Why does Kaz Brekker use a cane in ‘Shadow and Bone?’ Kaz Brekker’s disability, explained

Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the Shadow and Bone TV adaptation and the Six of Crows duology.

Netflix’s Shadow and Bone has introduced the general public to one of the most popular fantasy universes in recent years, the Grishaverse. Adapted from Leigh Bardugo’s book series, the TV show mixes in elements and characters from both the Shadow and Bone trilogy, as well as the Six of Crows duology. This allowed the streaming network to include some of the Grishaverse fans’ most beloved characters, the Crows, whose appearances in the story would’ve happened much later otherwise.

The Crows — also known as Dregs — are undoubtedly an interesting bunch, made up of highly skilled individuals who will do what they must for the right compensation, including (but not limited to) thieving, lying, and scheming. Among them, Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter) stands out as the quick-witted and vengeful leader of the group.

In season one of the show, the audience got a glimpse into Kaz’s personality and skills, but one important aspect of this character remained unaddressed. As one can likely imagine, Kaz’s ever-present cane isn’t there for aesthetic purposes, or to be used as a weapon (although he has done so when the circumstance called for it). For attentive viewers who noticed the character limping, it must not come as a surprise to learn that the Crows’ leader is actually disabled and needs a cane to aid his walking.

Regarding what caused Kaz to get a limp, the TV show hasn’t provided an answer thus far, but we can trust the Grishaverse books to fill in the gaps.

How did Kaz Brekker become disabled?

In the books, Kaz’s limp is the result of an injury to his leg, which happened during his early days as part of the Dregs. During a job for the gang, Kaz attempted to make a hasty getaway by jumping from the roof of a bank, landing hard on his right leg. Of course, the leg broke, and because the injury never healed properly, the character became reliant on his cane. As is the case for many other disabled people, the severity of Kaz’s limp may vary due to external factors, such as the weather.

Kaz doesn’t see his disability as a hindrance to his work, but rather as an effective surprise element, since his enemies tend to discredit his skills due to his noticeable limping. At one point, the Crows’ leader is even offered the opportunity to have his leg healed, which he declines. This is a refreshing take on disabled representation in media and overwhelmingly welcomed by the Grishaverse fandom. Hopefully, Kaz’s injury and feelings regarding his disability will be further explored in upcoming episodes of Shadow and Bone, or the series’ rumored spinoff.

Season two of Shadow and Bone will be arriving on Netflix on March 16.