2003|publisher=[[Publishers Weekly]]|access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref>

Drizzt was created by happenstance. In 1987 R. A. Salvatore sent [[Mary Kirchoff]], then managing editor of [[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]'s book department, a manuscript for what would become his 1990 novel ''[[Echoes of the Fourth Magic]]''. She liked it, but asked if he could rewrite it to take place in the Forgotten Realms. She sent him ''[[Darkwalker on Moonshae]]'' by [[Douglas Niles]], the only novel at the time set in the Forgotten Realms. Salvatore sent her a proposal for a sequel to ''Darkwalker'', but Kirchoff sent back a large map of the Forgotten Realms and told him she wanted a new story set in a different part of the Realms. After two weeks of phone calls, Salvatore found a spot on the map that was not already designated for another project, and he located [[Icewind Dale (region)|Icewind Dale]] there.<ref name="Weinlein">{{cite journal|title=Novel Ideas|last=Weinlein|first=Sue|author-link=Sue Weinlein Cook|date=December 1992|journal=[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon Magazine]]|publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]|issue=188|pages=79, 80, 84}}</ref> According to Salvatore, the book was "set on the [[Moonshae Isles]], because at the time I thought that ''was'' the Realms. When I found out how big the Realms were, I moved the story a thousand miles to the north."<ref name="Dragon #252"/>

Salvatore created Drizzt on the spur of the moment.<ref name="Dragon #252">{{cite journal| last = Varney| first = Allen| author-link = Allen Varney| title = ProFiles: R.A. Salvatore| journal = [[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]| issue = #252| page = 120| publisher = [[Wizards of the Coast]]| location = [[Renton, Washington]]|date=October 1998}}</ref> He was under pressure to create a [[sidekick]] for [[Wulfgar (Forgotten Realms)|Wulfgar]] in the [[The Icewind Dale Trilogy|Icewind Dale series]].<ref name="Weinlein"/> Salvatore had sent an early version of ''[[Cryshal-Tirith|The Crystal Shard]]'' (what would become his first published novel) to TSR, and one day Kirchoff called him. She was on her way to a marketing meeting concerning the book, and informed him that they could not use one of the characters. He asked for time to think, but she was already late for the meeting. Off the top of his head, Salvatore said he had a Dark Elf. Kirchoff was skeptical, but Salvatore convinced her it would be fine because he was just a sidekick. She asked his name, and he replied Drizzt Do'Urden. She asked if he could spell it, and he said "not a chance".<ref name="Weinlein"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue393/interview.html|title=Novelist R.A. Salvatore crosses over into his newest magical realm and brings along his favorite character|last=Huddleston|first=Kathie |publisher=[[SciFi.com]]|access-date=2009-01-08|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080514045127/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue393/interview.html |archive-date = May 14, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Recalling Drizzt's creation in an interview, Salvatore said, "I don't know where it came from. I guess that [[Gary Gygax]] just did such an amazing job in creating the drow [[Elf (Dungeons & Dragons)|elves]] that something about them got stuck in the back of my head. Thank God!"<ref name="GS">{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/forgotten-realms-demon-stone/506963p1.html|title=R.A. Salvatore on Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone (PS2)|date=April 15, 2004|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|access-date=2009-01-08}}</ref> Although many readers have assumed that Drizzt is based on one of the many ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing campaigns that the author has played, this is not the case. Salvatore's main influences were classical literature and works of [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]. "I like to think of Drizzt as a cross between Daryth from ''Darkwalker on Moonshae'' and [[Aragorn]] from ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''."<ref name="Weinlein"/> Salvatore calls Drizzt "the classic [[romantic hero]]—misunderstood, holding to a code of ideals even when the going gets tough, and getting no appreciation for it most of the time."<ref name="Dragon #252"/>

== Publication history ==
{{Further|The Legend of Drizzt}}
[[File:Rasalvatore.jpg|thumb|left|R. A. Salvatore]]

Drizzt's story begins in the novel ''[[Homeland (Forgotten Realms novel)|Homeland]]'', the start of ''[[The Dark Elf Trilogy]]'' and published in 1990 as a prequel to ''The Icewind Dale Trilogy'', which was published between 1988 and 1990. In the book, Drizzt is born in [[Menzoberranzan]] as the third son to Matron Malice, the leader of [[House Do'Urden]] (a type of family akin to a Scottish [[clan]]). His father is [[Zaknafein Do'Urden|Zaknafein]], a weapons master who secretly hates drow society and teaches Drizzt his martial skills as he reinforces Drizzt's innate moral code. The 1996 short story "The Fires of Narbondel", in the ''Realms of the Underdark'' [[anthology]], describes unrelated events involving Zaknafein as the main character, and a young Drizzt plays a supporting role.

During a raid against a group of surface elves, Drizzt finds himself unable to participate in the slaughter with his fellow drow. He pretends to kill an [[Elf (Dungeons & Dragons)|elf]] child, but actually helps her to escape. When the deception is discovered, Zaknafein is sacrificed in Drizzt's stead to appease Lolth, the drow's goddess. Following a war against another House, Drizzt curses his family and the evil drow ways and escapes Menzoberranzan into the [[Underdark]]. At this time he also acquires the statuette that allows him to summon the magical panther [[Guenhwyvar]]. Guenhwyvar travels by Drizzt's side as he makes his way across the Realms.

Drizzt fights off the resurrected spirit-wraith of his father in ''[[Exile (Forgotten Realms novel)|Exile]]'', the second book in the ''Dark Elf Trilogy'' and also published in 1990. ''[[Sojourn (novel)|Sojourn]]''<ref>''Sojourn'' reached 13 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on May 26, 1991. {{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/26/books/paperback-best-sellers-may-26-1991.html?sq=salvatore+sojourn&sq=%22R.+A.+Salvatore%22+%22Sojourn%22&scp=1&scp=1&st=nyt&st=cse |title=Paperback Best Sellers: May 26, 1991 |date=May 26, 1991 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref> picks up the story when Drizzt leaves the Underdark for the surface, where he meets a blind human [[Ranger (Dungeons & Dragons)|ranger]] named [[Montolio Debrouchee]]. When Montolio begins teaching him the ways of the ranger, Drizzt realizes that, unknowingly, he had been following those very principles his entire life. From then on Drizzt's patron goddess is [[Mielikki (Forgotten Realms)|Mielikki]], the [[Faerûn]]ian goddess of the forest and of rangers. Montolio eventually dies, and Drizzt travels the Realms in search of a new home. He eventually finds himself in [[Sword Coast|Icewind Dale]] where he meets [[dwarf (Dungeons & Dragons)|dwarven]] king [[Bruenor Battlehammer]], and Bruenor's adopted human daughter, [[Catti-brie]].

The fourth book chronologically in the series, although the first published, is ''[[The Crystal Shard]]'' (1988), the first in ''The Icewind Dale Trilogy''. It describes Drizzt's meeting with the barbarian [[Wulfgar (Forgotten Realms)|Wulfgar]] and the [[Halfling (Dungeons & Dragons)|halfling]] [[Regis Rumblebelly|Regis]], and their adventures as they stop [[Akar Kessel]], a [[wizard (Dungeons & Dragons)|mage]] possessed by the [[Sentience|sentient]] artifact [[Crenshinibon]] (the book's [[eponym]]ous Crystal Shard), from gaining control of the region. ''[[Streams of Silver]]'' (1989), tells the story of the group as they journey to [[Mithral Hall]], Bruenor's boyhood home. [[Artemis Entreri]], a recurring character in the series, also makes his first appearance. In later books, Artemis is Drizzt's equal in combat, and they clash often due to their conflicting views and goals. In the 1990 book ''[[The Halfling's Gem]]'',<ref>''The Halfling's Gem'' reached 12 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on March 4, 1990. {{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/04/books/paperback-best-sellers-march-4-1990.html |title=Paperback Best Sellers: March 4, 1990 |date=March 4, 1990 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref> Artemis kidnaps Regis while in the employ of a powerful crime lord. Drizzt and Wulfgar chase the assassin by sea, with the help of [[Captain Deudermont]], to recover Regis. Drizzt ends up in combat with Artemis Entreri, who leaves the battle wounded. At the end of the book the group finds Regis, and Guenhwyvar kills Artemis's employer.

''[[Legacy of the Drow]]'' is a [[tetralogy]], unlike the previous two trilogies. The 1993 short story, ''Dark Mirror'', in the ''Realms of Valor'' anthology, describes events just prior to the series. The first three books, ''[[The Legacy (Forgotten Realms novel)|The Legacy]]'',<ref>''The Legacy'' reached 10 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on October 4, 1992. {{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/04/books/best-sellers-october-4-1992.html?sq=Far+3.3.19&sq=%22R.+A.+Salvatore%22+%22The+Legacy%22&scp=2&scp=1&st=nyt&st=cse |title=Best Sellers: October 4, 1992 |date=October 4, 1992 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref> ''[[Starless Night]]'',<ref>''Starless Night'' reached 12 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on September 19, 1993. {{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/19/books/best-sellers-september-19-1993.html?sq=%22R.+A.+Salvatore%22+%22Starless+Night%22&scp=1&st=cse |title=Best Sellers: September 19, 1993 |date=September 19, 1993 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref> and ''Siege of Darkness'',<ref>''[[Siege of Darkness]]'' reached 13 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on September 18, 1994. {{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/18/books/best-sellers-september-18-1994.html?sq=%22R.+A.+Salvatore%22+%22Siege+of+Darkness%22&scp=1&st=cse |date=September 18, 1994 |title=Best Sellers: September 18, 1994 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref> describe a drow attack on Mithril Hall. Wulfgar is seemingly slain by a [[yochlol]], and Drizzt returns to Menzoberranzan to prevent his friends from being further attacked by dark elves. The drow launch a second attack against Mithril Hall during the [[Time of Troubles (Forgotten Realms)|Time of Troubles]]. It is eventually repelled and Drizzt returns to his friends.

''[[Passage to Dawn]]'',<ref>''Passage to Dawn'' reached 15 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on September 8, 1996. {{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/08/books/best-sellers-september-8-1996.html?sq=%22R.+A.+Salvatore%22+%22Passage+to+Dawn%22&scp=1&st=cse |title=Best Sellers: September 8, 1996 |date=September 8, 1996 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref> the final book in the ''Legacy of the Drow'' series and published two years after ''Siege of Darkness'', picks up the story six years after the drow attack. Drizzt and Catti-Brie work with Captain Deudermont on his pirate-hunting ship, with the Companions of the Hall ultimately fighting the powerful demon Errtu who is aided by the Crystal Shard, which had previously been buried under a mountain of snow. Wulfgar, never truly dead, returns to life from the [[Abyss (Dungeons & Dragons)|Abyss]] as the demon who had held his soul was destroyed.

Drizzt is the main character in only two books of the ''[[Paths of Darkness]]'' series. ''[[The Silent Blade]]'' (1998) describes the group's journey to permanently destroy the Crystal Shard. ''[[Sea of Swords]]'' (2001)<ref>''Sea of Swords'' reached 14 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on November 18, 2001. {{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/18/books/best-sellers-november-18-2001.html?sq=simon+reeve&sq=%22R.+A.+Salvatore%22+%22Sea+of+Swords%22&scp=6&scp=1&st=nyt&st=cse |title=Best Sellers: November 18, 2001 |date=November 18, 2001 |work=The New York Times |access-date=2009-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729112304/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/18/books/best-sellers-november-18-2001.html?sq=simon+reeve&sq=%22R.+A.+Salvatore%22+%22Sea+of+Swords%22&scp=6&scp=1&st=nyt&st=cse |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> continues Drizzt's story after the events of ''[[The Spine of the World]]'' (1999), which focuses on Wulfgar, and ''[[Servant of the Shard]]'' (2000), which has Artemis Entreri and [[Jarlaxle]] as the main characters. ''Sea of Swords'' covers the companions' search for Wulfgar's lost magical warhammer, Aegis-fang, and the reunion of the group after an extended separation.

Drizzt returns as the main character throughout ''[[The Hunter's Blades Trilogy]]''. In ''[[The Thousand Orcs]]'' (2002),<ref>''The Thousand Orcs'' reached 11 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on November 3, 2002. {{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/03/books/best-sellers-november-3-2002.html?sq=%22R.+A.+Salvatore%22+%22Thousand+Orcs%22&scp=1&st=cse |title=Best Sellers: November 3, 2002|date=November 3, 2002 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref> Drizzt and his friends encounter the powerful orc Obould Many-Arrows, who has employed [[Giant (Dungeons & Dragons)|frost giants]] to aid him in gaining control of the region. After a battle at the town of Shallows, Drizzt believes the other Companions of the Hall to have fallen in battle, and he sets off into the wilderness to fight all orcs in vengeance. ''[[The Lone Drow]]'' (2003)<ref>''The Lone Drow'' reached 7 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on November 16, 2003. {{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/16/books/best-sellers-november-16-2003.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715000111/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9800E4D81539F935A25752C1A9659C8B63 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |title=Best Sellers: November 16, 2003 |date=November 16, 2003 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref> continues this storyline as the still-living Companions protect Mithril Hall from orc attacks without the aid of Drizzt. He is reunited with his friends in ''[[The Two Swords]]'' (2003).<ref>''The Two Swords'' reached 9 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on November 14, 2004. {{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/14/books/bestseller/1114besthardfiction.html?scp=1&sq=%22R.%20A.%20Salvatore%22%20%22Two%20Swords%22&st=cse |title=Hardcover Fiction|date=November 14, 2004 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref>

R. A. Salvatore's next series of Forgotten Realms books, ''[[The Sellswords Trilogy]]'', focus on the further adventures of Artemis Entreri and Jarlaxle, with Drizzt only being mentioned in them. However, Drizzt is once again the main character in the ''[[Transitions (novel series)|Transitions]]'' trilogy, consisting of ''[[The Orc King]]'',<ref>''The Orc King'' reached 17 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on November 11, 2007. {{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/books/bestseller/1111besthardfiction.html?scp=1&sq=%22R.%20A.%20Salvatore%22%20%22orc%20king%22&st=cse|title=Hardcover Fiction|date=November 11, 2007|work=The New York Times|access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref> ''[[The Pirate King]]'',<ref name="Pirate">''The Pirate King'' reached 8 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on November 2, 2008. {{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F03E7D7133AF931A35752C1A96E9C8B63&scp=2&sq=%22R.%20A.%20Salvatore%22%20%22pirate%20king%22&st=cse |title=Best Sellers: Fiction : Sunday, November 2nd 2008 |date=November 2, 2008 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref> and ''[[The Ghost King]]''.<ref>''The Ghost King'' reached 11 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on October 25th, 2009. {{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C03E7D9163EF936A15753C1A96F9C8B63 |title= Best Sellers: Fiction: Sunday, October 25th 2009 |date=October 25, 2009 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2017-02-12}}</ref> Drizzt is the main character, along with Bruenor, in R. A. Salvatore's next series in the Forgotten Realms, ''[[Neverwinter Saga]]''; the first book in this series, ''[[Gauntlgrym]]'', was released October 5, 2010.<ref>''Gauntlgrym'' reached 13 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on October 24, 2010. {{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9803E1DC173EF937A15753C1A9669D8B63 |title= Best Sellers: October 24th 2010 |date=October 24, 2010 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2017-02-12}}</ref> The second book in the series ''[[Neverwinter (novel)|Neverwinter]]'', was released October 4, 2011,<ref>''Neverwinter'' reached 8 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on October 23, 2011. {{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990DE5DC123EF930A15753C1A9679D8B63 |title= Best Sellers: October 23rd 2011 |date=October 23, 2011 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2017-02-12}}</ref> with the third installment entitled ''[[Charon's Claw (novel)|Charon's Claw]]'' released August 7, 2012.<ref>''Charon's Claw'' reached 13 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on August 26th, 2012. {{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B05EFDE163EF935A1575BC0A9649D8B63 |title= Best Sellers: August 26th 2012 |date=August 26, 2012 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2017-02-12}}</ref> The fourth book in the series "[[The Last Threshold]]", was released March 5, 2013.<ref>''The Last Threshold'' reached 20 on ''The New York Times'' bestseller list on March 24th, 2013. {{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9503E0D7163EF937A15750C0A9659D8B63 |title= Best Sellers: March 24th 2013 |date=March 24, 2013 |work=The New York Times|access-date=2017-02-12}}</ref>

== Other media ==
Drizzt Do'Urden has been featured in several accessories and one book for the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons|Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]]'' fantasy role-playing game. The ''[[Hall of Heroes (Forgotten Realms)|Hall of Heroes]]'' accessory for the [[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition|second edition]] of ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'', published in 1989, features a four-page description and game statistics for Drizzt and Guenhwyvar, written by R. A. Salvatore.<ref>[[Jeff Grubb|Grubb, Jeff]], [[Kate Novak]], David E. Martin, [[James Lowder|Jim Lowder]], [[Bruce Nesmith]], [[Steve Perrin]], [[Mike Pondsmith]], and [[R. A. Salvatore]]. ''[[Hall of Heroes (Forgotten Realms)|Hall of Heroes]]'' ([[TSR, Inc.|TSR]], 1989)</ref> The ''[[Heroes' Lorebook]]'' accessory, published in 1996 and written by [[Dale Donovan]] and [[Paul Culotta]], features an update and revision of Drizzt's information from ''Hall of Heroes''.<ref>[[Dale Donovan|Donovan, Dale]] and [[Paul Culotta]]. ''[[Heroes' Lorebook]]''. ([[TSR, Inc.|TSR]], 1996)</ref> The 1999 accessory ''[[Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark]]'' by [[Eric L. Boyd]], details the cities and civilizations of Faerûn's Underdark through the perspective of the title character.<ref>[[Eric L. Boyd|Boyd, Eric L.]] ''[[Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark]]'' (TSR, 1999)</ref> The ''[[Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting]]'' hardcover for the game's [[Dungeons & Dragons 3rd edition|third edition]] features a brief description and game statistics for Drizzt for this edition, under the section on the [[Sword Coast]] North.<ref>[[Ed Greenwood|Greenwood, Ed]], [[Sean K. Reynolds]]. [[Skip Williams]], and [[Rob Heinsoo]]. ''[[Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting]]'', ([[Wizards of the Coast]], 2001).</ref>

Drizzt has also appeared in a number of [[graphic novel]]s and video games, and as a [[Miniature figure (gaming)|miniature figure]]. Beginning in 2005, [[Devil's Due Publishing]] began releasing comic book adaptations of the Drizzt novels, covering each book in a three-issue mini-series along with a trade paperback collection. To date, ''Homeland'', ''Exile'', ''Sojourn'', ''The Crystal Shard'', ''Streams of Silver'', ''The Halfling's Gem'', ''The Legacy'', and ''Starless Night'' have been released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://devilsdue.net/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=24&Itemid=54 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214105118/http://devilsdue.net/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=24&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=54 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-02-14 |title=Forgotten Realms |publisher=[[Devil's Due Publishing]] |access-date=2009-01-12 }}</ref> The character has appeared in several video games. He is part of the story and a party member in the 1994 SSI game for PC ''[[Menzoberranzan (video game)|Menzoberranzan]]''. In ''[[Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone]]'' he is a playable character in the game's seventh stage, described by a writer for Imagine Games Network ([[IGN]]) as "cool but utterly ineffective."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/573532/page_10.html|title=Demon Stone Walkthrough|website=IGN|access-date=2009-01-12}}</ref> Drizzt appears in ''[[Baldur's Gate (video game)|Baldur's Gate]]'' fighting some gnolls; it is possible for a skilled player to kill him or pickpocket his items,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forgottenwars.com/bg1/ar4200.htm |title=dudleyville.com &#124; Baldur's Gate Walkthrough &#124; Fisherman's Lake (AR4200) |publisher=Forgottenwars.com |access-date=2012-12-01}}</ref> and a friendly or hostile version of Drizzt can be spawned with a [[cheat code]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cheats.gamespy.com/pc-cheats/baldurs-gate/ |title=Baldur's Gate (PC) |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=2009-01-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017092825/http://cheats.gamespy.com/pc-cheats/baldurs-gate/ |archive-date=2008-10-17 }}</ref> Drizzt also appears in the sequel ''[[Baldur's Gate II]]'' and will react negatively if the player has imported characters from the first game that killed Drizzt or has any of his unique items. He will also react negatively to any elven character with a low reputation with the same name, challenging them to a duel of honor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerstemple.com/games/000140/000140g163.asp |title=Baldur's Gate II PC Game Guide – The Gamers Temple – Page 63 |publisher=The Gamers Temple |access-date=2012-12-01}}</ref> He is also an unlockable playable character in ''[[Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance]]'' and ''[[Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II]]''.<ref name="EGM">{{cite magazine| title =Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II| type = review| magazine =[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]| publisher = ZiffDavis Inc. | date = April 1, 2004}}</ref> Drizzt is also included in the ''Dungeons and Dragons Miniatures'' game, in the ''Legend of Drizzt Scenario Pack'' that also includes Wulfgar and the dragon Icingdeath. An enclosed booklet lets players recreate the battle between Drizzt, Wulfgar, and the dragon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dndmin/9780786943500|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070218194932/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dndmin/9780786943500|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 18, 2007|title=D&D Icons: Legend of Drizzt Scenario Pack|publisher=Wizards of the Coast|access-date=2009-01-12}}</ref> The boxed set was nominated for Best Miniature Product at the 2008 [[ENnies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/4news/20080713|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725012311/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/4news/20080713|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 25, 2008|title=2008 Ennie Award Nominees|publisher=Wizards of the Coast|access-date=2009-01-12}}</ref>

A special adventure set in Icewind Dale was featured as the centerpiece at the November 3, 2007, [[Worldwide Dungeons and Dragons Game Day|Worldwide ''Dungeons and Dragons'' Game Day]] event, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the debut of Drizzt that was upcoming.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://blog.wired.com/geekdad/2007/10/worldwide-dunge.html|title=Worldwide Dungeons & Dragons Game Day|last=Baichtal|first=John|date=October 26, 2007 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|access-date=2009-01-22|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724032641/http://blog.wired.com/geekdad/2007/10/worldwide-dunge.html|archivedate=July 24, 2008}}</ref>

Drizzt made a brief cameo in the 2011 one-off comic ''Unit:E'', produced by [[Hasbro]] as a potential concept for crossing over many of the franchises they owned; he is seen in a splash page amongst many other Hasbro-owned characters (including characters from ''[[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero|G.I. Joe]]'', ''[[Transformers (franchise)|Transformers]]'', ''[[M.A.S.K. (franchise)|M.A.S.K.]]'', ''[[Jem (TV series)|Jem and the Holograms]]'', ''[[Micronauts]]'', ''[[Action Man]]'', ''Battleship Galaxies'', and even ''[[Candy Land]]''), as summoned for ''Micronauts'' characters Biotron and Acroyear by the alien AI Synergy (a reimagined version of the AI from ''Jem'').

Drizzt features prominently in the D&D Adventure System Cooperative Play board game ''[[The Legend of Drizzt Board Game|The Legend of Drizzt]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/91872/dungeons-dragons-the-legend-of-drizzt-board-game |title=Dungeons & Dragons: The Legend of Drizzt Board Game &#124; Board Game |publisher=BoardGameGeek |access-date=2012-12-01}}</ref> released October 18, 2011.

Drizzt has also been seen in the game ''[[Neverwinter (video game)|Neverwinter]]'' by [[Cryptic Studios]]. He appears as part of the ''Neverwinter: Underdark'' expansion that allows players to travel to the drow city of Menzoberranzan and play several quests written by R. A. Salvatore.<ref>{{Cite web| title = Rage of Demons| access-date = 2017-12-09| url = http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/news/rageofdemons| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150507215005/http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/news/rageofdemons| url-status = dead| archive-date = May 7, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book| title = Watermelon Wine| isbn = 9781588381606| access-date = 2017-12-09| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Mts1AgAAQBAJ| last1 = Gaillard| first1 = Frye| date = 27 November 2013| publisher = NewSouth Books}}</ref>

In 2021, Drizzt was featured on two cards in the ''Adventures in the Forgotten Realms'' line from the ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' collectible card game.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=2021-05-20|title=D&D's Drizzt is coming to Magic: The Gathering, these are the first preview cards|url=https://www.polygon.com/22445601/dungeons-dragons-magic-the-gathering-crossover-drizzt-card-previews|access-date=2021-05-21|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref> ''Sleep Sound'' (2021) is a poem by R. A. Salvatore which received an [[animated short]] to promote the "Summer Of Drizzt" marketing campaign. The short features scenes from the story of Drizzt; it was narrated by [[Benedict Cumberbatch]] and animated by The Sequence Group.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-20 |title=D&D's Summer of Drizzt: TV Rumors, Magic Cards, Benedict Cumberbatch |url=https://gizmodo.com/d-ds-summer-of-drizzt-begins-with-tv-show-rumors-magic-1846935948 |access-date=2023-04-11 |website=Gizmodo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Henry |first=Joshua |date=2021-05-20 |title=Dungeons & Dragons Kicks Off "Summer Of Drizzt" With New Animated Short |url=https://www.thegamer.com/dungeons-dragons-kicks-off-summer-of-drizzt-with-new-animated-short/ |access-date=2023-04-11 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Legend of Drizzt |url=https://thesequencegroup.com/motion-comics/the-legend-of-drizzt |access-date=2023-04-11 |website=The Sequence Group |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Reception and legacy ==
{{quote box|quote=Salvatore mixes neatly choreographed battles with philosophical musings from self-styled "renegade soul" Drizzt, lending a little depth to an otherwise straightforward hack-and-slash adventure.|source=''[[Publishers Weekly]]'' review of ''The Orc King''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Forgotten-Realms/R-A-Salvatore/e/9780786943401|title=Forgotten Realms: The Orc King|year=2007|work=[[Publishers Weekly]]|publisher=[[Barnes & Noble]]|access-date=2009-01-22}}</ref>|width=300px}}

According to [[PopMatters]]' Andrew Welsh, Drizzt is Salvatore's attempt to create a multifaceted character who faces internal struggles, in hopes of standing out from the drow, and fantasy fiction in general. Welsh feels that Salvatore fails in this regard, saying "any blood Drizzt finds on his hands is quickly justified and most 'internal' conflict is superficial at best."<ref name="PM"/> A review for ''[[Pyramid (magazine)|Pyramid]]'' refers to Drizzt as the "most famous denizen" of Menzoberranzan, identifying him and the city as "some of the most famous pieces of the Realms",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sjgames.com/pyramid/sample.html?id=1360|title=Pyramid: Pyramid Review: Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark (for AD&D)|first=Eric L. |last=Boyd|author-link=Eric L. Boyd|website=www.sjgames.com|access-date=14 April 2018}}</ref> while chroniclers of the game Witwer ''et al.'' in the book ''[[Art & Arcana: A Visual History]]'' counted him among the "iconic D&D characters".<ref>{{cite book |title=Dungeons & Dragons Art & Arcana: a visual history |last1=Witwer |first1=Michael |last2=Newman |first2=Kyle |last3=Peterson |first3=Jonathan |last4=Witwer |first4=Sam |last5=Manganiello |first5=Joe |date=October 2018 |isbn=9780399580949 |publisher=[[Ten Speed Press]] |oclc=1033548473 |pages=5, 210-211}}</ref> Rob Bricken of [[Kotaku]] called Drizzt "one of the [[Mary Sue]]-iest characters in all of fiction".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/03/the-13-strangest-deities-in-dungeons-dragons/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331030901/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/03/the-13-strangest-deities-in-dungeons-dragons/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 31, 2016|title=The 13 Strangest Deities In Dungeons & Dragons|date=28 March 2016|website=[[Kotaku Australia]]|access-date=14 April 2018}}</ref>

The Drizzt Do'Urden books are popular with fantasy fans,<ref>{{Cite journal|title =Wizards of the Coast Publishing Caps Record Year With Two New York Times' Best-Sellers| type = review| journal =[[Business Wire]]|publisher =Berkshire Hathaway | date = Jan 28, 2003}}</ref> and the Drizzt character is author R. A. Salvatore's best known creation. All 34 novels featuring Drizzt by Salvatore have made [[The New York Times Best Seller list|''The New York Times'' Best Seller list]], starting with ''The Crystal Shard''.<ref name="Pirate"/><ref name="Orc"/> ''The Orc King'', which marked the 20th anniversary of the character, made it to #7 on the list, as well as #9 on ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' list, #6 on the ''[[Publishers Weekly]]'' bestseller list, and #36 on the ''[[USA Today]]'' list of top sellers.

''The Two Swords'' peaked at #4 on ''The New York Times'' Best Seller list in 2004.<ref name="Orc">{{cite web|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/media-telecommunications/publishing-book-publishing/5290385-1.html|title=R.A. Salvatore's The Orc King Makes Top 10 Rankings on Bestseller Lists: Publishers Weekly...|date=October 11, 2007|work=Business Wire|publisher=All Business|access-date=2009-01-09|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116101414/http://www.allbusiness.com/media-telecommunications/publishing-book-publishing/5290385-1.html|archive-date=January 16, 2013}}</ref> It reached the top of ''The Wall Street Journal'''s hardcover bestseller list after only two weeks, a record for its publisher Wizards of the Coast. It also debuted at #4 on The New York Times's bestseller list and #2 on Publishers Weekly bestseller list.

''The Lone Drow'' debuted at #7 on ''The New York Times'' Best Seller list in October 2003.<ref name="TS Debut">{{cite web|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/manufacturing/miscellaneous-mfg-doll-toy-games-games/5578079-1.html |title=The 'Two Swords' Debuts at #1 on the Wall Street Journal's Bestseller List; R.A. Salvatore's... |date=November 8, 2004 |work=Business Wire |publisher=All Business |access-date=2009-01-09 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> ''Publishers Weekly'' felt that ''The Lone Drow'' was clichéd, but that some of the characters did achieve "some complexity". They singled out two characters for praise: Innovindel, an elf who talks "pensively" of her long life in contrast to the short lived humans, and Obould the orc king.<ref name="PW"/>

Drizzt Do'Urden was #3 on ''Game Rant''<nowiki/>'s 2020 "10 Must-Have NPCs In Dungeons & Dragons Lore To Make Your Campaigns Awesome" list — the article states that "A skilled ranger in his own right, Drizzt remains equally-adept in conversation. He's always wary of danger, strives for perfection, and held himself to the highest standard. Meeting one of the most iconic figures in ''D&D'' could help make players feel important in their campaign."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Taguiam|first=Rhenn|date=2020-08-15|title=10 Must-Have NPCs In Dungeons & Dragons Lore To Make Your Campaigns Awesome|url=https://gamerant.com/dungeons-and-dragons-lore-must-have-npcs-for-campaign/|access-date=2020-08-25|website=Game Rant|language=en-US}}</ref>

In the ''[[Io9]]'' series revisiting older ''Dungeons & Dragons'' novels, in his review of ''[[The Crystal Shard]]'', Rob Bricken referred to Drizzt as "arguably the most famous and beloved D&D character of all time" and noted that Wizards of the Coast had finally begun combatting the stereotype of the drow as a "super-evil, subterranean race", which Drizzt forsakes "to become a noble Ranger on the surface world". Bricken noted that "Drizzt ends up overshadowing almost everyone and everything" but comments that "Drizzt and Wulfgar are so preternaturally badass they beat 25 giants by themselves (well, with help from Drizzt's magic panther Guenhwyvar, because of course he has a magic panther pal)".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bricken|first=Rob|date=June 26, 2020|title=Dungeons & Dragons & Novels: Revisiting The Crystal Shard|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/dungeons-dragons-novels-revisiting-the-crystal-sha-1844083723|access-date=2020-12-28|website=io9|language=en-us}}</ref> In his review of ''[[Homeland (Forgotten Realms novel)|Homeland]]'', Bricken explained that "when Salvatore introduced Drizzt in 1988's ''The Crystal Shard'', players/readers who hadn't been bothered this by were forced to acknowledge the correlation because characters in the Forgotten Realms judged Drizzt by the color of his skin. He was distrusted, despised, and discriminated against, often even by those he helped."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bricken|first=Rob|date=November 15, 2022|title=Dungeons & Dragons & Novels: Revisiting Homeland|url=https://gizmodo.com/dungeons-dragons-novels-drizzt-homeland-rasalvatore-1849785575 |access-date=2022-12-01|website=io9|language=en-us}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://darkpartyreview.blogspot.com/2006/09/5-questions-about-drizzt-dourden.html Dark Party Review] An Interview with R. A. Salvatore about Drizzt

{{D&D topics}}
{{Baldur's Gate}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Do'Urden, Drizzt}}
[[Category:Fantasy (genre) adventurers]]
[[Category:Fictional elves]]
[[Category:Fictional swordfighters in literature]]
[[Category:Forgotten Realms characters]]
[[Category:Literary characters introduced in 1988]]

[[pl:Lista postaci ze świata Forgotten Realms#Drizzt Do'Urden]]