Who Is Tasslehoff Burrfoot? The Funniest Kender in Dragonlance Explained

Tasslehoff Burrfoot: The Mischievous Heart of Dragonlance

Tasslehoff Burrfoot, the fearless and endlessly curious kender from the Dragonlance saga, is one of fantasy literature’s most beloved and chaotic characters. With his infectious energy, knack for “borrowing” items, and complete lack of fear, Tasslehoff isn’t just comic relief—he’s a surprising hero whose antics have helped save (and nearly doom) the world of Krynn on more than one occasion.

In this post, we’ll dive into who Tasslehoff is, why fans adore him, and some of the unforgettable mischief he’s caused across the Dragonlance Chronicles, Legends, and beyond.

Who Is Tasslehoff Burrfoot?

Tasslehoff Burrfoot, often called “Tas” by his friends, is a kender—a race native to the world of Krynn that resembles halflings or hobbits from other fantasy settings. However, kender are uniquely defined by:

• Childlike wonder
• Boundless curiosity
• Fearlessness (to a dangerous degree)
• A tendency to “borrow” things and forget to return them

Tas exemplifies all of these traits in spades. He first appears in Dragons of Autumn Twilight, the first book in the Dragonlance Chronicles, and quickly cements himself as the wild card in the party of adventurers known as the Heroes of the Lance.

Why Tasslehoff Is a Fan Favorite

Tasslehoff is not your typical fantasy rogue. He doesn’t lie, doesn’t steal (in his own mind), and is honest to a fault. His mischievous nature comes not from malice, but from curiosity. He genuinely wants to understand everything—why a door is locked, what’s inside a wizard’s pouch, or what happens if you push that obviously magical glowing button.

Tas brings humor, heart, and surprisingly deep insight to the story. His innocence and optimism often provide clarity when others are mired in moral complexity or despair. In a world threatened by dragons, dark gods, and devastating wars, Tasslehoff reminds readers what it means to face danger with courage, laughter, and friendship.

Iconic Mischief from Tasslehoff Burrfoot

1. The Time He “Borrowed” the Device of Time Journeying

One of Tasslehoff’s most significant and hilarious accidents occurs in the Legends trilogy, where he becomes entangled in the Device of Time Journeying, a magical artifact designed to allow time travel.

Tas didn’t mean to mess with the timeline—he just wanted to know how the device worked. Before anyone could stop him, he was zipping through history, encountering legendary figures like Fistandantilus, seeing the Cataclysm, and accidentally influencing major events. His chaotic journey ended up being crucial in stopping Raistlin Majere’s attempt to challenge the gods themselves.

That’s right: the fate of the world hinged on Tasslehoff’s curiosity—and maybe a little clumsiness.

2. Wreaking Havoc in the Tower of High Sorcery

In Dragons of Winter Night, the Heroes of the Lance enter the Tower of High Sorcery in Wayreth. A place full of magical artifacts and dangerous enchantments—basically a kender’s dream come true.

Tas, naturally, cannot help himself. He opens doors, pokes at arcane devices, and triggers traps, much to the horror of his companions. While some of his actions nearly get everyone killed, others inadvertently help them navigate the tower’s complexities.

At one point, he grabs a wand that starts spewing glittering magical effects, purely because it looked interesting. Though infuriating to mages like Raistlin, Tasslehoff’s meddling is never malicious—just part of his unstoppable thirst for exploration.

3. His Invention of the Map That Made No Sense

In The War of the Lance, Tas decides to help by drawing a map to guide the companions through enemy territory. The result? A hilariously useless scrawl filled with incorrect directions, cryptic doodles, and landmarks like “the place where the funny bird flew into my face.”

Despite its lack of utility, the map becomes a cherished moment for readers—a symbol of Tasslehoff’s unique way of seeing the world. It also shows his sincere desire to help, even when he’s way out of his depth.

4. The Time He Defeated a Dragon by Accident

Yes, you read that right. Tasslehoff once helped bring down a dragon.

During a chaotic battle in Dragons of Spring Dawning, Tas finds himself face-to-face with a red dragon. Instead of running (which, as a kender, he never considers), he distracts the beast with taunts and shiny objects, eventually allowing his friends the opportunity to strike the killing blow.

It’s a perfect example of how Tas turns what seems like reckless behavior into a heroic act. His unpredictable actions throw enemies off-balance, and his bravery—though born of fearlessness, not courage—is no less real.

Tasslehoff’s Role in the War of the Lance

While many see Tasslehoff as comic relief, his presence in the War of the Lance is essential. He helps retrieve the Disks of Mishakal, bringing divine magic back to the world. He forms close bonds with Flint Fireforge, Tanis Half-Elven, and even the stern knight Sturm Brightblade, who comes to appreciate Tas’s honesty and loyalty.

Tasslehoff is also instrumental in rallying hope during dark times. His unwavering belief in his friends, and his ability to laugh even when facing a dragon, brings balance to a story often filled with grim battles and political intrigue.

Tasslehoff Burrfoot in Later Books

Tasslehoff’s adventures don’t end with the Chronicles. He features heavily in:

• The Legends Trilogy – Particularly in Time of the Twins, War of the Twins, and Test of the Twins, where he travels through time and plays a critical role in Raistlin’s story arc.
• The War of Souls Trilogy – Much later in the timeline, Tasslehoff returns (thanks to time travel and some divine nudging) to witness the final days of the gods on Krynn. His role is once again unexpectedly pivotal.

In these later books, we see a more mature Tasslehoff—still mischievous, still curious, but with a deeper understanding of sacrifice and mortality.

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Tasslehoff Burrfoot stands out in a genre that often leans heavily on brooding antiheroes and epic seriousness. He’s a breath of fresh air—a reminder that heroism can come with a grin, and that saving the world sometimes involves a little chaos, a lot of heart, and a pouch full of things you absolutely did not steal.

Final Thoughts: A Hero in His Own Right

Tasslehoff Burrfoot is more than just a sidekick. He’s a symbol of freedom, whimsy, and the magic of seeing the world with wonder. Whether he’s stealing a magical artifact “accidentally,” befriending dragons, or breaking the fabric of time itself, Tas continues to charm readers across generations.

In a world full of darkness and war, Tasslehoff proves that laughter and loyalty can be just as powerful as swords and spells.