The Fall of Elantris

Elantris was a magnificent city, its inhabitants revered as gods due to their magical abilities. The Shaod, a transformation that turned ordinary people into Elantrians, was a blessing until it became a curse ten years ago. The city and its people fell into decay, their powers vanished, leaving them as sickly, immortal beings trapped in a crumbling city.

Raoden's New Reality

Prince Raoden of Arelon wakes to find himself transformed by the Shaod. Cast into the decaying city of Elantris, he faces a grim reality. The once-great city is now a prison for its cursed inhabitants. Raoden, determined to survive, begins to explore the city, seeking to understand the mystery behind its fall and the loss of its magic.

Sarene's Unexpected Widowhood

Sarene, a princess from Teod, arrives in Arelon to marry Prince Raoden, only to learn he has died. Bound by a marriage contract, she is now a widow in a foreign land. Sarene, intelligent and politically savvy, decides to stay in Arelon, determined to uncover the truth behind Raoden's death and navigate the court's intrigues.

Hrathen's Mission Begins

Hrathen, a high-ranking priest of Shu-Dereth, arrives in Arelon with a mission to convert the kingdom within three months or face destruction. He begins his work by preaching against the fallen Elantrians, using them as a scapegoat to unite the people under his religion. Hrathen's presence adds tension to the already unstable political landscape.

Raoden's Defiance and Hope

Despite the pain and despair in Elantris, Raoden refuses to succumb. He gathers a group of followers, determined to bring hope and purpose back to the city. Raoden's leadership and optimism inspire others, and he begins to form a community, challenging the gangs that rule Elantris and seeking a way to restore its lost magic.

Sarene's Courtly Intrigues

Sarene immerses herself in the politics of Arelon's court, using her intelligence and charm to gather allies. She suspects foul play in Raoden's death and is wary of Hrathen's influence. Sarene's presence disrupts the court's dynamics, and she begins to form a plan to counter Hrathen's schemes and stabilize the kingdom.

Hrathen's Manipulative Sermons

Hrathen delivers powerful sermons, using fear and hatred of the Elantrians to rally support for Shu-Dereth. His manipulative tactics begin to sway the people of Arelon, and he gains the attention of influential nobles. Hrathen's strategy is to destabilize the current regime and install a new order under his control, but he faces unexpected challenges.

Sarene's Bold Confrontation

After a disastrous attack by Elantrians on her food distribution, Sarene discovers King Iadon's plan to exterminate the city's inhabitants. She storms into his study, leveraging her role in saving his throne to force him to retract the order. Her confrontation reveals Iadon's insecurity and desperation, leaving him a broken man. Sarene's actions prevent a massacre but leave her isolated, as the court now views her with fear and suspicion.

Raoden's Desperate Strategy

With Shaor's Men growing more desperate and dangerous, Raoden devises a risky plan to lure them back to humanity. He and his allies drop sacks of uncooked corn in Shaor's territory, hoping the wildmen will remember how to cook and thus reconnect with their lost civility. The plan works, and one by one, the wildmen approach New Elantris, seeking guidance and a return to sanity.

Hrathen's Crisis of Faith

After deliberately poisoning himself to become an Elantrian, Hrathen spends days in prayer, seeking divine intervention. As he watches a lunar eclipse, he reflects on his lack of zeal and the logical nature of his faith. He realizes that his devotion to Shu-Dereth is rooted in understanding rather than passion, and he finds a measure of peace in this revelation, even as he remains trapped in Elantris.

Secrets Beneath Elantris

Raoden, Galladon, and Karata uncover a secret library beneath Elantris, filled with books on AonDor. The library is untouched by the city's decay, suggesting a connection between the absence of AonDor and the city's fall. Raoden learns that the Dor is a powerful force that can only enter the physical world through precise Aon drawings, but the reason for its blockage remains a mystery.

The Eclipse's Revelation

As the moon reappears during a lunar eclipse, Hrathen finds clarity in his logical faith, while Sarene uses the event to uncover King Iadon's secret activities. The Eclipse symbolizes a turning point for both characters, as Hrathen accepts his rational devotion to Jaddeth, and Sarene discovers the king's involvement in the Jeskeri Mysteries, setting the stage for a shift in Arelon's power dynamics.

Iadon's Dark Ritual

Following Iadon into the sewers, Sarene witnesses him performing a Jeskeri Mysteries ritual, sacrificing a young woman. The shocking discovery reveals Iadon's desperation and willingness to resort to dark practices to maintain power. Sarene's scream alerts Eondel and his soldiers, who rescue her and capture the king, exposing his crimes to the court and destabilizing his rule.

A New Order Emerges

With Iadon's arrest, Arelon's political landscape is thrown into chaos. Telrii positions himself to seize the throne, while Sarene and her allies scramble to maintain stability. The revelation of Iadon's dark practices and the growing influence of the Derethi church under Dilaf threaten to reshape the kingdom, as Sarene realizes the true extent of the challenges she faces in securing Arelon's future.

The Final Confrontation Unfolds

Dilaf, revealing his true nature as a Dakhor Monk, unleashes a brutal assault on Kae, leading a group of twisted warriors. The city is thrown into chaos, with citizens slaughtered indiscriminately. Raoden, captured and wounded, is dragged into the fray, while Sarene narrowly escapes a similar fate. The city teeters on the brink of destruction as Dilaf's forces prepare to burn Elantris and its inhabitants.

Raoden's Desperate Gamble

Despite his injuries, Raoden fights through the pain, driven by a desperate hope. He realizes the key to restoring Elantris lies in completing a massive Aon around the city. With Galladon and Karata's help, he draws the Chasm Line, activating the ancient magic. Light erupts, healing Raoden and transforming the Elantrians back to their former glory. The power of Elantris is restored, but the battle is far from over.

Sarene's Courageous Stand

Sarene, captured by Dilaf, faces the monk's wrath as he plans to use her as leverage against her father, King Eventeo. Despite the danger, Sarene remains defiant, determined to protect her homeland. Her courage inspires those around her, even as Dilaf's plans threaten to bring ruin to both Arelon and Teod. Her resolve becomes a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

Hrathen's Redemption and Sacrifice

Witnessing the horror of Dilaf's actions, Hrathen experiences a crisis of faith. Realizing the true nature of his mission, he chooses to stand against Dilaf, sacrificing his life to save Sarene and Raoden. In his final moments, Hrathen finds peace, knowing he has acted in accordance with his true beliefs. His sacrifice becomes a pivotal moment, turning the tide against Dilaf's forces.

The Restoration of Elantris

With the power of Elantris unleashed, Raoden and the Elantrians repel Dilaf's forces. The city, once a symbol of decay, becomes a beacon of hope and renewal. The people of Arelon rally behind Raoden, recognizing him as their rightful king. The restoration of Elantris marks the beginning of a new era, as the city and its people reclaim their place in the world.

A New Era Begins

With the threat of Fjorden averted, Raoden and Sarene marry, solidifying the alliance between Arelon and Teod. The people celebrate the dawn of a new era, as Raoden's leadership promises a future of prosperity and peace. The legacy of Elantris is secured, and the bonds of friendship and love forged in the fires of conflict endure, guiding the kingdom toward a brighter tomorrow.

Characters

Raoden

Raoden, the crown prince of Arelon, is transformed into an Elantrian and cast into the decaying city. Despite the pain and despair, he remains optimistic and determined to restore hope to Elantris. Raoden's leadership and charisma inspire others, and he seeks to uncover the mystery behind the city's fall and the loss of its magic.

Sarene

Sarene, a princess from Teod, arrives in Arelon to marry Raoden, only to find herself a widow. She is intelligent, politically astute, and determined to uncover the truth behind Raoden's death. Sarene navigates the court's intrigues, forming alliances and challenging Hrathen's influence in her quest to stabilize the kingdom.

Hrathen

Hrathen, a high-ranking priest of Shu-Dereth, arrives in Arelon with a mission to convert the kingdom. He is manipulative and ambitious, using fear and hatred of the Elantrians to gain followers. Hrathen's presence adds tension to the political landscape, and he faces unexpected challenges in his quest to establish a new order.

Galladon

Galladon, a Dula and fellow Elantrian, becomes Raoden's loyal companion. He is cynical and pragmatic, often providing a counterbalance to Raoden's optimism. Despite his skepticism, Galladon supports Raoden's efforts to restore hope to Elantris and becomes an integral part of the growing community.

Karata

Karata is a leader of one of the gangs in Elantris. Fierce and protective, she initially opposes Raoden but eventually joins his cause. Karata's loyalty and strength become vital to Raoden's efforts to bring hope and purpose back to the city.

Iadon

Iadon, the king of Arelon, is greedy and insecure, ruling with a focus on wealth and power. His shortsighted policies have weakened the kingdom, and he is oblivious to the threats posed by Hrathen and the instability within his court.

Telrii

Duke Telrii is an extravagant and ambitious nobleman in Arelon. He is wasteful with his wealth and seeks power, making him a potential ally for Hrathen. Telrii's motivations are unclear, and his actions add complexity to the political landscape.

Eshen

Eshen, the queen of Arelon, is bubbly and naive, often oblivious to the political machinations around her. Despite her lack of awareness, she is kind-hearted and well-meaning, providing a contrast to the more serious figures in the court.

Dilaf

Dilaf is a fervent priest of Shu-Dereth, serving under Hrathen. He is fanatical and dangerous, driven by a deep hatred of the Elantrians. Dilaf's zealotry makes him a volatile element in Hrathen's plans, and his actions could have unforeseen consequences.

Eondel

Eondel is a nobleman and skilled soldier in Arelon. He is honorable and respected, known for his military prowess. Eondel becomes an ally to Sarene, supporting her efforts to stabilize the kingdom and counter Hrathen's influence.

Plot Devices

The Shaod

The Shaod is a mysterious transformation that once turned ordinary people into godlike Elantrians. After the fall of Elantris, it became a curse, leaving its victims as sickly, immortal beings. The Shaod is central to the story, driving the plot and character motivations as Raoden seeks to understand and reverse its effects.

Political Intrigue

The political intrigue in Arelon's court is a key plot device, with Sarene navigating alliances and rivalries to counter Hrathen's influence. The court's dynamics are complex, with various factions vying for power, and Sarene's presence disrupts the status quo, adding tension and conflict to the narrative.

Religious Manipulation

Hrathen uses religious manipulation to gain followers, exploiting fear and hatred of the Elantrians to unite the people under Shu-Dereth. His sermons and tactics are a plot device that highlights the power of religion as a tool of control, and his actions drive the conflict between the different factions in Arelon.

Hope and Defiance

Hope and defiance are central themes, embodied by Raoden's quest to restore Elantris and bring purpose to its people. His efforts to inspire and lead the Elantrians are a driving force in the story, providing a counterpoint to the despair and decay that pervade the city.

The Eclipse

The Eclipse serves as a turning point for several characters, bringing clarity to Hrathen's crisis of faith and exposing Iadon's dark practices. The Eclipse's symbolism of transformation and hidden truths underscores the shifting power dynamics in Arelon, as Sarene and her allies confront new challenges in securing the kingdom's future.

The Hidden Library

The discovery of the hidden library beneath Elantris offers new insights into AonDor and the city's history. The library's untouched state suggests a connection between the absence of AonDor and the city's fall, providing Raoden with valuable information as he seeks to restore Elantris. The library's secrets remain a key element in unraveling the mystery of the Dor's blockage.

Jeskeri Mysteries

The Jeskeri Mysteries, with their sacrificial rituals, reveal the lengths to which Iadon will go to maintain power. The discovery of Iadon's involvement in these practices destabilizes his rule and exposes the dangers of relying on dark forces. The Jeskeri Mysteries serve as a reminder of the hidden threats lurking within Arelon, challenging Sarene and her allies to confront the kingdom's darker elements.

Shaor's Men

Shaor's Men, driven to madness by starvation, represent the struggle to retain humanity in the face of despair. Raoden's efforts to reconnect them with their civility highlight the potential for redemption and the power of hope. The transformation of Shaor's Men underscores the central theme of restoring purpose and dignity to the people of Elantris.

The Chasm Line

The Chasm Line, a crucial addition to the Aons, unlocks the power of Elantris. Its discovery by Raoden leads to the city's rebirth and the restoration of its magic. The Chasm Line symbolizes the connection between the land and its people, highlighting the importance of understanding and adapting to change.

AonDor

AonDor, the ancient magic of Elantris, plays a central role in the story. Its restoration signifies the return of hope and prosperity to Arelon. AonDor's power, harnessed by Raoden and the Elantrians, becomes a tool for healing and protection, underscoring the themes of renewal and unity.

Dakhor Monks

The Dakhor Monks, with their twisted bodies and formidable abilities, represent the destructive potential of unchecked fanaticism. Their presence highlights the dangers of blind devotion and the consequences of using power for malevolent purposes. The monks' defeat marks a turning point in the battle for Arelon's future.

Analysis

Brandon Sanderson's "Elantris" delves into the complexities of power, faith, and human resilience. The fall and subsequent restoration of Elantris serve as a metaphor for the potential for change and renewal, both on a personal and societal level. Through the intertwined narratives of Raoden, Sarene, and Hrathen, the novel examines the impact of leadership, the dangers of fanaticism, and the enduring power of hope. The story's rich world-building and intricate plot devices highlight the importance of understanding and adapting to change, offering a message of unity and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Last updated: January 3, 2025