KKC Theory Wiki

The Underthing

location · importance 68 · 3 theories

“Ancient ruined tunnels beneath the University where Auri lives”

Appearance§

An expansive subterranean labyrinth of tunnels, halls, and chambers in deep disrepair: collapsed and crumbling stonework, bricked-up windows, rotten wood, copper pillars, and rusted iron machinery including a great water wheel, all aged and verdigris-stained over centuries. It runs deep underground and underwater, with rooms set at least fifty feet below the surface. It is lit only by what light is carried in, such as Auri's blue-green glow from Foxen and her spirit lamp, whose cerulean cast softens the shadows. Cold stone, still water, and hidden recesses dominate the atmosphere.

Description§

The Underthing is a vast network of ancient ruins beneath the University, where the fragile girl Auri makes her home. Mouldering and half-collapsed after uncounted centuries, it is filled with rusted iron machinery, copper pillars, rotten wood, verdigris-stained surfaces, and bricked-up windows, and runs deep underground and underwater across many layers. It is generally understood to be the ruins of an older University, since Elodin states that the present University was built upon such ruins. Among its features are a great iron wheel, rooms at least fifty feet below ground, sealed doors, and former workrooms. While exploring it, Kvothe discovers a hidden way into the Archives, and the Underthing connects toward the four-plate door, a sealed door deep underground near the Archives. Auri has named the spaces of the Underthing and arranged them with private meaning, with the room she calls Mantle serving as her safest and most personal space. The novella The Slow Regard of Silent Things is set entirely within the Underthing and depicts Auri's daily routines there, including her old lab and the safe place she arranges for Kvothe.

Relationships§

  • Explored By Kvothe — Kvothe meets and visits Auri here and explores it
  • Beneath The University — a vast network of ancient ruins beneath the University
  • Identified By Elodin — Elodin states the present University was built upon ruins of an older one
  • Connects To The Archives — Kvothe discovers a hidden way into the Archives while exploring it
  • Connects Toward The Four-Plate Door — connects toward the four-plate door near the Archives
  • Home Of Auri — Auri makes her home here and has named its spaces
  • Setting Of The Slow Regard of Silent Things — the novella is set entirely within the Underthing

Established facts§

  • The Underthing is a vast underground ruin beneath the University, mouldering and half-collapsed after uncounted centuries.
  • It contains rusted iron machinery, a great iron wheel, copper pillars, rotten wood, verdigris-stained surfaces, and bricked-up windows.
  • It runs deep underground and underwater across many layers, with rooms set at least fifty feet below the surface.
  • Auri lives in the Underthing, where Kvothe meets and visits her, and she has named various locations within it.
  • Elodin states that the present University was built upon the ruins of an older University, consistent with the Underthing being that earlier site.
  • While exploring the Underthing, Kvothe discovers a hidden way into the Archives.
  • The Underthing connects toward the four-plate door, a sealed door deep underground near the Archives.
  • The Underthing contains former workrooms, cogs, machinery, and sealed doors.
  • Auri's room Mantle serves as her safest and most personal space within the Underthing.
  • Kvothe leaves bottles bobbing in the Underthing's water to foil tracking.
  • The Slow Regard of Silent Things is set entirely in the Underthing and depicts Auri's daily life and routines, including her lab and a safe place she arranges for Kvothe.

Theories§

Appears in theories§

Top contributors§

People on r/KingkillerChronicle who built the theories above.