What is the relationship between the Holds and Warrens?

This is a big question. Really big. We don't have the full picture, and this FAQ will be fleshed out at a later date.

Basically, the Holds are an older, rawer system of magic that have been superceded by the Warrens in every location except the continent of Lether (which is a special case due to Gothos' Ritual).

It is hard to compare the two systems. The Holds are older and thus you would assume stronger, but it is a consistent feature of the series that the new is often superior to the old. The Holds seem to have the character of a blunt instrument, whereas the Warrens are more intricate, and are wielded with more finesse - just compare the sophisticated sorcery of Malazan battles to the raw walls of power the Letherii and Tiste Edur use.

The Holds also appear to be associated more with the Elder Races, whereas the Warrens are the instruments of the human race.

Known Holds on Lether at the time of MT

Beast - associated with the Imass, now revived and controlled by Togg & Fanderay

Ice - Jaghut territory. "Death" sits on the Throne of this Hold on the continent of Lether. This is widely assumed to refer to Hood, who is unable to act as King of High House Death in this territory because of the Ritual of Gothos

Death (maybe) - the Lether Azath seemed to be acting as an ersatz Hold of Death, but this is perhaps not the correct interpretation

Empty - the source of Letherii power. This is speculated to be either Kurald Emurlahn (which is sundered and without a ruler) or the Hold of Death, which is absent on Lether in its true form.

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