The Chandrian as a necessary evil

[Emm]

This is more a thought than a theory. The Chandrian are depicted as a great evil throughout the books, with the Amyr as an ostensibly "good" counterpart. Yet, the instances of violence by the Chandrian we have seen have been rather specific. They kill those who possess certain knowledge about them and anyone who may have been exposed.

Perhaps the key word is "exposed". What if the Chandrian are a collection of those who the cthaeh has spoken to? We hear by rumor that Lanre, Kvothe, Iax, the peasant who caused the Fastingway war have all spoken to the Cthaeh and that their actions became "tainted".

Maybe the Chandrian attempt to eliminate themselves from history in order to erase their own influence upon it.

"Who keeps you safe from the Amyr? The singers? The Sithe? From all that would harm you in the world?" -Haliax

The Sithe being the creatures that guard the Cthaeh and are said to hunt down and kill anyone who might have spoken to it.


Just a thought.

[Amber]

Oh wow, I love this idea so much.
I've been thinking for a long time now that the role of The Chandrian as simply evil just doesn't fit. Especially when you think about the opposing information we get about the Amyr not necessarily being all that good.
I feel like the story is a real demonstration on perception. Even Kvothe isn't an all good character.

But I've never considered this or even heard this theory before. Quite an interesting idea, especially after the implication from Ctheah that it has also spoken with Cinder. You should post this in the Rothfussian's Forum, I'll bet they'd love to pull it apart/help make it better.

[Wolfram]

I was thinking along similar lines, that the Chandrian can't just be purely evil. Haliax is enraged with Cinder because because he takes liberty with his cruelties. Haliax didn't want to cause suffering, but was doing what he had to do. I have no good theories as to what their plan or purpose might be though. Rothfuss is so good with his riddles and clues that I'm convinced that something is hidden in plain sight in the first two books.

[Siocan]

Interesting theory another bit of information is that in the first book, when Kvothe is attacked by the assassins, they mention Anilin as well as the fact that they have lost him before. He assumes that it was Ambrose who was behind the attack, but before kvothe leaves Tarbean he meets Haliax again (or something resembling him, as there is simply a mention of a hooded man whose face was obstructed by shadow)and travels with a caravan afterwards which is headed to anilin.
Your theory would explain why they dont do it themselves (which has been bothering me for some time).

[Brent]

Amber wrote: "Oh wow, I love this idea so much.
I've been thinking for a long time now that the role of The Chandrian as simply evil just doesn't fit. Especially when you think about the opposing information we..."

He's so good with his riddles that even he has no idea the answer to them.