The Well of Ascension
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by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Sazed reading a metal inscription by Kwaan, an ancient Terris scholar, who expresses fear about Alendi’s potential return from the Well of Ascension. Kwaan believes Alendi, once thought to be the Hero of Ages, has become ruthless and dangerous. Sazed and Tindwyl discuss how this aligns with the logbook’s account of Alendi’s rise to power and his eventual journey to the Well, which Kwaan later opposed. The tension between Kwaan’s initial support and subsequent betrayal of Alendi forms the chapter’s central mystery.
Sazed and Tindwyl analyze the historical context, noting that Kwaan initially championed Alendi as the Hero of Ages but later tried to stop him from reaching the Well. The logbook, presumably written by Alendi, corroborates their falling-out. The scholars work in Sazed’s room, surrounded by notes and theories, their focus interrupted only by brief moments of distraction, such as Sazed’s admiration for Tindwyl’s earrings. Their dialogue reveals the complexity of Kwaan’s motives and the stakes of Alendi’s quest.
A key point of debate arises when Tindwyl questions why Kwaan feared the Deepness—the oppressive mists—yet opposed Alendi, who sought to destroy it. Sazed explains that Kwaan no longer believed Alendi was the true Hero, but Tindwyl counters that Rashek’s later success proves the Well’s power didn’t require a specific person. The chapter delves into Kwaan’s desperation, as he instructs his nephew Rashek to mislead or kill Alendi, hoping to prevent him from claiming the Well’s power.
The chapter concludes with Kwaan’s grim instructions to Rashek, revealing his ultimate plan to thwart Alendi. The passage underscores Kwaan’s conflicted loyalty and his fear of Alendi’s potential misuse of the Well’s power. Sazed and Tindwyl’s research highlights the tragic irony of Kwaan’s actions, as his efforts to stop Alendi may have inadvertently shaped the world’s fate. The chapter leaves readers pondering the consequences of Kwaan’s decisions and the true nature of the Hero of Ages.
FAQs
1. What were Kwaan’s primary fears regarding Alendi reaching the Well of Ascension, and why did he oppose someone he initially believed to be the Hero of Ages?
Answer:
Kwaan feared both personal retribution and broader catastrophic consequences if Alendi reached the Well. Initially believing Alendi was the prophesied Hero of Ages, Kwaan later changed his mind, worrying Alendi would misuse the Well’s power. His opposition stemmed from a conviction that Alendi—though not inherently evil—was ruthless and unfit for such power. Kwaan’s fears are evident in his metal record: “Alendi must not take the power for himself.” This shift reflects his growing distrust, despite Alendi’s original mission to defeat the Deepness (the mist threat).2. Analyze the relationship between Kwaan and Rashek. How does Rashek’s role reflect Kwaan’s desperation to stop Alendi?
Answer:
Kwaan’s relationship with Rashek highlights his desperation. Rashek, Kwaan’s nephew, harbored intense hatred for Alendi and Khlennium, making him a willing tool. Kwaan tasked Rashek with sabotaging Alendi’s quest—first by misleading him in the Terris mountains, then by assassination if necessary. This plan (“a distant hope”) reveals Kwaan’s dwindling options: he resorted to leveraging Rashek’s envy and violence, acknowledging the slim chance of success. The dynamic underscores Kwaan’s moral compromise and the urgency of preventing Alendi’s ascension.3. How does the chapter frame the conflict between prophecy and personal judgment, as seen through Kwaan’s actions?
Answer:
The chapter presents a tension between blind faith in prophecy and reasoned skepticism. Kwaan initially championed Alendi as the Hero of Ages based on scholarly interpretation, but later reversed his stance after observing Alendi’s ruthlessness. His metal record reveals this internal struggle: he clings to his scholarly duty (“I write this record…”) while admitting his flawed judgment. This conflict underscores a broader theme—prophecy’s fallibility and the need for critical reassessment, even when it contradicts deeply held beliefs.4. What strategic and ethical dilemmas arise from Kwaan’s plan to use Rashek against Alendi?
Answer:
Kwaan’s plan involves both strategic and ethical risks. Strategically, relying on Rashek—a volatile and inexperienced agent—is precarious, as noted in Kwaan’s doubt (“a distant hope”). Ethically, Kwaan manipulates familial loyalty to incite violence, despite his scholarly role. The passage highlights this tension: Rashek’s hatred is weaponized (“he hates Alendi… with the passion of envious youth”), yet Kwaan rationalizes it as necessary to avert greater doom. This illustrates the moral compromises leaders may face when confronting perceived existential threats.5. How does the chapter’s portrayal of the Deepness (the mists) complicate traditional narratives of heroism and salvation?
Answer:
The Deepness, though a clear threat, complicates heroism by blurring the lines between savior and tyrant. Alendi’s original mission to defeat the Deepness aligns with heroic tropes, but Kwaan’s reversal frames him as a potential usurper. The text implies that power itself—even when sought to combat evil—can corrupt (“He must not take the power”). This nuance challenges simplistic “hero vs. villain” dichotomies, suggesting that salvation narratives must account for motives, methods, and unintended consequences.
Quotes
1. “‘I WRITE THIS RECORD NOW, pounding it into a metal slab, because I am afraid. Afraid for myself, yes—I admit to being human. If Alendi does return from the Well of Ascension, I am certain that my death will be one of his first objectives. He is not an evil man, but he is a ruthless one.’”
This opening quote from Kwaan’s metal record establishes the high stakes and personal danger surrounding the Well of Ascension, while also providing key characterization of Alendi as a formidable yet morally complex figure.
2. “‘I am also afraid, however, that all I have known—that my story—will be forgotten. I am afraid for the world that may come. Afraid because my plans failed. Afraid of a doom brought by the Deepness.’”
This passage reveals Kwaan’s deeper fears about legacy and apocalyptic consequences, introducing the central conflict about whether Alendi should reach the Well and what might happen if he does.
3. “‘Alendi must not reach the Well of Ascension. He must not take the power for himself.’”
This stark conclusion represents the chapter’s core thesis - Kwaan’s desperate warning about the dangers of Alendi obtaining the Well’s power, despite having originally believed him to be the Hero of Ages.