Governor Gumpas

Gumpas is the last governor of the Lone Islands, appearing in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Nothing is known of Gumpas' origins, of how he came to be Governor, or of how long he had held the office when Caspian visited on his famous voyage. Caspian's Telmarine predecessors had discouraged maritime trade and commerce, and paid little attention to their overseas territories. Gumpas and his immediate predecessors had grown used to ruling without Narnian interference. Lord Bern explains to Caspian that "all is done in the King's name. But [Gumpas] would not be best pleased to find a real, live King of Narnia coming in upon him." Gumpas is described as cowardly and dishonest. He rules the islands in a bureaucratic fashion, and laziness and ill-discipline become the hallmarks of the local government. Meanwhile, friendly relations with Calormen are pursued, and the Islands become the centre of a burgeoning (and illegal, under Narnian law) slave trade.

Gumpas' career was brought to an end at Caspian's hands. Caspian, captured by a band of kidnappers and slavers led by one Pug, is purchased by Bern, and immediately set free on the latter discovering his identity. Outraged by all aspects of the situation, and learning that the Governor is colluding with the slavers, Caspian tricks the Governor into believing that a large Narnian fleet is present, and, with Bern and a number of soldiers from the Dawn Treader, visits Gumpas in Narrowhaven Castle the next morning. Gumpas notoriously refuses Caspian an interview without even looking up, and is forcibly removed from the vice-regal chair. Caspian points out that Gumpas is personally liable for 150 years' worth of the tribute due to Narnia from the Islands, and insists over Gumpas' protests that he take action to stop the slave trade. When Gumpas refuses, Caspian immediately dismisses him. Abolishing the office of Governor ("I think we have had enough of Governors"), Caspian appoints Bern as Duke of the Lone Islands. Gumpas is forgiven his debt for the overdue tribute, but given one day to vacate Narrowhaven Castle.

Of his later life and eventual death nothing is known.