Shrike (Hyperion)

The Shrike is the robotic monster and anti-hero of the Hyperion series of science fiction books by Dan Simmons. It is known for impaling people on a massive tree made of metal, whose branches are massive thorns.

Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.

In the book, the Shrike is a key character which binds together the seven pilgrims (Father Lenar Hoyt, Colonel Fedmahn Kassad, Detective Brawne Lamia, Poet Martin Silenus, Scholar Sol Weintraub, a Consul, and Templar Het Masteen).

He is the object of a cult, and guars the Tombs of Time. The Shrike is capable of manipulating time. This, along with his martial art skills backed up with four arms and a spiked armoured body, makes him an unbeatable opponent. In the books, we see the Shrike single-handedly slaughter entire battle corps. Time manipulation making firearms both unnecessary and worthless, the Shrike fights only hand-to-hand.

It seems that the Shrike has been built by the machine god in a distant future in the purpose of creating as much suffering as possible. This would lure the Human god, which is all compassion, and allow the Machine god to destroy it. For this purpose, the Shrike impales his victims on the Shrike Tree, a torture device which keeps its victims alive artificially.

Eventually, with the help of Colonel Fedmahn Kassad, the men of the future, guided by Monena, confront several Shrikes.

In the following Endymion series of books, the Shrike appears as a somewhat benevolant character. The reason for this twist is unknown.