The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1
The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE Tar and Tin
Overview
Kvothe begins formal sygaldry, rapidly mastering the runes by setting them to music and passing Cammar’s exam in seven days. He discovers a hidden, rune-etched drainage grate after hearing a suspicious noise and finding a misplaced apple. Apprenticed to Manet, Kvothe accelerates his artificing skills despite mounting time pressures.
Summary
At the start of his second term, Kvothe receives Kilvin’s permission to study sygaldry. He explains its complexity and begins intensive study under Cammar, Kilvin’s exacting gatekeeper. Driven by need for money and Devi’s loan, buoyed by talent and luck, Kvothe pushes to advance quickly.
While practicing lute on Mains’ rooftops, Kvothe hears a metallic thud from a secluded courtyard. Investigating, he finds a large drainage grate concealed within a hedge and etched with runes. The rhythm of his tune helps him recall and interlink the runes—binding, seeking, key and lock—suggesting intentional sygaldry on the grate.
Sixth bell interrupts him, but he notices a green apple far from the tree, implying someone moved through the courtyard and possibly handled the grate. Later, Kvothe converts the rune lists into a mnemonic song, creating a mental reference that lets him pass Cammar’s two-hour examination the next day.
Advancing to the next stage, Kvothe apprentices to Manet, a seasoned eternal E’lir with vast Fishery experience. Under Manet’s patient guidance, Kvothe builds from simple formulae to more complex devices like heat-eaters and sympathy lamps. High-tier work remains ahead, but progress is swift, constrained mainly by his limited time.
Who Appears
- KvotheBegins formal sygaldry, uses a mnemonic song to master runes quickly, investigates a rune-etched grate, passes Cammar’s exam, and apprentices to Manet.
- CammarKilvin’s gatekeeper for sygaldry; examines Kvothe extensively and approves his advancement.
- KilvinMaster artificer who authorizes Kvothe to begin studying sygaldry.
- ManetVeteran eternal E’lir who mentors Kvothe in practical artificing projects.
- BrandeurMaster whose late-running lecture keeps lights on near the secluded courtyard Kvothe uses.
- Elxa DalMaster whose class timing gives Kvothe a practice window before Fishery work.