Hodr, known formally as Hodr Krishna IX, is the King of Krisna and a central figure in the Broken Blade narrative. At twenty-five years of age, he stands as a tall and recognizable figure, noted for his green eyes and long ponytail. His background is deeply intertwined with the story's conflict, as he was once a student at the Assam Military Academy. It was there that he befriended Rygart Arrow, the series’ protagonist, in a moment that defines his character: Hodr ditched his class after spotting Rygart trying to save an owl, an act of impulsive kindness that forged their lifelong bond. During his academy days, his habit of gazing out the window and receiving poor grades earned him the ironic nickname the Crowned Prince.

As a leader, Hodr carries the weight of a responsibility he never truly wanted. He ascended to the throne of Krisna reluctantly but strives to be a good and compassionate ruler, placing a high value on the lives of his people. This concern for his subjects defines his leadership style, often pushing him toward diplomatic solutions to avoid bloodshed. He is thoughtful and introspective, a man who prioritizes the well-being of his kingdom and those he loves over his own personal desires. This is most evident in his complex relationship with his wife, Queen Sigyn Erster. Their marriage is a union of practicality rather than passion. Hodr is acutely aware that Sigyn has always loved Rygart, and he suppresses his own genuine love for her, believing that she and Rygart belong together. He carries this emotional burden quietly, acting with a selfless and melancholic dignity.

Hodr’s primary role in the story is as the sovereign leader of Krisna during a devastating invasion by the neighboring superpower, Athens. Facing overwhelming military force, he is placed in an impossible position. The diplomatic terms offered by Athens are unacceptable, as they secretly include the execution of the entire royal family, including Sigyn, upon surrender. This hidden clause galvanizes his resolve to fight, as the cost of peace would be the lives of those he is sworn to protect. His decision to resist sets the entire plot in motion, leading to the summoning of Rygart to the capital and the awakening of the ancient Golem, Delphine.

His key relationships form the emotional core of the narrative. His friendship with Rygart is a bond of deep loyalty and understanding, tested by the brutal realities of war. Despite being Sigyn's husband, Hodr does not harbor jealousy toward Rygart; instead, he becomes one of his strongest supporters. In a pivotal moment, he reveals that Sigyn has petitioned for a divorce and confronts Rygart, urging him to stop hiding his true feelings for her. This act underscores his profound love for both of them, prioritizing their happiness over his own position. His relationship with Sigyn is defined by this quiet, unspoken understanding and mutual respect, even as their marriage dissolves. This situation is further complicated by the fact that his younger sister, Lindy, is married to a general from the invading army of Athens, placing his family directly on opposite sides of the conflict.

Throughout the story, Hodr undergoes significant development, transforming from a reluctant, somewhat passive prince into a decisive and hardened wartime king. Initially desiring only to avoid conflict, he accepts the grim necessity of leading a resistance. His personal growth is marked by his increasing willingness to make difficult choices and his emotional honesty with Rygart, shedding the pretense of a loveless marriage to reveal the painful, self-sacrificing nature of his heart. While he does not pilot a Golem in combat, his notable abilities lie in his strategic leadership as Supreme Commander of the Krisna forces and his profound emotional intelligence, which allows him to navigate the tangled feelings between his queen and his best friend for the greater good.