Ien
| Ien | |
|---|---|
| |
| Bonded With | Raoden |
| Species | Seon |
| Homeworld | Sel |
“ To a Seon there is no above or beneath, there are only those we love. And we serve those we love. ”
Ien is a Seon on Sel. He is bound to King Raoden of Arelon.[2] He is named for Aon Ien, which means "wisdom" and is the symbol used for healing magic in AonDor.
Appearance and personality
Like all Seons, Ien is sentient and he appears as a melon-sized ball of light.[3] Seons have some control over the level of their brightness,[4] and they often pulse while speaking or laughing.[5] Ien's namesake Aon glows at his center, although it may be difficult to discern through the light.[4]
When Raoden is taken by the failed Shaod, Ien's appearance changes. His Aon has new breaks in its lines and patchy colors,[1] displaying some similarities to the blotchy skin of Elantrians before the restoration of their powers.[6] After Raoden regains access to the power of the Dor, Ien reverts to his original appearance.[7]
Ien is exceptionally wise and very thoughtful.[6][7] His voice is described as "indulgent" and "stoic".[1][3] He cares deeply for Raoden and serves him simply because he loves him.[1]
Abilities
Seons are Splinters of Devotion[8] and possess several magical qualities. They are able to move by floating through the air, and Ien retains this power when he loses sentience.[6] Although Seons are very light, they have a tangible form and cannot pass through solid matter.[9] Seons have senses that are superior to humans.[4] They are able to link over long distances to allow their masters to instantly communicate with each other. They can temporarily transform into a three-dimensional image of the person speaking on the other end of the link.[3]
Bond with humans
Seons form bonds with humans; this bond can be Passed from person to person.Template:Annotation ref This bond works through Spiritual Connection[10] and has similarities to the Nahel bond on Roshar.[11] When Raoden was taken by the broken Shaod, his spiritual nature was changed, causing Ien to lose his sentience.[10]
History
Ien has been bound to Raoden since he was a young boy.Template:Annotation ref It is not clear who exactly Passed Ien to Raoden, but it is common to keep Seons within a family. In Raoden's youth, he learns about slavery and attempts to free Ien, but Ien assures him that he wants to serve him and that he requires no payment.[1] Raoden considers Ien a a friend, but he also sees him as a reflection of his god's love.[1]
Raoden is confused by the fact that he cannot find Ien when he is first taken by the Shaod.[2] After getting thrown into the fallen city of Elantris, he worries about Ien but tries not to think about his fate.[12]
After the restoration of Elantris, Raoden notes that Ien has changed and become even more thoughtful.[7] Brandon has noted that the change in Ien could be explored in a future sequel to Elantris.[13]
Notes
- ↑ a b c d e f Elantris chapter 16#
- ↑ a b Elantris chapter 1#
- ↑ a b c Elantris chapter 2#
- ↑ a b c Elantris chapter 32#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 5#
- ↑ a b c Elantris chapter 10#
- ↑ a b c Elantris chapter 63#
- ↑ Arcanum Unbounded Seattle signing
— Arcanum - 2016-12-01# - ↑ TWG Posts
— Arcanum - 2005-05-06# - ↑ a b Alloy of Law release party
— Arcanum - 2011-11-07# - ↑ /r/books AMA 2015
— Arcanum - 2015-06-19# - ↑ Elantris chapter 4#
- ↑ Leipzig Book Fair
— Arcanum - 2017-03-24#