What is the name of this character?

[graywulf]

I haven't read these books for ages, but I have the urge to find the passages about this character/ remember his name. I believe he was first spotted with his donkey or horse by Belgarath and Garion as they were journeying somewhere (forest/mountainous setting). Belgarath signified that he'd met the man before and described him as being able to tell you "how many leaves are on a tree by just looking at it." Garion sees the man at another point (in the Mallorean I believe) as he is travelling to that place where all the seers are -- the hive-minded ones *I THINK*. I'm going based off the image in my head but I believe he was described as somewhat old, with white/gray hair, maybe a beard. Overall this guy is just really mysterious and I'd like to read a little into his significance.

Could anyone help me remember this character's name (if he's given one) or what pages he appears? Thanks.

[Talysia]

I remember the character you're talking about, but I don't think he had a name. I remember him as a gold hunter who accompanied them for a while in the Belgariad (he mentions seeing a river bar, which Silk automatically wants to know where it is).

I haven't read the books for a while myself, so I can't remember exactly which pages he shows up on, though. I'll have to have a look.

[devilsgrin]

he also features in both Polgara the Sorceress and Belgarath the Sorceror, but he is never named. Belgarath makes mention of the fact that he never introduced himself to either of them - and the three of them spent an entire winter in a cave together.

[The Ace]

He's just a strange old man, he never told Belgarath his name. (The one who met them outside Kell could've been his brother.)

Both turn up at just the right time to give Garion important information.

[evil_genius666]

I kinda suspect that it was Aldur...remember when he found Belgarath when he was a kid he had a cart and a horse/mules...cant remember.

[YuYus dumber Brother]

Also think it was Aldur. With Polgara and the staying in a cave the old man spoke to Belgarath. Mentioned something about not using this role to come out for a while.

[ghost8772]

ummmm. no. Aldur was humorous old man in cart. thats how he recruited ALL his Disciples. and when Cherek and the boys were heading for Aloria after regaining the Orb was the last time Aldur made an appearance. to tell Belgarath that he was going away, and why. they prospector, as well as the Hermit (Castle of Wizardry, and Seeress of Kell) were there to impart some kernel of information about the universe in general and some observations of the area. instrument of necessity. YEP, divinity? not one of the listed ones.

[white_wanderer]

Maybe it was the Author. Clive Cussler always had his characters encounter an old man called Clive, always in a different location.
Maybe Eddings has written himself in as an old goldminer.

[The Ace]

That would surprise no-one WW, maybe that's why they were never named.