KKC Theory WikiAbenthy Was the Arcanist Who Lived in Caudicus's Tower Before Him
The alchemy gear, blue-flame candles, and distillery in Caudicus's tower all match Abenthy's known skills and showmanship.
Also involves: Maer Lerand Alveron, The Chandrian, Laurian, Meluan Lackless, Severen, Vintas
The theory§
Abenthy, the arcanist who first taught Kvothe sympathy and the foundations of the Arcanum, is proposed as the predecessor who occupied Caudicus's tower at Maer Alveron's estate in Severen. When Kvothe enters the tower he notes a stuffed crocodile that Caudicus says belonged to the previous arcanist, alongside genuine alchemical apparatus, blueflame candles used purely for showmanship, and an impressive distillery, none of which Caudicus actually employs for real alchemy. Each of these matches Abenthy specifically: he is an alchemist whose eyebrows are perpetually burned off, he uses blue candles for theatrical effect, and Kvothe learned to distil liquor under his tutelage. The reasoning holds that the gear belonged to a true alchemist predecessor, and Abenthy fits the profile better than the chemistry-dabbling Caudicus. One extension suggests Abenthy was dispatched by the Maer to find the missing Lackless sister, Netalia, whose discovery and reported happiness would explain both his replacement and the family's decision to renounce her memory; another links his unusual knowledge of the Chandrian to research done in noble service. Counterpoints note Abenthy seems too crass and too poor to have left a court appointment cleanly, and that Kvothe's word on what is or isn't alchemy is unreliable.
Evidence§
Caudicus says the crocodile belonged to the arcanist who lived there before him. That struck me as one of those seemingly insignificant details that may actually be hinting at someone we've already met.
OP's core premise: the prior tower arcanist is someone already met in the story. — u/IronAndBileIn the tower there's a lot of alchemy gear Caudicus doesn't seem to be using for alchemy. … It wasn’t alchemy. I knew that from watching Simmon work. This was barely even chemistry.
Gear implies a true alchemist predecessor, since Caudicus does no real alchemy. — u/IronAndBileCaudicus uses blueflame candles that Kvothe figures are just showmanship. … I took care to look suitably impressed even though I knew they were just for show.
Blue showmanship candles match a known character's signature trick. — u/IronAndBilea certain arcanist we meet early on in the story who is an alchemist, makes blueflame candles for showmanship, and is a dab hand at distilling liquor. … no eyebrows. Rather, he had them, but they were in a perpetual state of regrowing from being burned off in the course of his alchemical pursuits.
Abenthy fits the profile: alchemist, blue candles, distilling, burned-off eyebrows. — u/IronAndBileBut Ben does mention court-appointed arcanists when he's talking to Kvothe's parents about his prospects as an arcanist. It would make sense if Ben himself had been one.
OP edit: Ben's talk of court appointments hints he held one himself. — u/IronAndBileWondering if Ben went on a mission to find the missing sister (at the Maer’s request to satisfy a powerful family in distress) and report back … His report of her happiness could result in his replacement.
Comment extends theory: Maer sent Ben to find Netalia, explaining his replacement. — u/MNVikingsFan4LifeYou really shouldn't take Kvothe's word on anything related to Alchemy.. PR hammers that home as hard as he possibly can.. … “I know nothing about alchemy.”
CounterCounter: Kvothe is unreliable on what is or isn't alchemy in the tower. — u/ZhorangiBen is a bit crass for a court appointed arcanist. He doesn't seem to act like a person that spent significant time in court.
CounterCounter: Ben seems too crass and too poor to have left a court post cleanly. — u/Sandal-Hat
Book refs: NOTW, WMF
Tier reasoning§
tier kept: strong circumstantial match, not stated outright
Contributors§
- u/ImJustAVG — extended · 57 pts
- u/MNVikingsFan4Life — extended · 47 pts