Philippa Spindlehead is a servant in the glass castle who is assigned to Celaena Sardothien during her stay in Rifthold. She is one of the few people to know Celaena's identity as an assassin, apart from the Prince, the captain Chaol Westfall, Duke Perrington and the King.
Biography[]
Throne of Glass[]
Philippa meets Celaena soon after her arrival in Rifthold. She quickly proves herself to be more than a match for the assassin, who initially thinks that Philippa will be easy to manipulate. Philippa bluntly explains her position, that if she doesn't keep up the act of being an airhead court lady she'll be sent back to Endovier.
She performs all the basic duties of a servant for Celaena, helping her dress and schooling her on how to appear like a lady. She begins referring to Celaena as a "poppet" and once remarks that she's pretty enough to be considered a lover of the Prince's. When Celaena frowns at this, Philippa tells her she looks prettier when she smiles.
After Celaena passes her first trial, Philippa cleans her wounds. News comes of the execution of slaves at a camp in Eyllwe, and Nehemia Ytger takes it badly. Celaena attempts to comfort her. She begins menstruating again, as a result of better nutrition and exercise in the castle. Overcome by pains, she is grateful when Philippa brings her some soothing tea. The servant comments on the executions and calls the whole ordeal a shame, though she tells Celaena that Nehemia is lucky to have her as a friend.
Yulemas rolls around, and Philippa goes to wake Celaena up in the morning for temple service. She is surprised to find the assassin already awake and scolds her for eating chocolate and candy at seven in the morning, making her sick. Celaena's giddy attitude proves contagious, however, and Philippa's mood improves, wishing Celaena happy Yulemas. Later, she secretly dresses Celaena to attend the Yulemas Ball.
After the King's Champion Tournament is over, Philippa cleans out Celaena's closets to make room for her new clothes.
Crown of Midnight[]
Philippa continues in her role as Celaena's servant. To accommodate Celaena's new job as the King's champion, Philippa commissions sharp metal pins that can be hidden in her hair so that the assassin won't need to jam knives down her corsets. When Celaena and Chaol begin sleeping together, Philippa procures a contraceptive tonic for her to use.
After Nehemia is murdered, Celaena spirals into a deep depression. Philippa takes care of her as much as possible, reminding her to eat and bathe, while also keeping careful watch that she doesn't kill herself. She mentions Celaena's emotional state to one of the Palace Guard, who later tells Chaol. Philippa shows genuine concern for Celaena during this time. Chaol decides it would be safer for Celaena to go to Wendlyn, and at one point finds her will. In it she leaves everything of material wealth to him, but asks him to consider giving some of it to Philippa.
Queen of Shadows[]
Philippa survives the destruction of the glass castle and is later charged with looking after an unconscious Dorian while he recovers.[citation needed]
Personality and traits[]
Phillipa is often described as a busybody and a talkative character. She is very expansive and kind and doesn't seem to be scared by Celaena even though she knows her occupation. The two almost have a grandmother/granddaughter kind of relationship. Despite this, she can become really insufferable when Celaena ruins or get her new gowns dirty.
Philippa is said to know all the new gossip about the Royal Family. She is also greatly informed about the most recent fashion used by the Rifthold nobility.
Physical description[]
Philippa is described as a large woman, but well contained within her royal household servant gown of cobalt and peach. Her face, while a bit wrinkled, is red-cheeked and finely colored.
Appearances[]
- Throne of Glass (first appearance)
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire (mentioned only)
- Queen of Shadows (mentioned only)