Difference between revisions of "Royal Locks"

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The '''Royal Locks''' are a hereditary trait of the Royal House of [[Idris]] on [[Nalthis]].{{book ref|wb|1}}
 
The '''Royal Locks''' are a hereditary trait of the Royal House of [[Idris]] on [[Nalthis]].{{book ref|wb|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.{{book ref|wb|1}}
+
Members of the Royal House, or at least those who have the Royal Locks, can change their appearance, which is most often seen in their changing hair colors and length. Only members of the Royal House who are potential heirs to the throne have and can pass on the Royal Locks.{{book ref|wb|22}}
   
  +
== Etymology ==
Only members of the Royal House that are potential heirs to the throne have and can pass on the Royal Locks.{{book ref|wb|22}}
 
  +
The Royal Locks got their name because of their users and appearance. The only users are members of the Idrian, or formerly Hanald, Royal House. Besides this, the Royal Locks, in current times, generally take the form of changing hair colors, although they are capable of so much more then this.
   
== Hair Color Indicators ==
+
== Abilities ==
* Black: Calm or control{{book ref|wb|9}}
 
* Red: Anger, embarrassment{{book ref|wb|8}}, or passion{{book ref|wb|44}}
 
* Yellow (or Blond): Happiness or excitement{{book ref|wb|14}}
 
* White: Fear, intimidation, or panic{{book ref|wb|11}}{{book ref|wb|4}}
 
* Brown: Saddened or upset{{book ref|wb|2}}
 
   
  +
{| class="infobox side" style="width: 22em; float:right; font-size: 88%;"
=== Not seen on screen yet ===
 
  +
!colspan='3' style="text-align:center; background:#cce" |'''Hair colors and corresponding emotions'''
* Green: Disgusted {{wob ref|12651}}
 
  +
|-
* Pink: Unknown {wob ref|12651}}
 
  +
! Hair color
  +
! Emotion
  +
|-
  +
| Black
 
| Calm or control{{book ref|wb|9}}
  +
|-
  +
| Red
 
| Anger, embarrassment,{{book ref|wb|8}} or passion{{book ref|wb|44}}
  +
|-
  +
| Yellow (or blond)
 
| Happiness or excitement{{book ref|wb|14}}
  +
|-
  +
| White
 
| Fear, intimidation, or panic{{book ref|wb|11}}{{book ref|wb|4}}
  +
|-
  +
| Brown
 
| Saddened or upset{{book ref|wb|2}}
  +
|-
  +
| Green
 
| Disgusted{{wob ref|12651}}
  +
|-
  +
| Pink
 
| Unknown{{wob ref|12651}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan='3' | <small> Wearers of the Royal Locks can imitate the grey hair of the elderly,{{book ref|wb|9}} although it is unknown whether that color is associated with a particular emotion.</small>
  +
|}
   
Wearers of the Royal Locks can imitate the grey hair of the elderly,{{book ref|wb|9}} 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.{{wob ref|12651}} 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.{{wob ref|13043}}
+
In current times the Royal Locks generally manifest as changing hair colors, although a capable wielder is able to exploit them to change their appearance much more.{{book ref|wb|epilogue}} Normally the color of the Royal Locks reflects the person's emotional state by default, but this can be controlled through training and discipline.{{book ref|wb|9}}{{book ref|sa3|89}} Royal Locks abilities can extend to facial hair.{{wob ref|1219}} What particular color will match up with which particular emotion is based on associations that people in the culture give them and the user's own perspective.{{wob ref|13043}}
   
  +
Although many of it’s users believe that the Royal Locks only extend to hair, wearers of the Royal Locks are able to change many other aspects of their physical appearance,{{wob ref|1583}}{{wob ref|6808}} like their age, height, and body shape.{{wob ref|7481}} This requires a great deal of practice, energy and focus. Changing one’s physical appearance using the royal locks feels, at least to some users, like moving any other muscle.{{book ref|wb|6}}{{book ref|wb|39}} Changing their appearance also makes them hungry and tired.{{book ref|wb|6}} The users of the Royal Locks can’t change their appearance as much as a Returned can; they cannot change their physical features enough to look like someone else. Returned could most likely mimic the effects of the Royal Locks. It is also possible to have the Royal Locks independent of being a Returned, as is seen with [[Denth]].{{wob ref|4112}}
== Other abilities ==
 
Like [[Returned]], wearers of the Royal Locks can also change other aspects of the physical appearance.{{wob ref|1583}}{{wob ref|6808}} With practice, wearers are able to change their age, height, and body shape.{{wob ref|7481}} 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.
 
   
  +
Those with the Royal Locks have a much easier time learning [[Awakening|Nalthian Awakening]], this mimics how more Breaths also make it easier to learn how to Awaken.{{book ref|wb|43}}{{wob ref|7340}}
[[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.{{book ref|wb|epilogue}} 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.{{wob ref|4112}}
 
 
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. {{book ref|wb|6}}{{book ref|wb|39}}
 
 
The hair can be sold in the markets of [[T'Telir]].{{book ref|wb|39}}
 
 
Royal Locks abilities can extend to facial hair. {{wob ref|1219}}
 
   
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
  +
The Royal Locks originally came from [[Vo]], the first Returned. Vo was a member of a [[Chedesh]] expedition that discovered a paradise-like valley, which would later become known as [[Hallandren]]. Vo died under unknown circumstances around the same time the valley was discovered, and soon Returned in the bay adjacent to modern-day [[T'Telir]]. During the eight days he was given Vo managed to impregnate his wife. His wife would, as elected monarch of the new nation of [[Hanald]], establish a royal line. Every potential heir in this line would have the Royal Locks, a sign of Returned ancestry.
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.{{book ref|wb|1}}
 
   
  +
The members of this line would continue to rule Hanald for three hundred years, all the way up to the [[Manywar]]. This war would eventually result in Vo's royal line leaving T'Telir to establish the nation of [[Idris]] in the highlands, while Hanald was renamed [[Hallandren]] and the priests there began downplaying the importance of Vo's bloodline.{{book ref|warbreaker|32}}{{wob ref|7400}}
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.{{book ref|wb|6}}
 
   
  +
The royal line continued to rule Idris for another three hundred years. The priests, wanting to reintroduce the Royal Locks back into the Hallandren monarchy to further legitimize their regime and quiet those who believed [[Dedelin]] was the rightful heir to the throne,{{book ref|wb|1}} arranged a marriage between an Idrian princess and the [[Susebron|God King]]. This marriage eventually happened, although it is unknown if the two had a child, and by extension, if the Royal Locks were reintroduced into the monarchy.{{book ref|wb|4}}
Vivenna, while living in the streets of [[T'Telir]], sold her hair in exchange for a small amount of food. {{book ref|wb|39}}
 
   
== Known Users ==
+
== Notable Users ==
Below is a list of those known to have the Royal Locks:
+
Below is a list of Notable people who have the Royal Locks:
   
 
{{columns|count=2|
 
{{columns|count=2|
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* [[Denth]]{{book ref|wb|57}}
 
* [[Denth]]{{book ref|wb|57}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
Vivenna has the strongest will in terms of controlling her hair, within her family. {{book ref|wb|1}}
 
   
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
* [[Brandon Sanderson|Brandon]] tried to work hair that would change color with emotion into [[Dark One]] and a story set on the [[Aether]] world.{{wob ref|6711}}
+
* [[Brandon Sanderson|Brandon]] tried to work hair that would change color with emotion into [[Dark One (franchise)|Dark One]] and a story set on the [[Aether of Night|Aether]] world.{{wob ref|6711}}
   
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==

Latest revision as of 12:36, 6 May 2024

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, or at least those who have the Royal Locks, can change their appearance, which is most often seen in their changing hair colors and length. Only members of the Royal House who are potential heirs to the throne have and can pass on the Royal Locks.[2]

Etymology[edit]

The Royal Locks got their name because of their users and appearance. The only users are members of the Idrian, or formerly Hanald, Royal House. Besides this, the Royal Locks, in current times, generally take the form of changing hair colors, although they are capable of so much more then this.

Abilities[edit]

Hair colors and corresponding emotions
Hair color Emotion
Black Calm or control[3]
Red Anger, embarrassment,[4] or passion[5]
Yellow (or blond) Happiness or excitement[6]
White Fear, intimidation, or panic[7][8]
Brown Saddened or upset[9]
Green Disgusted[10]
Pink Unknown[10]
Wearers of the Royal Locks can imitate the grey hair of the elderly,[3] although it is unknown whether that color is associated with a particular emotion.

In current times the Royal Locks generally manifest as changing hair colors, although a capable wielder is able to exploit them to change their appearance much more.[11] Normally the color of the Royal Locks reflects the person's emotional state by default, but this can be controlled through training and discipline.[3][12] Royal Locks abilities can extend to facial hair.[13] What particular color will match up with which particular emotion is based on associations that people in the culture give them and the user's own perspective.[14]

Although many of it’s users believe that the Royal Locks only extend to hair, wearers of the Royal Locks are able to change many other aspects of their physical appearance,[15][16] like their age, height, and body shape.[17] This requires a great deal of practice, energy and focus. Changing one’s physical appearance using the royal locks feels, at least to some users, like moving any other muscle.[18][19] Changing their appearance also makes them hungry and tired.[18] The users of the Royal Locks can’t change their appearance as much as a Returned can; they cannot change their physical features enough to look like someone else. Returned could most likely mimic the effects of the Royal Locks. It is also possible to have the Royal Locks independent of being a Returned, as is seen with Denth.[20]

Those with the Royal Locks have a much easier time learning Nalthian Awakening, this mimics how more Breaths also make it easier to learn how to Awaken.[21][22]

History[edit]

The Royal Locks originally came from Vo, the first Returned. Vo was a member of a Chedesh expedition that discovered a paradise-like valley, which would later become known as Hallandren. Vo died under unknown circumstances around the same time the valley was discovered, and soon Returned in the bay adjacent to modern-day T'Telir. During the eight days he was given Vo managed to impregnate his wife. His wife would, as elected monarch of the new nation of Hanald, establish a royal line. Every potential heir in this line would have the Royal Locks, a sign of Returned ancestry.

The members of this line would continue to rule Hanald for three hundred years, all the way up to the Manywar. This war would eventually result in Vo's royal line leaving T'Telir to establish the nation of Idris in the highlands, while Hanald was renamed Hallandren and the priests there began downplaying the importance of Vo's bloodline.[23][24]

The royal line continued to rule Idris for another three hundred years. The priests, wanting to reintroduce the Royal Locks back into the Hallandren monarchy to further legitimize their regime and quiet those who believed Dedelin was the rightful heir to the throne,[1] arranged a marriage between an Idrian princess and the God King. This marriage eventually happened, although it is unknown if the two had a child, and by extension, if the Royal Locks were reintroduced into the monarchy.[8]

Notable Users[edit]

Below is a list of Notable people who have the Royal Locks:

Trivia[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. a b c Warbreaker chapter 1#
  2. Warbreaker chapter 22#
  3. a b c d Warbreaker chapter 9#
  4. Warbreaker chapter 8#
  5. Warbreaker chapter 44#
  6. Warbreaker chapter 14#
  7. a b Warbreaker chapter 11#
  8. a b Warbreaker chapter 4#
  9. Warbreaker chapter 2#
  10. a b FanX Spring 2019
    Arcanum - 2019-04-19#
  11. Warbreaker epilogue#
  12. Oathbringer chapter 89#
  13. 17th Shard Forum Q&A
    Arcanum - 2012-09-26#
  14. ICon 2019
    Arcanum - 2019-10-15#
  15. Boskone 54
    Arcanum - 2017-02-17#
  16. Warbreaker Annotations
    Arcanum - 2010-10-26#
  17. Warbreaker Annotations
    Arcanum - 2011-08-01#
  18. a b Warbreaker chapter 6#
  19. Warbreaker chapter 39#
  20. /r/fantasy AMA 2013
    Arcanum - 2013-04-18#
  21. Warbreaker chapter 43#
  22. Warbreaker Annotations
    Arcanum - 2011-02-22#
  23. Warbreaker chapter 32#
  24. Warbreaker Annotations
    Arcanum - 2011-06-22#
  25. Warbreaker chapter 57#
  26. Warbreaker Annotations
    Arcanum - 2010-08-23#
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