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Ten fools

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Ten fools
Related to Vorinism, Heralds
World Roshar
Universe Cosmere
Featured In The Stormlight Archive

“ Kaladin felt like one of the ten fools. Actually, he felt like all of them. Ten times an idiot. But most specifically Eshu, who spoke of things he did not understand in front of those who did. ”

— Kaladin reflecting after prejudging Shallan[1]

The ten fools are legendary individuals of cultural significance on Roshar.

Origin[edit]

The fools represent the antitheses of the ideals of the ten Heralds.[2] The number of fools stems from the nature of Honor.[3] Each fool corresponds to a specific Herald,[4] although people on Roshar are not aware of the relationship between the two groups.[5] Unlike the Heralds, it is not known if the ten fools are based on historical individuals.

Cultural Use[edit]

The ten fools are invoked to describe someone who is acting very foolish.[6][7] Each fool is known for a specific foolish attribute that has a representative glyph known to Vorin ardents.[8] Specific fools are often referenced in order to emphasize that particular foolish trait, either using their name or their number (the fools have a specific numerical order, e.g. the "fourth fool").[9][7] The ten fools are mentioned only by residents of Vorin nations, and it is unclear if they are known in other parts of Roshar.

Pai invokes the ten fools in a bold protest against Queen Aesudan Kholin and the Alethi government, and is executed for her actions.[8]

Known Fools[edit]

Cabine
He acts like a child even though he is an adult.[6]
Eshu
He speaks of things he does not understand in front of those who do.[1]
Dilid
He ran up a hillside to the Tranquiline Halls with sand sliding beneath his feet—running for eternity but never making progress.[10]

Quotes[edit]

Rosharans from Vorin nations speak of the ten fools (or think about them) in many different situations.

“ I apologize for wasting your time, Brightlord. You are correct; this is akin to the ten fools. ”

“... I've made a life out of traveling to difficult places to trade, and even my babsk said that trying to trade with the Horneaters was akin to the seventh fool. ”

For more quotes, see /quotes.

Trivia[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ↑ a b Words of Radiance chapter 71#
  2. ↑ General Reddit 2011
    — Arcanum - 2011-03-01#
  3. ↑ JordanCon 2018
    — Arcanum - 2018-04-22#
  4. ↑ a b Oathbringer release party
    — Arcanum - 2017-11-13#
  5. ↑ Rhythm of War Preview Q&As
    — Arcanum - 2020-09-08#
  6. ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 37#
  7. ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 69#
  8. ↑ a b Words of Radiance interlude I-12#
  9. ↑ Rhythm of War chapter 12#
  10. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 29#
  11. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 28#
  12. ↑ Dawnshard chapter 14#
This page is complete!
This page contains all the knowledge we have on the subject at this time.
Big Smooth (talk) 20:17, 26 July 2022 (UTC)
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