Han Cunningham

ハーン・カニンガム Hān Kaningamu

Artwork by Ishikawa Fumi

Physical Information

Race

Human

Gender

Male

Birth Date

SY 396

Age

65 (S2)

Biographical Information

From

Highland Kingdom

Meta Information

Appearances

Suikoden II

Han Cunningham (ハーン・カニンガム, Hān Kaningamu) is a supporting character in Suikoden II. Han is a Highland general and the former bearer of the Black Sword Rune. He was a close friend of Genkaku.

History

Han Cunningham was a renowned hero and military commander of the Highland Kingdom, celebrated for his valor and leadership on the battlefield.

Born into a distinguished military family, Han rose to prominence as the commander of the Highland 1st Army during the war between Highland and the City-States of Jowston.

He shared a deep friendship and rivalry with Genkaku, a warrior who fought for the City-States, as both hailed from the same village. Their bond was one of mutual respect and admiration, tempered by the fierce competition between them.

During the war, Han and Genkaku encountered the split Rune of Beginning in Toto Village, with Han inheriting the Black Sword Rune. Recognizing each other's strength, the two agreed to a duel to determine the outcome of the war, a testament to their shared desire to test their skills against one another.

However, their duel was thwarted by Darell's conspiracy, resulting in Genkaku's disappearance and Han being falsely hailed as the hero who ended the war. This undeserved acclaim left Han burdened with guilt and a lingering darkness in his heart, as he felt his victory was built on deceit.

Following the war in SY 434, Han and Genkaku returned their runes to the shrine in Toto Village. Han was appointed Commander of the Highland 2nd Army and tasked with defending the Imperial Capital, L'Renouille. Stationed in the capital, he would also serve as Prince Luca Blight's sword instructor for a number of years.

He remained in the capital during the attack on King Agares' royal caravan in SY 443, though he did lead the rescue effort. He also played no active role in the Dunan Unification War until its final stages.

Some speculated that Luca Blight deliberately kept Han out of the public eye, wary of his influence and integrity. Though Han held great disdain for Luca's brutal methods, he refrained from openly opposing him, adhering to his duty as a soldier. He did not interact with Jowy Atreides much, due to the two operating in different fields.

When the Highland capital was besieged by the New State Army, Han made his final stand within the L'Renouille Palace. Seeing reflections of himself and Genkaku in the hero—Genkaku's adopted child—and Jowy Atreides, Han challenged the New State Army's leader to single combat.

This act was both a defense of the palace and a personal reckoning, as Han sought to settle the unresolved duel with Genkaku and atone for what he saw as his failure to fulfill the responsibility of the Rune of Beginning.

Defeated but at peace, Han spent his final moments reminiscing about his days with Genkaku. He passed away serenely, satisfied that he had finally settled his score with his friend and rival, and confident that the hero would usher in the era of peace he and Genkaku had been unable to achieve.