Athos

Also known as: Comte de la Fere / M. de la Fere / M. le Comte de la Fere / M. le comte / Monsieur le Comte de la Fere / comte / the comte / the count · Family: French court · Role: count · First appears: Chapter 24

In chapter 24, Athos solicits Mademoiselle de la Vallière’s hand for Raoul. By chapter 40, he is a trusted friend of Aramis and Madame de Chevreuse, valued for his discretion.

In chapter 58, Athos condemns Louis XIV’s treatment of Raoul, declares that the king has become his enemy, and renounces his service: “You are now become our enemy, sire”. He confirms to Raoul that the king loves Mademoiselle de la Vallière, and says that neither of them will serve Louis XIV again. As Raoul’s guardian, Athos has brought him up according to the principles he follows himself.

In chapters 62–65, D’Artagnan receives orders to arrest Athos, who breaks his sword before Louis XIV and insists, “No, no, take me to the Bastile.” At the Bastile, he is received by Baisemeaux and finds Aramis there; D’Artagnan leaves him in his place while departing on duty. Though an order is issued to detain him, it is immediately revoked, and Athos leaves with D’Artagnan after embracing Aramis and shaking hands with Baisemeaux.

In chapter 66, Athos explains that he had merely taken a drive in D’Artagnan’s carriage. He and Raoul leave Paris for Blois, while Grimaud, his employer’s servant, returns to Paris with the horses; the carriage is left to Porthos and D’Artagnan. Before departing, Athos and Raoul embrace and exchange pledges of eternal friendship, and Athos calls Porthos his “best of friends.”