Royal Locks
| Royal Locks | |
|---|---|
| Related to | Returned |
| World of Origin | Nalthis |
| Universe | Cosmere |
The Royal Locks are a hereditary trait of the Royal House of Idris on Nalthis.[1]
Members of the Royal House can change their hair color or cause their hair to grow quickly at will. Normally the color of the Royal Locks reflects the person's emotional state by default but this can be controlled through training and discipline. The ability to grow hair at will takes effort and leads to hunger and exhaustion.[1] Royal Locks abilities can extend to facial hair.[2]
Only members of the Royal House that are potential heirs to the throne have and can pass on the Royal Locks.[3]
Hair Color Indicators[edit]
- Black: Calm or control[4]
- Red: Anger, embarrassment[5], or passion[6]
- Yellow (or Blond): Happiness or excitement[7]
- White: Fear, intimidation, or panic[8][9]
- Brown: Saddened or upset[10]
Not seen on screen yet[edit]
Wearers of the Royal Locks can imitate the grey hair of the elderly,[4] though it is unknown whether that color is associated with a particular emotion. They can also change their hair color to unnatural colors, like pink and green.[11] Which particular color that will match up with which particular emotion is based on associations that people in the culture give them and the user's own perspective.[12]
Other abilities[edit]
Like Returned, wearers of the Royal Locks can also change other aspects of the physical appearance.[13][14] With practice, wearers are able to change their age, height, and body shape.[15] They don't have as much ability as a Returned does though, as they cannot change their physical features enough to look like someone else.
Vasher suggests that all Returned can alter their appearance to an extent, and points to the Royal Locks as evidence that the Royals are descended from a Returned.[16] This indicates that all Returned could potentially mimic the effects of the Royal Locks. On the other hand, it has been revealed that Denth has the Royal Locks independent of his being Returned.[17]
Royal Locks can be regrown by the holder, but it requires energy and focus. Doing so makes them hungry and tired. Siri describes this feeling is like moving any other muscle.[18][19]
Those with the Royal Locks have a much easier time learning Awakening.[20][21]
The hair can be sold in the markets of T'Telir.[19]
History[edit]
The arrangement between Idris and Hallandren was in part due to the people of Hallandren calling for their future royalty to have the Royal Locks. This would further legitimize the current regime and quiet those who believed Dedelin was the rightful heir to the throne.[1]
While being bathed, Siri noticed a servant was struggling with snarls in her hair. She instructed her to "cut it off". After the hair was removed, Siri regrew it.[18]
Vivenna, while living in the streets of T'Telir, sold her hair in exchange for a small amount of food.[19]
Known Users[edit]
Below is a list of those known to have the Royal Locks:
Vivenna has the strongest will in terms of controlling her hair, within her family.[1]
Trivia[edit]
- Brandon tried to work hair that would change color with emotion into Dark One and a story set on the Aether world.[23]
Notes[edit]
- ↑ a b c d e Warbreaker chapter 1#
- ↑ 17th Shard Forum Q&A
— Arcanum - 2012-09-26# - ↑ Warbreaker chapter 22#
- ↑ a b c Warbreaker chapter 9#
- ↑ Warbreaker chapter 8#
- ↑ Warbreaker chapter 44#
- ↑ Warbreaker chapter 14#
- ↑ a b Warbreaker chapter 11#
- ↑ Warbreaker chapter 4#
- ↑ Warbreaker chapter 2#
- ↑ a b c FanX Spring 2019
— Arcanum - 2019-04-19# - ↑ ICon 2019
— Arcanum - 2019-10-15# - ↑ Boskone 54
— Arcanum - 2017-02-17# - ↑ Warbreaker Annotations
— Arcanum - 2010-10-26# - ↑ Warbreaker Annotations
— Arcanum - 2011-08-01# - ↑ Warbreaker epilogue#
- ↑ /r/fantasy AMA 2013
— Arcanum - 2013-04-18# - ↑ a b Warbreaker chapter 6#
- ↑ a b c Warbreaker chapter 39#
- ↑ Warbreaker chapter 43#
- ↑ Warbreaker Annotations
— Arcanum - 2011-02-22# - ↑ Warbreaker chapter 57#
- ↑ Warbreaker Annotations
— Arcanum - 2010-08-23#