KKC Theory Wiki

The Arrow Catch

object · importance 38 · 1 theory

“Kvothe's sygaldry device that stops incoming arrows”

Appearance§

The arrow catch is built around eight bear-trap-style springs that must be cocked and reset, arranged so that an arrow's impact induces a rotation swinging the un-snapped springs into perpendicular positions to deflect further arrows. It is not subtle, producing a noticeable opposing force and an audible ringing thud on impact, loud enough that 'clank' was a candidate name.

Description§

The arrow catch is a sygaldry device that Kvothe designs and builds in the Fishery, the University's Artificery. It functions as an automatic shield against incoming arrows, built cheaply and quickly from molds. The mechanism uses eight bear-trap springs that must be cocked and reset; the impact of an arrow induces a rotation that swings the un-snapped springs into perpendicular positions, so they deflect further arrows rather than speed them toward their target. The device is not subtle, generating a noticeable opposing force and a distinctive ringing thud on impact. Kilvin tests it, handling it with evident familiarity with weapons and with the bone- or obsidian-tipped arrows of raiders, and observes that it does not, precisely, catch the arrow; Kvothe replies that the alternative name was 'clank.' When Kvothe compares it to Delivari's named axle, he jokes that he cannot call the device 'the Kvothe.' Kvothe leaves before naming it, and in his absence Kilvin formalizes the name and enters the schema into the records.

Relationships§

  • Designed By Kvothe — Kvothe designs and builds the arrow catch in the Fishery
  • Made At The University — Built in the University's Artificery
  • Uses Sygaldry — A sygaldry device functioning as an automatic shield against arrows
  • Named By Master Kilvin — Kvothe leaves before naming it; Kilvin formalizes the name and enters the schema into the records
  • Built In The Fishery — Built in the Fishery, the University's Artificery

Established facts§

  • The arrow catch is a sygaldry device Kvothe designs and builds in the Fishery, the University's Artificery.
  • It functions as an automatic shield that deflects incoming arrows, built cheaply and quickly from molds.
  • The mechanism uses eight bear-trap springs that must be reset; an arrow's impact rotates the device to swing un-snapped springs perpendicular to deflect further arrows.
  • The device is not subtle, generating a noticeable opposing force and a distinctive ringing thud on impact.
  • Kilvin notes it does not, precisely, catch the arrow, and Kvothe replies the alternative was to call it a 'clank.'
  • Kilvin tests it, demonstrating familiarity with weapons and with bone- or obsidian-tipped raider arrows.
  • Kvothe compares it to Delivari's named axle, joking that he cannot call the device 'the Kvothe.'
  • Kvothe leaves before naming it, and Kilvin formalizes the name and enters the schema into the records in his absence.

Theories§

Appears in theories§

Top contributors§

People on r/KingkillerChronicle who built the theories above.