The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2
The Wise Man’s Fear
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
Chapter 47: Interlude—The Hempen Verse
Overview
Over pie at the Waystone, Old Cob retells a fanciful version of Kvothe’s trial, invoking the “hempen verse.” Kote counters by inventing a legend about “The Chronicler,” letting it spread among farmers. After they leave, Kvothe chastises Chronicler about manipulating his story, framing truth as a gift, then continues the narrative.
Summary
In the Waystone’s cool taproom, Chronicler, Bast, and the locals finish warm apple pie as Old Cob resumes a boastful account of Kvothe’s trial in Imre. Cob claims Kvothe escaped hanging by invoking a secret “hempen verse” in ancient Tema and later won acquittal with a honeyed potion and a silver tongue.
When asked for a different sort of magic, Kote obliges by spinning a fresh legend about “The Chronicler,” a Faerie-blooded Lord of Stories with a paper-bladed sword named Sheave and a quest set by the Modeg high king. Bast eagerly embellishes, and the farmers, delighted, depart to spread the tale.
With the room quiet, Chronicler protests the fabrication. Kvothe reveals the intention: to show Chronicler what it feels like to be made into a story. He rebukes Chronicler for trying to steer his testimony, insisting that shared lives are gifts, not dues. Chronicler concedes the gambit was heavy-handed; Kvothe apologizes for any fallout but affirms his boundary.
Kvothe then gathers them to continue, noting the actual trial proved tedious yet carried important repercussions, segueing back into his life’s account.
Who Appears
- Kote (Kvothe)Innkeeper-protagonist; invents a Chronicler myth to teach perspective, rebukes manipulation, then resumes his story.
- Chronicler (Devan Lochees)Scribe recording Kvothe’s life; target of new legend; chastened after attempting to steer the narrative.
- BastKvothe’s student; enjoys pie and eagerly embellishes the Chronicler legend with vivid details.
- Old CobLocal storyteller; recounts a fanciful ‘hempen verse’ version of Kvothe’s trial.
- JakeFarmer; skeptical of demon talk, listens to both tales.
- GrahamFarmer; unfamiliar with the Chronicler legend, prompts Kote’s invented tale.