Donar (Spartacus)

Donar is a former gladiator from Batiatus' Ludus who escapes alongside Spartacus during the revolt. He quickly rises through the rebellion’s ranks, becoming one of its most formidable warriors.

Names	Donar
Gender	Male ♂
Race	Human
Occupation	Gladiator, Rebel
Origin	Spartacus: Vengeance Episode 1: "Fugitivus" (January 27, 2012)
Alignment	Mixed
Age	20s
Created By	Steven S, DeKnight,
Height	188 cm (6ft 2in)
Portrayed By	Heath Jones

Appearance

Donar is among the strongest and most skilled fighters in the Rebel army. Towering over most men, he has a large, muscular build. He has short dark-blonde hair, subtle facial hair, and striking blue eyes. His attire resembles that of his fellow escaped gladiators, consisting of cloth or leather subligaria, wrist braces, boots or sandals with greaves, a leather belt, and a utility harness. Initially wielding small twin axes, he later adopts a single, much larger battle-axe.

Personality

Donar is a sharp-witted and sardonic German known for his sarcastic remarks and dry humor. His loyalty, quick wit, and camaraderie make him well-liked among the rebels, though his strong opinions and penchant for provocative insults—especially toward the Gauls—often lead to conflicts. Like his close friend Agron, he harbors a deep-seated disdain for the Gauls and enjoys goading them whenever possible.

Despite his confrontational nature, Donar is deeply loyal to those he respects, particularly Spartacus, Agron, and Fulco, with whom he frequently undertakes scouting missions. He shares a love of battle, drinking, and women, embodying the warrior spirit of his people.

By War of the Damned, Donar's sense of honor becomes even more pronounced. He openly opposes the atrocities committed by certain Rebel factions and fully dedicates himself to Spartacus’ vision of the uprising. Though committed to the cause, he does not see himself as more important than any other fighter and is willing to sacrifice his life for the greater good.

Donar possesses strong leadership and training skills, often tasked with teaching former slaves the art of combat. Throughout Vengeance, he serves as one of Spartacus' trusted advisors and top warriors. By War of the Damned, he holds a rank comparable to that of a captain, taking part in the rebellion’s most critical missions.

Biography

Vengeance

Donar is among the gladiators who escape Batiatus' Ludus with Spartacus, earning a high rank within the Rebel forces. A close friend of both Spartacus and Agron, he shares Agron’s strong disdain for the Gauls and often provokes conflict with them, deepening the cultural divide within the rebellion.

Donar plays a key role in fighting against the Romans and mercenaries sent to hunt them down. He frequently serves as a scout leader alongside Fulco and Lydon, moving ahead of the main force when reconnaissance is needed.

When Crixus uncovers a lead on Naevia’s whereabouts, Spartacus consults with Agron and Donar, both of whom agree to raid Arminius' brothel. Agron is reluctant, but Donar, always eager for action, quips, "You had me at whores." The rebels launch an assault, allowing Crixus to obtain the information he seeks.

After Spartacus goes missing while tracking Roman forces led by Gaius Claudius Glaber, Donar joins Crixus, Agron, and Rabanus in rescuing him and Aurelia. They then retreat to the cisterns one last time before heading south in search of Naevia.

Donar later aids in seizing a villa and freeing its enslaved inhabitants. Following this victory, he is entrusted with training the newly liberated recruits. When Nasir attempts to assassinate Spartacus, Donar immediately suggests putting him down, fearing another betrayal.

As tensions rise between the rebels, Donar sides with Agron when the group splits following a violent dispute between Agron and Crixus. He joins Agron’s party in moving toward Vesuvius.

After Spartacus, Mira, Nasir, and Naevia narrowly escape the mines with heavy losses, they reunite with Agron and Donar’s group. Donar warmly welcomes Spartacus and Mira, relieved to see them alive.

While scouting ahead with Fulco and Lydon, Donar discovers an abandoned temple at Vesuvius belonging to Lucius. This temple later becomes a sanctuary for the rebels.

Donar plays a pivotal role in the assault on the Capua Arena, helping to bring it down and rescue Crixus and Oenomaus. In the aftermath of the battle, he passionately recounts their triumph to the gathered rebels, inspiring them with tales of their victory.

Donar is a complex character who plays a significant role in the rebel group. Initially, he interacts with Chadara, who has lost Rhaskos, but he rejects her advances, which ultimately leads to her betrayal of the rebels. This encounter showcases Donar's initial character, who seems to prioritize his own interests over emotional connections.

As the story progresses, Donar's character evolves, and his loyalty to Spartacus and the rebels becomes more apparent. He participates in various missions, including the rescue of German slaves, where he bonds with his kin but remains devoted to Spartacus. This loyalty is tested when tensions rise between the Germans and the rebels, and Donar fights alongside the rebels, demonstrating his commitment to the cause.

Donar is involved in several training sessions and battles, designed to prepare the rebels for fighting the Romans. He is paired with Nemetes, with whom he initially has a grudge, but they eventually bond during a contest. Donar's skills as a fighter are showcased in various battles, including the defense of the temple against the Roman invasion led by Varinius.

Donar's character exhibits emotional depth, particularly when he is visibly upset by the death of his friend Fulco. He also aids in the escape of many rebels and is one of the few fighters to survive the combat. After settling in the mountains, Donar plays a crucial role in the rebels' plan to assault the Romans, helping to create ropes for Spartacus, Crixus, Agron, and Gannicus to flank Glaber's men.

Ultimately, Donar is part of the rebel group that emerges triumphant, celebrating their victory over the Romans. With his axe, he takes the lives of many Romans and witnesses the defeat of Glaber by Spartacus. Donar's character development throughout the story highlights his growth from a seemingly selfish individual to a loyal and dedicated member of the rebel group.

War of the Damned

Donar remains a faithful member of the Rebel army, participating in numerous battles against Rome, including those against Scrofa and Cossinius' forces. He continues to serve as a trainer for the rebels and takes on additional responsibilities, such as recruitment, alongside Agron and Nasir.

Donar plays a key role in informing Spartacus about the internal issues within the rebel camp, which leads to Spartacus taking action to address these problems. During the siege of the Roman city, Donar joins the battle and proves himself to be a valuable fighter, easily slaying many Romans with his axe.

As the rebels face challenges in terms of food supply, Donar takes inventory and expresses concern to Spartacus about their limited resources. He also accompanies Spartacus to meet with pirates, where they negotiate a deal, and later joins his fellow rebels in celebrating their agreement.

Donar's character is further developed as he attempts to stop a fight between Agron and the pirate, Castus, and later expresses dislike for keeping Roman prisoners. When Crixus rallies the rebels to slaughter the surviving prisoners, Donar refuses to participate, demonstrating his commitment to avoiding unnecessary violence. Along with a minority of rebels, including Spartacus, Gannicus, and Saxa, Donar helps escort the remaining Romans to Spartacus' villa.

As the rebels face betrayal and Roman attack, Donar stays at Spartacus' villa to protect the surviving Romans, despite his contempt for them. He fights alongside Agron and Saxa against Julius Caesar and his soldiers, managing to best them, but is forced to retreat when the gate is broken down.

Donar regroups with Spartacus, Crixus, and Naevia, and they discuss their next move. When Gannicus offers to create a diversion to help Spartacus reach the north gate safely, Donar is likely to continue fighting alongside his fellow rebels, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty to Spartacus and the cause.

Donar's loyalty and dedication to the rebel cause are exemplified as he stays by Gannicus' side, prioritizing his friend's safety over his own. Together, they fight against the Romans, setting buildings ablaze and discovering Sibyl in hiding. However, their progress is halted when Donar is grievously wounded and falls, believed dead by Gannicus.

Donar is revealed to be alive and is captured by the Romans, who keep him alive by sewing up his wound. He is prepared for execution during the Romans' celebration, watching angrily as the Romans massacre their other captives. Donar is kept for last, intended to be killed by Caesar, but he refuses to go quietly, screaming out his desire to die fighting and cursing the Romans for their cowardice.

In a surprising turn of events, Donar is unchained by Tiberius, who attempts to use him to kill Caesar. Donar breaks loose and strikes Caesar with his shackles, leading to a fierce duel between the two. Despite being wounded, Donar presents a formidable challenge, using his superior strength and skill to gain the upper hand. However, Caesar ultimately gains the advantage by striking at Donar's wound and utilizing his own strength against him.

In his final moments, Donar refuses to submit to the Romans, taking his own life with a sword through the neck rather than allowing Caesar to deliver the killing blow. His parting words, "Swallow cock, you Roman shit," serve as a testament to his unyielding defiance and hatred for the Romans.

Legacy

Donar's body is later found crucified in Crassus' tent, with the phrase "Mors Indecepta" (Death is Indecivable) carved into his chest, serving as a warning to Spartacus. The rebels honor his memory, with Lugo shouting his name during the tribute games to honor Crixus. Donar's sacrifice and bravery are remembered, and his legacy lives on as a symbol of the rebels' fight against the Roman Empire.

Trivia

• Actor's Height: Heath Jones, the actor who plays Donar, stands at an impressive 188cm (6'2") tall.
• Name Origin: Donar's name is derived from the Germanic deity of thunder and lightning, similar to the Nordic God Thor. The name "Donar" means "thunder" and suggests that the character is of Germanic origin.
• Possible Tribe: Donar may have originated from the lands of the Chatti tribe, who worshipped a patron god similar to Donar/Thor. The Chatti tribe was located in the northern and central parts of modern-day Hesse, Germany.
• Language: In the episode "Balance", Donar understands and laughs at Lugo's mocking of Oenomaus in his native Germanic language.
• Weapon of Choice: Donar's use of an axe as a weapon, rather than a sword, may indicate that his former gladiator fighting style was Secutor. This also connects him to the Germanic thunder god Donar/Thor, who is famous for his hammer "crusher".
• Character Debut: Although Donar is said to have escaped from the Ludus with Spartacus and the others, he does not appear in the first season and technically debuts in the second season.
• Original Plan: According to an interview with Steven S. DeKnight, Donar was originally intended to be killed off in Spartacus: Vengeance, but this plan was later scrapped.
• Historical Context: Donar's crucified body is presented to the rebels as a warning, which is the opposite of what happened historically. In reality, Spartacus had a Roman captive crucified in plain sight of the Roman army as a message that the rebels would show no mercy.
• Character Rankings: Donar is the 15th main character to be killed in the series.
• Suicide: Donar is the third and last character to commit suicide, following Lucretia and Pietros.