KKC Theory Wiki

Elxa Dal

character · importance 45 · 2 theories

“University Master of Sympathy who knows the name of fire”

also known as Master Dal

Appearance§

Elxa Dal has a dark beard and a lean face, and the books liken him three times to the archetypal sinister magician of bad Aturan plays. Despite this theatrically menacing appearance, his manner is warm, and he is the only master who looks truly comfortable in his formal robes. He gives Kvothe sympathetic looks during examinations.

Description§

Elxa Dal is a master of the Arcanum at the University, holding the chair of Sympathy as Master Sympathist. He appears throughout Kvothe's admissions and examinations, questioning him on the synodic period of the moon and on sympathetic bindings such as linear galvanic attraction and the distance of insurmountable decay for iron. He is one of the few confirmed Namers in the story, known for calling the name of fire to light a brazier and to keep the flames from harming him, teaching that all fires are one fire and the sympathist's to command. He tracks Kvothe's growing dominance in the sympathy duels, and before Kvothe leaves the University he tells him the story "The Ignorant Edema." In Advanced Sympathy he teaches students to draw heat from blood, training them in how much can safely be taken from a living body. He also tells Kvothe that hearing anything when a name is spoken aloud is a good sign of naming potential.

Relationships§

  • Examiner Of Kvothe — Questions Kvothe at admissions and tracks his dominance in sympathy duels
  • Master At The University — Holds the chair of Sympathy as Master Sympathist
  • Practitioner Of Naming — One of the few confirmed Namers, knowing the name of fire
  • Fellow Master Elodin — Another master of the Arcanum at the University
  • Master Of Sympathy — Holds the chair of Sympathy; teaches Advanced Sympathy
  • Member Of The Arcanum — A master of the Arcanum at the University

Established facts§

  • Elxa Dal is a master at the University, holding the chair of Sympathy as Master Sympathist.
  • He knows the name of fire, calling it to light a brazier and to keep the flames from harming him.
  • He teaches that all fires are one fire, and all fires are the sympathist's to command.
  • He participates in Kvothe's admissions and examinations, questioning him on the synodic period of the moon and on sympathetic bindings such as linear galvanic attraction and the distance of insurmountable decay for iron.
  • He tracks Kvothe's progress in the sympathy duels, observing him become dominant.
  • He tells Kvothe the story "The Ignorant Edema" before Kvothe leaves the University.
  • In Advanced Sympathy he teaches students to draw heat from blood, including how much can safely be taken from a living body.
  • He tells Kvothe that hearing anything when a name is spoken aloud is a good sign of naming potential.
  • He has a dark beard and a lean face, and the books liken him three times to the sinister magician of bad Aturan plays despite his warm manner.

Theories§

Appears in theories§

Top contributors§

People on r/KingkillerChronicle who built the theories above.