KKC Theory Wiki

Kvothe Will Become the Next Illien and Master the Eight-String Lute

plausible prophecy · popularity 68 · 1 source thread

Ben's prediction that Kvothe could become the next Illien may pay off with Kvothe mastering an eight-string lute in DoS.

About: Kvothe, Illien

Also involves: Abenthy, The Doors of Stone, Felurian

The theory§

This theory holds that Kvothe will fulfill Abenthy's judgment that, given the chance, he could become the next Illien, the legendary musician credited with reshaping the lute and composing songs of unmatched power. Since Kvothe already plays lutes of seven strings and fewer, the prediction is that in the final volume he will master a trouper's eight-string lute as Illien did, and that his renown will rest on his own celebrated compositions, including the Felurian song. The reading is reinforced by Kvothe's fame being recognized through his music: a man identifies him in the frame story after hearing him play. A further note suggests Kvothe may come to possess Illien's own lute, lightly foreshadowed by hints that he will acquire another instrument, his original lute being the one he locked away in the thrice-locked chest. A correction observes that Illien is credited with reshaping the lute, so the eight-string detail should be weighed against that history.

Evidence§

  • Ben said “if he stays here I don’t doubt he will become the next Illien.”
    OP's foundational claim: Ben's in-book prediction Kvothe could become the next Illien. — u/Same-One4912
  • I think in DoS kvothe will learn how to play a troupers lute with 8 strings like illian had. Saying as he already knows how to play it with 7,6,5, and 4
    Core prediction: Kvothe will master the eight-string lute, having already played fewer strings. — u/Same-One4912
  • I also think he actually WILL become the next illian, making the felurian song, jackass jackass, and prolly some more.
    Argues Kvothe's renown rests on his own celebrated compositions, like Illien. — u/Same-One4912
  • He’s renowned for his music as well as his adventures. In the very beginning a man said he knew it was him after he heard him sing.
    Frame-story evidence: Kvothe's fame is recognized through his music. — u/Same-One4912
  • Sang colors to a blind man too..
    Comment adds further evidence of Kvothe's extraordinary musical power. — u/PA55w0rdSkept1c
  • I've wondered whether he might up with Illian's lute itself. It's lightly foreshadowed that he'll be getting another one.
    Refines theory: Kvothe may acquire Illien's own lute, lightly foreshadowed. — u/_jericho
  • I think this portion of the book Ben was just alluding to the fact that he’s special and that whatever he chooses to do he will be the best at it
    CounterCounter: Ben's line is general praise, not a specific lute prediction. — u/dworkman0323

Book refs: NOTW

Tier reasoning§

tier verified: rests on Ben's explicit in-text prediction

Contributors§

Source threads§