Melody answers “I don't get the whole "real name of...”

Cai asked this question about The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air, #2):

I don't get the whole "real name of cardan" thing, Isn't cardan his name? can someone please explain?

Melody I got you, fam. A common element in faerie lore is this idea of a True Name. All faeries have names they call themselves in public (e.g. Cardan, Locke…moreI got you, fam. A common element in faerie lore is this idea of a True Name. All faeries have names they call themselves in public (e.g. Cardan, Locke, Nicasia, etc.), but all faeries also have a True Name that is their most carefully guarded secret. If Jude had discovered Cardan's True Name, then Cardan would be compelled to obey her to an unlimited degree whenever she invokes it. He would likely be unable to conduct any faerie trickery against her, too, or state any kind of half-truths, evasion, or misdirection. There would be no more loopholes he'd be allowed to exploit. All the power would shift to her, permanently, and if anyone else discovered Cardan's true name, be they faerie or mortal, the same thing would happen. Usually, the only way someone can get a true name out of a faerie is if the faerie literally has no other options, and sometimes death is the preferable option rather than give up their true name. Sometimes, though, they can be tricked to reveal it, but good luck with that.(less)

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Cai Thank you! I was so confused
Jan 23, 2019 06:15PM · flag

geo Hello! Can you tell me when this concept is first mentioned because I have no recollection of this, except for ghost's true Name?( I know I am 4 years ...more
Nov 13, 2023 01:52PM · flag

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