KKC Theory WikiModegan Polyamory Could Drive a Wedge Between Sim and Kvothe in Book 3
Fela's polyamorous Modegan culture may lead her to pursue Kvothe, straining her relationship with the Atuarn-raised Sim.
Also involves: Wilem, Modegan Polyamory
The theory§
This theory reads the relationship between Fela and Simmon as built on a cultural fault line that could fracture Kvothe's friendship with Sim in the final book. A Worldbuilders charity comic, drawn with Oh Joy Sex Toy and endorsed by Rothfuss, labels Fela 'polyamorous Modegan' and Sim 'conflicted Atuarn,' formalizing a tension already present in the text. In Wise Man's Fear, Wilem reveals Fela is Modegan with a grin Kvothe calls almost demonic, and Sim sighs wretchedly, all during a conversation about women controlling the bed, implying Modegan women carry a specific sexual reputation. Modegan culture is portrayed throughout as sexually open, exemplified by Sovoy, while Aturan culture, Sim's, is comparatively repressed. Given Fela's lingering attraction to Kvothe, the theory proposes that a Fela-initiated polyamorous arrangement could pressure Sim and corrode his bond with Kvothe, contributing to Kvothe's downward spiral.
Evidence§
Before this statement Wilem, Kvothe, and Sim are all discussing how Women Control the bed. Meaning that the importance of Fela being Modegan must relate to something sexual.
OP's core premise: Fela being Modegan carries a sexual significance, raised mid sex-talk — u/Throw-away-441Go down to the Fela section and read what it states Fela: Polyamourous **Modegan**. Sim: Conflicted **Atuarn.**
Rothfuss-endorsed comic formalizes the cultural fault line: polyamorous vs conflicted — u/Throw-away-441HUH, Sim goes on to explain how he was culturally taught to find Polyamory wrong, and Fela seems to have the exact opposite point of view.
Establishes the opposing cultural attitudes that create tension between the couple — u/Throw-away-441Because who is the person Fela has consistently and vocally said to be attracted towards. Who is the person who after their adventures is more than open for sex? … Maybe uh...KVOTHE!
OP names Kvothe as the third party, given Fela's stated attraction to him — u/Throw-away-441But if it was something they were willingly trying to get into, and just ended up rubbing Sim the wrong way...well that would still cause a strain in their friendship.
OP's conclusion: a polyamorous arrangement could corrode the Sim-Kvothe bond — u/Throw-away-441Sim knows Fella wants the 3some because she was already trying to convince him before Kvothe left. This is why Sim is constantly bringing up Denna ("his lady love"). She probably stopped when Kvothe disappeared and he is worried the pressure is about to start up again.
Comment adds textual support: Sim's Denna mentions read as deflecting Fela's pressure — u/zerosum79Modegans are very open about sexuality. Aturans, like Sim, come from a much more sexually repressed culture. … We get the biggest picture of the openness of Modeg from a few encounters with Sovoy.
Comment grounds the cultural contrast in Sovoy's portrayal of Modegan openness — u/zaphodavashe likes the way he looks at her, she actually squirms in her seat, but she wouldn't have a relationship with him (because he's too distant and gives the impression he would leave)
Comment notes Fela's attraction to Kvothe but her refusal of a relationship with him — u/Jandy777I don't think this will go beyond hurting Kvothe and Simm's relationship. I think that this will definitely be a stepping stone into Kvothe's downward spiral, but I don't think it will be *the* big moment.
CounterCounter: agrees on plausibility but downplays it as a minor stepping stone — u/LightningRavenI'd be extremely surprised if Rothfuss went in this direction, it's too melodramatic, and not in keeping with Kvothe's character.
CounterCounter: rejects the theory as too melodramatic and out of character — u/TacticalDo
Book refs: WMF
Tier reasoning§
tier kept: author-confirmed cultural labels support a plausible book-3 prediction