Trailman's flute
| Trailman's flute | |
|---|---|
 by taratjah
| |
| Type | Musical instrument |
| Owners | Hoid (former), Torol Sadeas (former) |
| World of Origin | Cosmere |
| Universe | Cosmere |
A Trailman's flute is a musical instrument used by storytellers to aid in the telling of their stories.[1]
Characteristics
Hoid is the only person known to play the Trailman's flute. Hoid's flute is made of a very dark wood that is heavier than it looks. It is smooth and has holes along its length. It is played by holding it sideways to the mouth and blowing air over it, unlike other flutes commonly seen in Alethkar that are held out downwards in front of the user.[1] The origin of the name "Trailman's flute" is not known.
Hoid is able to use the flute to make a wide range of sounds, from a soft, melancholy melody to fast, crisp scales or screeching high notes. He is able to use echos to simulate playing a duet with himself, and some of his melodies sound "alien" and from "another place and time".[1]
History
“If you knew the history of that flute, it would make your brain flip upside-down. ”
—Hoid, to Kaladin[2]
By the time of the War of Reckoning, Hoid had carried his Trailman's flute for an exceptionally long time. He referred to the flute using female pronouns and mentioned that he did not use it as often as he should, even worrying that he would forget how to play it, even though he never could.[1]
Kaladin's first meeting with Hoid occured after he investigated music he was surprised to hear coming from the Shattered Plains, where Hoid (as Wit) had set up a campfire next to the chasms. Kaladin mentioned being drawn to the sound of the flute and that its pitch was lower than others he had heard.[1] Hoid bantered with Kaladin in his usual cryptic manner before using the flute to tell the story of the Uvara and the Wandersail.[1] Kaladin was transfixed by Hoid's virtuosic playing and storytelling. After the story was finished, Hoid gave the flute to Kaladin, emphasizing that he should learn how to play it and eventually master it. Hoid also mentioned his "apprentice" Sigzil being promoted, implying that the flute may have a connection to Hoid's status as a Worldsinger.[1]
“When you can make the music sing back at you, then you’ve mastered it.”
—Hoid to Kaladin[1]
Kaladin was skeptical about learning how to play the flute and still held the traditional Alethi view of music as a feminine pursuit.[1][2] He kept the flute but did not place much value on it, and he accidentally left it in the Bridge Four barracks after moving out of Sadeas's warcamp.[2] Hoid knew Kaladin had lost the flute and was annoyed and disappointed; Kaladin was apologetic but still did not seem to grasp the flute's significance.[2] Torol Sadeas found the flute and had possession of it before his death, and Hoid wanted it back.[3] If Hoid were to recover the flute, he would not let Kaladin have it again.[4]
Shallan later encountered Hoid in Kholinar, telling the story of Queen Tsa. After finishing the story, Hoid remarked to Shallan that he missed his flute.[5]
Lift found the flute that used to belong to Hoid- or one that appears much like it- before the events of Urithiru's capturing. She says she got it in the bin of a merchant in Urithiru who sells salavage from the shattered plains. After Urithiru was freed, Lift returned it to Kaladin via Dalinar.
Trivia
- Hoid's flute may be related to Meridas Amaram's collection of flutes.[6]
- The origins of Hoid's flute will be revealed at some point in a future work.[7][8]
- Hoid's flute is related to a flute which Lift has.[9]
Notes
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i The Way of Kings chapter 57#
- ↑ a b c d Words of Radiance chapter 55#
- ↑ /r/books AMA 2015
— Arcanum - 2015-03-12# - ↑ Words of Radiance Scottsdale signing
— Arcanum - 2014-03-14# - ↑ Oathbringer chapter 57#
- ↑ /r/books AMA 2015
— Arcanum - 2015-06-02# - ↑ Idaho Falls Signing
— Arcanum - 2015-11-28# - ↑ LTUE 2020
— Arcanum - 2020-02-15# - ↑ LTUE 2020
— Arcanum - 2020-02-15#