Author Topic: Thoughts after finishing Elantris Spoilers (Read 7095 times)

Master_Rahl22 · « **on:** December 23, 2008, 07:28:55 PM »

So, I actually read all 3 Mistborn books and Elantris in a period of 6 weeks after I finally picked up the first Mistborn. I kept finding myself in the book store going, "Oh I should get that one book by that one guy who's finishing Wheel of Time!" and not remembering the name.

Anywho, I finished Elantris last night and I loved it, but one thing nags at me a bit. If Dilaf knew the whole time that he was just there to slaughter all of the Arelish and Teoish people, what is the point of him subtly undermining Hrathen and working to build his own power? I enjoyed that part of Hrathen's POV while I was reading it, but looking back I can't see Dilaf's motivation at all. If he's there to kill them whenver he feels like it, why wait? If he's supposed to wait the 3 months before he kills everybody, why bother with Hrathen and his efforts to convert people? Like I said, I really enjoyed the book overall, but I'm just a bit confused by this part.

SarahG · « **Reply #1 on:** December 23, 2008, 07:57:56 PM »

Excellent question. I didn't much like the Hrathen sections, so I'm afraid I didn't pay too much attention to them, and I never really thought of this question before.

All I can guess is that Dilaf needed to stay around - that is, he needed Hrathen not to get him exiled before it was time to carry out his slaughter. His subtlety and cunning may have been necessary to lull Hrathen, as well as the Arelish government and nobility, into complacency until all the preparations were in place.

CthulhuKefka · « **Reply #2 on:** December 23, 2008, 08:50:17 PM »

I always just assumed it was how Dilaf's crazy mind worked. He was obviously long gone in the sanity department, so I just took it as another brilliant crazy scheme. He obviously didn't like Hrathen, and what better way to screw with someone than mind games?

firstRainbowRose · « **Reply #3 on:** December 23, 2008, 09:52:59 PM »

Actually, that's explained (kind of) Dilaf said at the end something along the lines of "YOu didn't have three months to convert them, but to warn them. The death was coming no matter what." So he waited three months to give Hrathen time to warn the people (which he instead used to try to save them.)

happyman · « **Reply #4 on:** December 24, 2008, 11:14:20 PM »

I can see two possibilities:

1) Hrathen was a decoy. He was sent to invite the opposition and distract everybody from the efforts needed to get the monks of Dahkor into the country. If this is the case, I think we can assume that they weren't completely ready when Hrathen arrived, and his presence made the remaining steps easier.

2) Hrathen really was given a chance (we don't get Wyrn's POV, after all, just Dilaf's. Dilaf really is insane.) He failed, though, when Telrii acted so stupidly.

Either option is coherent, in my opinion.

hoid354 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 25, 2008, 12:05:33 AM »

Hmm, its been a while since i read the book, but i'm guessing that the Wyrn allowed Hrathen 3 months to try and convert them. However, he also knew that the king wouldn't convert, so they had a plan b: killing everybody.

Razor · « **Reply #6 on:** January 01, 2009, 06:50:56 AM »

I think the Wyrm gave his work of 3 months so he was obeyed by his follower, who was there to carry out the inevietable when Hrathen failed.

hoid354 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 03, 2009, 01:30:50 AM »

hmm... maybe the 3 months were to gather reinforcements and recruit some more citezens, then to be transformed into soldiers to kill everyone else...

Shaggy · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2009, 11:47:16 PM »

I agree with the happy dude.

Is it Wyrn or Wyrm?

I think Dilaf and his guys are pretty sick.

hoid354 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 07, 2009, 03:55:50 AM »

Now that i think about it, i agree with the happyman too.

Being happy is good.

Shaggy · « **Reply #10 on:** January 07, 2009, 03:53:05 PM »

It is. Best medicine of all, I think. Besides Advil. Advil is cool.

Master_Rahl22 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 07, 2009, 07:58:44 PM »

Happyman's thoughts make sense. Thanks for helping me figure that out cause man it was bugging me.

Shaggy · « **Reply #12 on:** January 07, 2009, 07:59:56 PM »

No problem. (I know you're talkin about the happy dude, but I agreed with him so I'm taking credit.

) Just kidding. Good thoughts, happyman.

happyman · « **Reply #13 on:** January 07, 2009, 09:11:23 PM »

Well, giving two options helps.

Personally, I actually lean towards the idea that Hrathen was a decoy. It's what Dilaf says, and it makes sense. But I'm not too attached to the idea.

Shaggy · « **Reply #14 on:** January 08, 2009, 02:02:00 AM »

Just puttin this out there–Dilaf might've taken one too many hits on his freaky little head. I don't know if he was on somethin major, or the Dakhor place made him a nut, but he seemed a little whacky to me.

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