Sarpenthyn
Sarpenthyn | |
---|---|
World of Origin | Roshar |
Universe | Cosmere |
Appearance and Anatomy
Sarpenthyn resemble slimy lumps of flesh with two bulbous eyes and four long tentacles. Their bodies are similar in appearance to the bodies of haspers, a clam-like mollusk, but sarpenthyn do not have shells. Although sarpenthyn appear to be invertebrates, they are warm-blooded. Different species vary in size, likely depending on their habitat. If threatened, sarpenthyn are able to inflate their bodies and raise their tentacles above their heads to try and scare off enemies.[1]
Ecology
Sarpenthyn are generally found in central or western Roshar. Although they are able to squish their bodies into cracks to shelter from highstorms, this strategy is presumably ineffective in the east where the storms are stronger. They are rare enough in Alethkar and the Shattered Plains that Adolin Kholin has never seen one before. Smaller species can be found in Jah Keved, with larger examples found in Marabethia. Their slimy appearance implies that they live in moist areas, possibly caves.[1]
History
Shallan, Adolin, and Kaladin saw an example of a Marabethian specimen in a menagerie in the warcamps. It was kept in a cage styled to look like a cave. Shallan was fascinated by its size compared to Veden examples. She touched it to confirm that it was warm-blooded, causing it to react defensively. She was unfamiliar with the larger species, and planned to sketch it. Adolin, who found the creature disgusting, was horrified. A plaque on the cage gave the animal's nickname as the "Devil Rock" and noted a Marabethian superstition that sarpenthyn were the result of murdered children being resurrected.[1]
“Devil Rock captured in Marabethia. The locals claim it is the reborn vengeful spirit of a child who was murdered. ”
—A plaque on a sarpenthyn cage[1]
Trivia
- The singular form of "sarpenthyn" is not known.