KKC Theory Wiki

Abenthy the Arcanist May Secretly Be One of the Chandrian

fringe identity · popularity 135 · 1 source thread

Ben's deep Chandrian knowledge, convenient arrival and timely departure suggest he is a disguised Chandrian.

About: Abenthy, The Chandrian

Also involves: Kvothe, Arliden, Cinder, The Lackless Box

The theory§

This theory holds that Abenthy, the travelling arcanist who joins Arliden's troupe, is secretly one of the Chandrian moving in disguise. Its foundation is his command of Chandrian lore: he teaches Arliden that they number seven and knows their signs, a depth of knowledge that outpaces Arliden's own long research into the song. The circumstantial case rests on timing and outcome, that Abenthy departs the troupe shortly before the massacre, that the Chandrian never pursue Kvothe afterward, and that Kvothe is repeatedly preserved by unexplained luck, suggesting a hidden guardian. A purported clue is offered in a recorded Q&A where Rothfuss, asked which Chandrian would be easiest to sympathise with, named Abenthy after a long pause, though he framed the answer as dry humour. The reasoning is undercut by Kvothe recognising the Chandrian at the scene of the slaughter without naming Ben among them, and by Kote remembering Ben fondly as his first true teacher.

Evidence§

  • Ben discusses the Chandrian with Arliden, and Ben just happens to know tons about the Chandrian. He teaches Arliden that the Chandrian are definitely seven, and that the name chandrian comes from the word for seven. … Ben knows more about the Chandrian than Arliden who has been researching for a couple of years.
    Core claim: Ben's Chandrian knowledge outpaces Arliden's, suggesting insider status. — u/chainsawx72
  • He knows one of the Chandrian has black eyes, (Cinder) and he knows the signs of shadow, blue flame, cold, blight, rust, and wood rot.
    Detail of Ben's suspiciously specific knowledge of the signs. — u/chainsawx72
  • Abenthy leaves the troupe conveniently between hearing the first part of the Lanre song, and the troupe getting killed by the Chandrian.
    Timing argument: convenient departure just before the massacre. — u/chainsawx72
  • Abenthy single handedly puts Kvothe in the direction of naming and the university. When combined with the fact the Chandrian do not kill Kvothe or hunt him down later, my overall theory is that the Chandrian know Kvothe is a lackless
    Outcome argument: Ben guides Kvothe and Chandrian spare him, implying a plan. — u/chainsawx72
  • Question posed to Pat: "Which one of the Chandrian would be easiest to humanize if I were trying to defend their actions." Rothfuss quickly answers "Well, that is a little different. Then I would say... Abenthy... ummm"
    Purported author clue: Rothfuss names Abenthy in a Chandrian Q&A. — u/chainsawx72
  • Then Abenthy leaves right on time, Kvothe's troupe is attacked exactly when Kvothe is out of harms way, and then spared as the only survivor? . . . This is too much to be coincidence in my opinion. Then, throughout the story, Kvothe is protected by mysterious gusts of wind that save his life, money randomly appears in his purse
    Comment reinforces timing plus unexplained luck as a hidden guardian. — u/TrentBobart
  • If Abenthy was a Chandrian, why would he offer up any information about them which Arliden didn't already know?
    CounterCounter: a real Chandrian would not volunteer dangerous lore. — u/Liesmith424
  • This may be so but I'm hesitant to believe as Kote in his retelling spoke fondly of Ben, saying he meant well and was his first true teacher.
    CounterCounter: Kote remembers Ben fondly, undercutting villainy. — u/Zan100

Book refs: NOTW

Tier reasoning§

tier confirmed fringe: rests on a joke clue and circumstantial timing

Contributors§

Source threads§