The Well of Ascension
33
by Sanderson, BrandonVin finds temporary solace in her studies amid recent chaos, though her research on the Deepness and the Hero of Ages brings its own anxieties. She grapples with the idea that the mists’ increasing hostility signals the need for the Hero’s return, questioning whether she could be that prophesied figure. Memories of her unexplained ability to draw the mists into herself during her confrontation with the Lord Ruler resurface, but she dismisses them as inconclusive. The vague, interpretable nature of Terris prophecies frustrates her, as they offer little practical guidance despite their weighty implications.
Her conversation with OreSeur, her kandra companion, reveals her skepticism toward religious prophecies and legends. She critiques them as overly ambiguous and potentially manipulative, shaped by her street-hardened distrust of scams. OreSeur counters by suggesting prophecies can serve as expressions of hope rather than literal predictions, prompting Vin to reflect on her own conflicted feelings. The persistent thumping in her head—a recurring motif—underscores her growing unease, hinting at a deeper connection to the mists she cannot ignore.
Vin’s apology to OreSeur for her dismissive tone highlights her internal struggle between cynicism and burgeoning belief. Their banter about his dog breath lightens the mood, but the exchange also underscores their bond, with OreSeur accepting his role as her servant despite her occasional rudeness. Vin’s insistence that he is more than “just kandra” reveals her respect for him, even as she wrestles with her own identity and potential destiny.
The chapter closes with Vin’s unresolved tension between logic and intuition. Her practical side rejects prophecies as unreliable, yet her experiences—the thumpings, the mist spirit, and her past power—defy easy explanation. OreSeur’s quiet wisdom and her own self-awareness suggest she is on the brink of a revelation, though she resists it. The interplay of doubt and destiny leaves her poised at a crossroads, with the mists’ mystery deepening around her.
FAQs
1. What internal conflict does Vin experience regarding the Hero of Ages prophecies in this chapter?
Answer:
Vin grapples with conflicting feelings about potentially being the Hero of Ages. On one hand, she acknowledges unusual occurrences—hearing thumpings, seeing mist spirits, and that one instance where she drew the mists into herself. These make her wonder if she could be the prophesied savior. On the other hand, her street-smart skepticism dismisses the vague, interpretable nature of prophecies, noting how common “humble origins” and “royal bloodlines” are among skaa. She ultimately feels torn between her rational distrust of religious manipulation and her unsettling personal experiences that align with the legends.2. How does OreSeur challenge Vin’s dismissive attitude toward prophecies?
Answer:
OreSeur offers a nuanced perspective when Vin criticizes prophecies as impractical or scams. He suggests prophecies don’t need to be literal predictions but can serve as expressions of hope, highlighting their cultural and emotional value. His comment—”Do not dismiss someone’s beliefs because you do not understand them”—mirrors Sazed’s teachings, prompting Vin to reflect. Though she initially brushes him off, his insight subtly questions her binary view of religion as either truth or fraud, adding depth to her internal debate about faith and destiny.3. Analyze the significance of Vin’s comment: “The part that grew up on the streets… expects a scam.” How does this shape her character?
Answer:
This line reveals Vin’s deep-seated survival instincts and trust issues, forged by her traumatic upbringing as a street urchin. Her skepticism toward prophecies stems from a worldview where deception is the norm—whether from thieves, nobles, or priests. This trait defines her pragmatic, self-reliant nature but also isolates her from embracing intangible concepts like destiny or hope. The tension between her street-smart cynicism and her supernatural experiences drives her character arc, illustrating how past trauma complicates her ability to accept roles beyond the tangible (e.g., as a hero or leader).4. How does the chapter use the recurring motif of the “thumping” sounds?
Answer:
The thumping serves as a psychological and supernatural motif, growing louder and more persistent, symbolizing Vin’s inescapable connection to the mists and the Hero of Ages legend. Unlike external threats, the thumping is internalized—a rhythmic, almost primal reminder that defies her attempts to rationalize it away. It mirrors her heartbeat, suggesting destiny is interwoven with her very being. This motif heightens tension by blurring the line between reality and prophecy, forcing Vin (and readers) to question whether the sounds are hallucinations, messages, or proof of her role.5. Evaluate OreSeur’s role in this chapter beyond being Vin’s companion.
Answer:
OreSeur acts as both a foil and a catalyst for Vin’s introspection. His kandra nature—literally a “humble” servant—contrasts with her human complexity, yet his wisdom often surpasses hers. By defending prophecies as “hope,” he challenges Vin’s reductive worldview, subtly pushing her toward growth. Their banter (e.g., about dog breath) also provides levity, humanizing Vin and showcasing her capacity for care despite her aloofness. His presence bridges Vin’s solitary tendencies and her need for connection, making him pivotal in her emotional and philosophical development.
Quotes
1. “The Deepness has returned. Even if the mists only kill infrequently, they’ve begun to turn hostile again. That means the Hero of Ages needs to come again too, doesn’t it?”
This internal monologue captures Vin’s growing concern about her potential role as the prophesied Hero of Ages, setting up the chapter’s central conflict between skepticism and destiny.
2. “Do not dismiss someone’s beliefs because you do not understand them, Mistress.”
OreSeur’s wise admonition to Vin represents a key thematic tension in the chapter - the conflict between Vin’s street-hardened skepticism and the need to accept things beyond her immediate comprehension.
3. “Prophecies do not have to be a scam, Mistress. Or even, really, a promise for the future. They can simply be an expression of hope.”
This profound statement from OreSeur reframes the purpose of prophecies, suggesting they serve as psychological anchors rather than literal predictions, offering an alternative to Vin’s cynical view.
4. “You need not apologize to me, Mistress. I am only kandra.”
This exchange highlights the ongoing tension in Vin and OreSeur’s relationship, where Vin struggles to reconcile her growing affection for him with his insistence on maintaining their formal master-servant dynamic.