#elain theory

[nikethestatue]

I wrote about this before, and I am thinking it needs revisiting.

We know that when Rhys was shot out of the sky, when Feyre found him after that, he was wearing gorsian chains, to stifle his magic.

In HOFAS, we learn that Ruhn was forced to wear them as well, by his father the Autumn King, to stifle his magic.

One other, curious person who was put in such chains was...Elain Archeron. The blue chains that the King placed on her when she showed up at his camp, lured by the Cauldron.

Why is that that the King felt that little Elain who was just Made a couple of months ago in front of him needed gorsian chains on her? Especially when he dumped her in his tent, right by the Cauldron.

What was it about her that concerned him so much, that he felt the need to put something so powerful on her? She's just been lured, she is barefoot and wearing only her nightgown (kind of similar to how she was presented to him initially). What is it that he is so afraid of in sweet little Elain that he doesn't feel secure enough in the knowledge that the Cauldron would be able to keep her in place. He puts her in chains, next to the Cauldron, with additional guards outside the tents, in the middle of his camp, with thousands of his soldiers and where you cannot winnow.

What powers does little Elain have that the King of Hybern needs to stifle them with gorsian chains?

And why did Azriel's first request, while he was bleeding and stumbling, as he carried her in his arms, was 'get Helion to take those chains off her!'

Chains so powerful, they needed a spell cleaver High Lord to wrestle them off of her and even he struggled.

What IS Elain? And what IS her magic?

[acourtofthought]

latest e*riel cope:

"sunlight prevents visions for oracles and that's why elain was choosing to sit near the window, seeking the sunshine because her visions overwhelmed her. which means lucien who is the heir of day court, is not her endgame, as sunshine/light is not what elain needs if she is to hone her powers."

did i miss something in the books about oracles and sunlight stopping their visions thing? 😭 it sounds made up and like yet another cope for the antis

Bryce blinded the Oracle with her Starborn light in CC when the Oracle tried to see into Bryce's future so I guess what they're saying is they believe Lucien is Starborn therefore he will blind Elain if she tries to see the future with him around. Bryce's light did not prevent the Oracle from seeing all futures though, she did not actually take away her seer abilities. Bryce's light prevented the Oracle from seeing Bryce's future and it was only trying to see Bryce's future that left the Oracle blind for a few weeks. So the moral of the story is that Elain should not attempt to see Lucien's future if Sarah is going to duplicate Elain's Seer abilities with that of the Oracle from CC. Which is actually not a bad thing? I don't think Sarah should write Elain being able to look at Lucien's future because that takes away from their journey together and journey as individuals. Things like that are best left to experiencing them as they come about. Also, nobody is asking Elain for their personal futures the way we saw with the Oracle in CC, they're asking Elain what she can see in terms of villains / plots / etc. I also think the theory they're trying to claim has already been debunked by the events of ACOWAR. It was with Lucien's arrival to the HOW that Elain began talking in the riddles that turned out to be her visions. It was after Lucien tugged on Elain through their bond she had another vision. It was with Lucien staring at her / sitting in the room with her that she was able to see the vision of Vassa and Koschei and the girls. And it was after Lucien left the NC that we never had her speak of a specific vision again. All that leads me to believe that it is Lucien's presence that triggers her visions meaning in order to further train / explore them, she's going to need him around. Especially when Sarah had an opportunity for someone in the IC to offer to help her reacquaint herself with her powers in SF but it was crickets on their end (and Az who actually said she should not use them to find the Trove). Side note, I actually don't think Elain is an Oracle the way we see them in CC. I think that while yes, she does have Seer powers, that's not going to be Elain's greatest contribution to the series. To me there is a reason she tagged Elain under an image of the Welsh Goddess of Spring and there is a reason she continued hammering home how Elain is a gentle grower of things who thinks the world needs more gardens and continually presents areas in Prythian that have begun dying.

[wingedblooms]

In hofas, we learned that Wyrd brims with the language of creation. After hosab came out, I wondered if Elain was given access to this secret language when she was Made. If this is true, she might be able to hear the song of creation around her and communicate with—sing to—it in return, as you both have theorized.

Crack Theory: Elain is a Singer

Ok, bear with me on this one. It’s a bit of a stretch. But I have a crack theory that Elain is going to be a capital-S singer. And by that, I don’t mean like a glee club singer, but like a shadowsinger or lightsinger, but more—almost like an omni-singer lol. I think Elain can sing to or call to a lot of different things—shadows, people, spirits, animals, even life and death maybe?

In ACOMAF, Feyre describes Elain like this:

This line seems innocuous, but what if Sarah is hinting about more to Elain here? What if Elain can actually convince anyone to do anything with a few smiles? What if she can exert some control over people if she puts her mind to it?

Then we have the prophecy from the book of breathings:

What if the “sing me�� is hinting at Elain’s powers here? And what if the “rot and bloom and bones” is referring to Elain’s ability to call to life and death and the spirits (since bones are used for scrying)?

And finally, in ACOWAR, Elain steps out of a shadow to kill Hybern:

This is exactly how Azriel is described only 11 chapters earlier when the Cauldron comes to steal Elain:

How was Elain able to step out of a shadow? Did Elain sing to or control the shadows like Azriel does?

If Elain does have some sort of ability to call to or control certain elements or things like Azriel, then I think it could make her an integral part of not only the search for the Fourth Trove obviously, but also in the quest to defeat Koschei, since she could help search for his mortality.

This theory also supports the spy elain theory obviously, since Elain could use her powers to get information out of people, to infiltrate enemy territories, to use the shadows to disguise herself, etc.

If correct, Azriel will obviously need to train Elain to learn to use the singing power, and to learn how to speak to and control the elements (and in turn how not to).

And finally, calling to the spirits could be very interesting. Could Elain learn information from the Fae warrior who trapped Koschei? And could Elain communicate with the spirits trapped in the stone in the prison?

All this aside, I think Sarah has clearly hinted that there is more to Elain’s powers than we know, and that Elain is going to be quite quite powerful.

For example, Elain is able to find the Suriel without scrying.

And there are hints about what the scope of Elain’s powers might be in ACOSF, and that they’re unknown:

...

I’m really excited to learn more about Elain’s powers in the next book.

[blaircmorgan]

Numbers in ACOTAR

This is the first time I'm sharing a theory of mine... I had posted this before on tiktok and Instagram (November 24th, 2023) I am reposting it bc I wasn't satisfied with the layout and it wasn't as detailed as this one. Oh and also English isn't my first language so pls don't mind if theres anything wrong in the grammar or if im bad at explaining xx

There will be SPOILERS for the entirety of ACOTAR series and House of Sky and Breath aka HOSAB!

SJM is known for using numbers like 3, 7, & 13 as symbolic constants in her worldbuilding. They’re familiar, but they’re also intentional. She uses these numbers like most fantasy authors.

However, there are some additional numbers that she has used, which are unusual of her to use and that make them stand out. Let’s take a look at these numbers:

21 & 5

In ACOSF chapter 56 (I will get back to this number later on) Gwyn gifts both Nesta & Emerie a book at Solstice. She tells them both to look at chapter 21 and page 5 (will come back to this number too).

She then tells us that this chapter is about the Valkyries death & Rebirth (aka herself, Nesta and Emerie).

“At the top of the first page, it merely said, Chapter Twenty-One.”

Notice how Twenty-One is written in cursive? Coincidence? I think not. SJM wanted us to notice this.

I noticed the unusual use of number 21 & 5. This was the first time SJM had used these numbers, so I did as Gwyn said. I checked chapter 21 and page 5 of each ACOTAR books to see what the key points of each chapter and page were. Then I also did some research on the number (21) itself as well.

Symbolism of 21

The number 21 in literature isn’t just a number. The number has been found in various works like art, mythology and literature. The number has been used to serve as a symbol of “completion, transition, or personal growth.”  More so the number has also been used to portray “characters’ coming-of-age, spiritual evolution, or a turning point in the narrative.”

As we hear from Gwyn, she made Merill add the Valkyries in a book, in chapter 21. We see that there is a turning point in the narrative with the Rebirth of the Valkyries.

The number is also used in the Bible. It is associated with resurrection. Death and Rebirth.

Now let’s ask ourselves this: Which two characters are associated with Death & Rebirth in ACOTAR?

Answer: Azriel & Elain

“I saw the painting in my mind: the lovely fawn, blooming spring vibrant behind her. Standing before Death, shadows and terrors lurking over his shoulder. Light and dark, the space between their bodies a blend of the two. The only bridge of connection … that knife.” - A Court of Wings and Ruin

(Fawn symbolizes Rebirth)

CHAPTER 21

ACOSF

In ACOSF chapter 21 we see Nesta having a conversation with Elain. The conversation is about wether or not Elain should be scrying for the Dread Troves.

Elain wants to do it, but Nesta doesn’t want Elain to do it. With this they have an argument and Nesta says:

“Look at who decided to grow claws after all (...) Maybe you’ll become interesting at last, Elain.”

“Find me when you wish to begin.”

We see that Elain doesn’t want to just sit and be quiet anymore, she wants to do more, be more involved with helping. There is a turning point in the narrative here and perhaps even a hint at who the next book is about

Let’s also not forget the Feysand bonus chapter is right after chapter 21 so it could count as 21.5 & Feysand talked about Elain: “Let’s focus on helping one sister before we start on the other.” A hint to say  we will first read about Nesta, then Elain.

“I think she’s kind, and I’ll take kindness over nastiness any day. But I also think we haven’t yet seen all she has to offer (…) Don’t forget that gardening often results in something pretty, but it involves getting one’s hand dirty along the way.” “And thorn up by thorns” - Feysand Bonus

Feysand are talking about how there is more to Elain than we know.

ACOTAR

In ACOTAR chapter 21 we see Feyre at Calanmai.

“Everything about the stranger radiated sensual grace and ease. High Fae, no doubt. His short black hair gleamed like a raven’s feathers, offsetting his pale skin and blue eyes so deep they were violet, even in the firelight. They twinkled with amusement as he beheld me.”

This is the moment Feyre meets Rhys. This is the moment where we the readers get introduced to him as well. With Feyre meeting Rhys, there becomes a turning point in the story and as readers we knew Rhysand was going to have a bigger impact on Feyre’s story.

ACOMAF

In ACOMAF chapter 21 we see Feyre at the Weaver’s cottage.

“I froze, the ring now in my pocket of my jacket.”

Feyre gets the ring Rhysand’s mother had given to the Weaver. Rhys’s mother had said only his bride would be able to retrieve it from the Weaver (Which Feyre ofc did) and this ring ends up being Feyre’s engagement ring. Rhys had told Feyre about the ring after she had retrieved it. When they got engaged this ring was important (It’s even on the cover of ACOMAF). Feyre become the first High Lady wearing this ring. A turning point in the narrative; High Lady of Night Court.

ACOWAR

In ACOMAF chapter 21 we see Nesta is starting to train her powers (after being Made) with Amren. Not only that, but we also find out that Feyre is going to the Prison.

“To find my sister and Amren. To see which of them was still standing after their first lesson” “The fewer people who knew about my trip tomorrow to see the Carver, the safer it was”

Nesta training with Amren becomes important for Nesta’s character arc in ACOWAR, but it also becomes important for ACOSF. It also can be seen as a hint given by SJM about Nesta potentially getting her own book (Which she eventually got and again her training her powers were important.

And with Feyre going to the Prison, we get a climpse of Feyre’s future. The Bone Carver shows himself as her son to Feyre.

ACOFAS

In ACOFAS chapter 21 we get into Cassian’s POV for the first time (If we don’t count Wings and Embers). We see that there is something going on between Cassian and Nesta (hinting on the next book is theirs as SJM said; She put breadcrumbs in ACOFAS for the upcoming spin-off books in this book)

“He remained staring after her, that present in his hands. Cassian’s fingertips dug into the soft wood of the small box. He was grateful the streets were empty when he hurled that box into the Sidra.”

Cassian throws away the gift he had gotten for Nesta as she rejects it. This gift was important enough for Cassian to give to Nesta, but when she rejects it, he gets rid of it (seems familiar to another moment right?) The gift gets brought up once again in ACOSF.

(Added: Oh, I just remembered this; let’s not forget Feyre’s birthday is on the 21st of December! And she is 21 when she gives birth to Nyx! Again, Feyre’s birthday was a turning point in the world itself, if Feyre hadn’t been born that day, Prythian could still have been under Amarantha’s rule. with Nyx’s birth, we get a turning point in Feyre’s story, she’s having her own family with her husband/mate and the kid is the heir of Night Court —> Next High Lord)

PAGE 5

Cassian throws away the gift he had gotten for Nesta as she rejects it. This gift was important enough for Cassian to give to Nesta, but when she rejects it, he gets rid of it (seems familiar to another moment right?) The gift gets brought up once again in ACOSF.

ACOTAR & ACOMAF

In ACOTAR, page 5 is where Feyre shoots the wolf (Andras) with her ash arrow. This becomes the beginning of the turning point in Feyre’s story. She shoots a Fae, which leads to her ending up in the Spring Court.

In ACOMAF, page 5 we see Feyre struggling and dealing after everything she had endured Under The Mountain. This also becomes a turning point in Feyre’s story, it’s important for us readers to see, to understand and feel with her. We see that she isn’t doing well mentally.

ACOWAR & ACOFAS & ACOSF

In ACOWAR, there isn’t any pages with the number 5 and that is because Part 1 of the book is there. The Part is called “Princess of Carrion” which is a title given to Feyre.

In ACOFAS, page 5 the twins Naula & Cerridwen get’s mentioned several times. (Who are they friends with? Elain. And who do they get trained by and work for? Azriel.)

And last but not least, ACOSF, page 5 does not exist once again. The fifth page is Part 1 of the book and the Part is called: “Novice”

Novice means: a person who has just started learning or doing something.

This is an indication to Nesta’s journey, her being a Novice in the beginning of her book.

NUMBER 56

(HOSAB SPOILER!)

Now let’s get back to this number before we conclude this whole theory.

Did SJM also give us a hint from HOSAB?

In HOSAB there is someone called BansheeFan56. Now look at the username/address once again... Number 56!

Again, this isn’t a number SJM typically uses and for some reason this number stood out and then I noticed something...

In what chapter did Gwyn give the Solstice gift of Chapter 21 to Nesta & Emerie? (and basically us)

Answer: Chapter 56.

I guess SJM do love to use numbers as a hinting tool

CONCLUSION

Now with everything we know about Chapter 21 & page 5, we can come to the conclusion of who the next book is going to be focusing on.

In ACOSF chapter 21, Nesta notices that Elain is growing. In the bonus chapter 21.5, Feysand talks about how they will focus on helping Elain, after helping Nesta. Nesta’s self healing journey has been written, but her journey may not be over yet. I do think we will see more of her, but I don’t think there will be huge focus on her again like in ACOSF.

It’s time for us to focus on Elain now and there is a lot to discover about Elain.

SJM did say each book in the spin off will focus on a couple and Nessian has had their book now, so I’m certain that Nesta won’t get another book or trilogy.

Numbers has become a pattern in the ACOTAR series.

3 brothers, 3 sisters, 3 stars, 3 peaks, 3 mountains, 7 courts, 7 High Lords etc, but now we can also add 21 & 5 into this.

Chapter 21 gives us a hint for something important that is happening or going to happen

page 5 shows us some turning points as well.

The 21st chapter becomes key to the book and the upcoming one. And the 21st chapter of ACOSF hints for the upcoming book to be Elain's and most likely have Azriel as the love interest since he got a bonus chapter in ACOSF, like Cassian got a bonus chapter in ACOMAF.

Plus both Bonus chapters are focused on Elain as well.

With all that said, I want to say thank you to my friends who has helped and supported me with this theory. And also thank you (reader) for taking your time to read about my theory about SJM’s use of numbers. I hope it makes sense for you guys as it does for me and I hope you enjoyed reading this <33

I also like to thank our Gwynie for giving us the hint that the next book is focusing on Elain <3

[emilyondemand]

Gentle grower of things

Day 2: Hope 🌸

One of the hopes I have for Elain’s book is that she is the flip side to the power of death that Nesta has, and instead has the power of life.

Elain having some sort of earth/life magic would be very apt for her and my favorite theory is that Elain will be instrumental in reviving the dusk court.

Elain the gentle grower of things, the one who believes the world needs more gardens where there are none, and who Feyre likened to being ‘mistress of a prison’ feels very much like the one to help bring back life to a court that is now barren.

I absolutely adore @little_alfard and her work; and was honored to have such an incredible artist bring this idea to life for me in such a breathtaking piece! It was such a pleasure working with her and I hope to again in the future!

Art by: @little_alfard

Commissioned by: me

Character belongs to: @sarahjmaas

For: @elainarcheronweek

You can find it on IG here

Likes, comments, shares, and saves are always welcomed and appreciated!

Please do not repost without permission.

[creativelydani]

So, everyone thinks Feyre = Mother, Elain = Maiden, Nesta = Crone, right? WRONG.

Well, Feyre DOES = Mother, but I argue that Elain & Nesta should be switched. Why? I’m glad you asked.

NESTA = MAIDEN

was an actual maiden when she went into the Cauldron (notably the only Archeron sister who was still a virgin)

prythian quivered when she was "born" or Made

canonically, the only character who can Make things

persephone, the greek goddess represented the Maiden, is associated with death and destruction as well as life and growth

part of her growth & healing journey was embracing girlhood and expression of self, a reclaiming of things the Maiden is associated with

ELAIN = CRONE

is a Seer, pertains to wisdom and endings (she predicted death but also prevented it with some of her visions)

crone is associated with midday (her mate is Lucien)

associated with nurturing - Elain gardens

Elain must learn to accept change and come to terms with the "death" of her old life, things the Crone is known for representing

hecate is known as the Crone, goddess of witchcraft, ghosts, necromancy, etc

Seers in the Maasverse are first introduced with the Ironteeth witches in TOG, and remain strongly associated with them throughout that series

[protectionelainsquad]

Every single theory leads back to Elain and Azriel. every. damn. one.

First off—let’s get the obvious outta the way. Elain is 1000% the next main female character.

SJM literally said she did research and studied for this book. and she’s an Archeron. it’s her turn. period.

And there’s SO MUCH pointing to it:

• in the feysand bonus chapter from ACOSF, Rhys straight up says: “first one sister (Nesta), then the other.”

• Elain is heavily implied to be ready—or soon-to-be—to train and tap into her powers.

• and now with HOFAS? her powers line up perfectly. especially when you look at her next to Azriel.

Let’s talk about the Dusk Court.

Elain’s into gardening, right? and people LOVE to clown her for it, like it’s some silly little thing. But HELLO, every SJM heroine has a “thing.” and this? This will matter.

when we talk about Elain, it’s not just “seer.” it’s powers—plural.

The Cauldron literally loved her enough to give her life, just like it gave Nesta death.

Nesta = death.

Elain = life.

Now imagine Elain, full of this life-giving power, awakening the Eighth Court—the Dusk Court.

And Azriel? the shadowy, mysterious male who’s never fully fit anywhere? what if he’s the heir to that court?

plot twist: the two of them aren’t just compatible—they’re meant to restore a piece of Prythian’s forgotten history.

And the Cauldron?

in that bonus chapter (you know the one—Azriel, Elain, Gwyn), Az drops a bomb:

“The Cauldron chose three sisters. Tell me how it's possible that my two brothers are with two of those sisters, yet the third was given to another.”

like??? what if the Cauldron got it wrong??

"What if the Cauldron was wrong?"

And now HOFAS is like: “yeah btw the Cauldron is controlled by the Daglan and was trying to breed stronger offspring so...”

We're talking about this since ACOWAR.

Az feels the bond between Elain and Lucien. and not in a “cute jealousy” way. Like he literally feels sick.

and Amren was the only other one who could feel mating bonds in ACOMAF.

but Az doesn’t feel all bonds—he didn’t feel Feysand’s. just Elucien’s.

What if that’s because… there are two mating bonds?

• The Cauldron’s: Elain + Lucien.

• The Mother’s: the real deal. soul-deep. chosen. Elriel.

But what about Lucien???

yeah let’s go there.

this bond with Elain? it’s been hanging around since ACOWAR.

but like… nothing’s happening. no romantic scenes. no tension. no anything.

Elain actively avoids him. She loses her voice around him. She wants nothing to do with him.

And Lucien? He’s literally living with another woman. Also he’s linked to Vassa. And Vassa’s under a spell. and Lucien’s the son of the guy who breaks spells.

Yeah. that’s a plot. That’s its own arc. Not Elain’s.

And no. Elain can’t “just say no” and move on.

If she rejects Lucien, the political fallout would be HUGE.

Beron’s ready to go full villain. he’ll use this to start a war. Blood Duel. Chaos. Alliances crumbling. It’s not that simple.

Now let’s zoom out.

Sarah J. Maas basically invented the mating bond trend in romantasy.

Everyone’s copying it.

Feysand walked so a million other romantasy couples could run.

But what if Elain’s book breaks the trope?

What if she is the one who says:

“I don’t want this bond.”

“I don’t want the male that the Cauldron, fate picked for me.”

“I want to choose for myself.”

Imagine a story where a girl rejects the magical destined bond.

And not because it’s broken or abusive—but just because she doesn’t want it.

Iconic.

SJM’s stories are all about choice.

Feyre and Rhys? They chose each other before the bond.

Nesta and Cassian? Same.

Bryce and Hunt? Same.

Aelin and Rowan? Same.

Feyre didn't even knew about the mating bond, and Rhysand didn't want to tell her, leaving her the possibility to choose.

CHOICE. Not fate. Not obligation. Not “you’re mine because magic said so.”

Love that’s freely chosen.

So why should Elain be forced to accept a bond she doesn’t want?

Lucien doesn’t even seem to want it either. like… he’s vibing with someone else entirely.

And in today’s world?

this story would hit hard.

A female lead saying:

“I don’t owe him anything.”

“I don’t have to give him a chance.”

“I get to choose who I love.”

YES.

We Elriel fans don’t want another ACOSF.

We want something like ACOMAF. Like TOG.

Not just smut and vibes—but a story with depth. A slow-burn, emotional, soul-healing, plot-driving masterpiece.

With a heroine who grows, heals, and shines.

Elain has so much potential.

She’s not a warrior like Nesta or Aelin or Manon. But she’s powerful in her softness. Gentle.

She deserves a book that shows the strength in that.

And we’re ready for it.

[offtorivendell]

Elain's book, is that you? 🕯️🕯️🕯️

The Secret Garden

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

The Dark is Rising

Grimm's Fairy Tales

Stig of the Dump (thanks @tswaney17)

I need to look into a couple of these some more, but even just thinking about Alice's Adventures in Wonderland...

“There is a garden—at my other house,” I said. “I’d like for you to come tend it, if you’re willing.” Elain only turned toward the sunny windows again, the light dancing in her hair. “Will I hear the earthworms writhing through the soil? Or the stretching of roots? Will the bird of fire come to sit in the trees and watch me?” - ACOWAR, chapter 24

Of course nothing is confirmed, let me clown in peace.

If we get Elain adventuring through tunnels, or through the looking glass, if she goes to Hel... I need it.

Meeting a Prince of Hel?

Lost in the murky realm...

Does she have a Secret Garden? Will she help to heal the land?

Will she finally visit Rosehall?

Elain stans if we get her book 🙏🏻

[shadowsatdawnx]

also very interesting that chapter 21 of SF directly hints at elain being a spy..

genuinely cannot wait for elain’s spy arc 👏

[bright-side20]

Imagine Azriel is freezing his heart isn't beating, he's not breathing, nor is his blood flowing. No one understands what kind of curse Koschei put him under. No healer or spell cleaver can help him. Everyone believes he's dead. Everyone thinks that Koschei told Elain he was still alive that he could awaken him if she bargains with him only to trick her.

But Elain refuses to give up, because she still feels him. Still senses his soul.

She holds the Harp to her chest. Then she leans close to Azriel asking him to come back to her and plucks the string, the one that holds time.

And as she does a single tear falls from her cheek. It lands soft on the bare skin over his heart disappearing into him.

As if her sorrow, her hope, her love, was what time had been waiting for.

Because Koschei hadn't killed him

He had trapped him

Locked Azriel outside of time itself where nothing moved, nothing aged, nothing lived.

And with that string ,Elain opened the way back for him.

The world around them stills

Then Azriel's chest rises

One breath ,then another

His heart flutters, and then it beats

His shadows return first, they leak from his skin like smoke curling upward slow and they reach toward her. Her light bursts from her in answer golden and warm.

Shadow meets light, and between them something forms, a bridge between their hearts. Woven of golden threads, spun from trust and aching love. A path between two souls that had always been reaching for each other. They wrap around each other like the slow eternal dance of dusk and dawn, light and shadow merging into one.

With a gasp Azriel finally wakes his gold-hazel eyes meeting Elain's brown ones.

Her hand still rests on his chest, still glowing. She's still crying but now she smiles through the tears

And Azriel whispers,

"You came for me."

[nikethestatue]

Elain and the Harp

So I wonder if Elain and the Harp are connected? What if they are made of the same 'THING' that is inside the Cauldron? The harp was dipped into it and now it controls time. Elain was thrown into it and now, in some manner, she also controls time.

What's a vision? The ability to influence time and actions.

Elain PREDICTED that Cassian was going to die during the war. Word for word and it happened just like she saw. But what did she do? She stepped in and changed the flow of time and the outcome.Just like the Harp, she reversed the inevitable.

Cassian offered her his dagger, for protection. She refused to take it. Yes, in the next minute, she took Truth Teller. Did she know that she needed to take TT specifically? Did she sense/Saw that TT was Made, just like she was, and like Nesta?

We know from Lanthys that he was able to hear the Harp, even though he didn't know that it was in Prison, with him. But he heard the note that it kept 'singing'.

So I wonder whether Elain heard the 'song' of Truth Teller as well? Did like call to like? Is there a silent song that she can hear and did she know that she needed to take that specific dagger to change history? To save Nesta's and Cassian's lives?

And is Azriel's shadowSINGING somehow connected to the silent songs that Elain can hear?

Nesta is the embodiment of the Mask. It's the thing that she controls the best, it raises armies, it's a weapon. Nesta is a weapon. She also forges weapons.

But the Harp--what it aligns to Elain and her magic, her GIFT? The gift that allows her to change the trajectory of time and influence events? Just like the Harp did when it turned back time and 'saved' Feyre. We know that Elain was praying to the Mother at that moment--could that prayer have influenced the way the Harp was used? Nesta was bargaining with the Cauldron and promising to return everything that she stole. Elain, who is more associated with the Mother, was praying to the Mother, and then next moment, Nesta felt the Mother's presence. What if Elain KNEW that she needed to bring the Mother into this? That the Cauldron wasn't enough. That the Harp had to be influenced by something even bigger than the Cauldron? By its creator--the Mother?

I suspect that each Trove object will be aligned to a sister--the Mask to Nesta, the Harp to Elain, and the Crown to Feyre, while the last remaining object--the Horn-- is already inside the other starborn female descendant of Theia, Bryce.

[acourtofthought]

Why do you think sjm felt the need to mention how Elain appears to suddenly be skilled in stealth? It is definitely an obvious setup for her story. I don't ship elriel, but I also don't see another explanation as to why she did that

I think because Elain will be able to shapeshift.

SJM tagged Elain under an image of Blodeuwedd, the Welsh Goddess of Spring (who had an owl perched on her shoulder) and in that particular fairytale she's turned into an owl. I also think it goes hand in hand with the HL of Springs powers which are shape-shifting in the chance that Tamlin is pushed out as it's ruler and Elain takes over (even temporarily).

It's not just the tag though, there are some interesting owl like mannerisms that Sarah writes Elain as having:

Regarding owls:

The "stealthy hunting hypothesis" holds that owls fly inaudibly so that prey CAN'T HEAR THEM coming"

Owls are known as SILENT predators of the night, capable of flying just inches from their prey WITHOUT BEING DETECTED.

Mercifully, Elain QUIETLY approached me at breakfast.

Elain was again at my side. I HADN'T HEARD HER steps.

Elain PERCHED SILENTLY on the couch nearby.

Elain spoke from the doorway, having appeared so SILENTLY that they all twisted toward her, “Using me.”

“You came,” Elain said behind her, and Nesta started, NOT HAVING HEARD HER sister approach. She scanned Elain from head to toe, wondering if she’d been taking lessons in STEALTH either from Azriel or the two half-wraiths she called friends.

she shook her head, blinking twice.

but Elain peered up at Cassian, blinking twice.

Elain blinked and blinked,

Elain cocked her head

“Could you have done it? Decided to take a male form?”

“Then why did you pick this body?” Elain asked.Elain asked, “And once you were in this body, you couldn’t change?”

It's easy to assume Elain is going to be a spy because she is friendly with the wraiths but that seems a little too obvious and Sarah's specialty is being tricky with her words (i.e., the Suriel telling Feyre to stay with the High Lord which actually meant Rhys, not Tamlin). Feyre mentioned Elain being better at secret keeping than even Az, maybe this is her secret and the real reason Elain asked Amren about changing forms. There's still no confirmation on how she managed to get to Nesta and Cassian in time to stab the king (post on that theory linked below) and that would be another point in favor of her having owl shifting capabilities. Not to mention owls often sneak up on their prey under the cover of darkness so while I think her stepping out of the shadows to stab the King had more to do with her stepping out from the forest and the trees shadows, it still plays nicely into the owl imagery.

[starsreminisce]

Every couple so far has built upon the lore of the mating bond, with each pair answering one of the five Ws and one H while expanding on what came before.

What: Rowaelin Who: Feysand When: Nessian Where: Quinlar Why: Elucien How: Gwynriel

What: Rowaelin

Rowan and Aelin introduced the mating bond into the series and established its importance.

Who: Feysand

Feyre and Rhysand answered the question of who are mates. ACOMAF focused on the contrast between the two males Feyre had loved, with Feyre processing why Tamlin was not the right match for her and what Rhys had that Tamlin lacked.

When: Nessian

Nesta and Cassian’s story explored when the bond snaps. Both Nesta and Elain were Made, yet only Elain’s bond snapped immediately. Nessian’s bond did not snap until two years later after a pivotal confrontation between Nesta and Cassian during Solstice about her reasons for accepting Eris’s engagement. This brings the question of whether the bond snaps at a crossroads moment for the female, when she recognizes who she could be but also acknowledges that she is not yet ready.

Where: Quinlar

Bryce and Hunt’s story demonstrated that the mating bond transcends worlds. One of the major plotpoints of HOFAS was that Bryce was able to return to Midgard was because Hunt was her home. HOFAS also featured three mated couples (four if you count the damn weapons) who, despite being across different worlds, still found their way back to each other.

Why: Elucien

Elain and Lucien’s story will answer why the bond exists. SJM has already planted this question in the text: Feyre explicitly wondered why Lucien and Elain were mated, and Azriel echoed the question in the bonus chapter. Their personalities, interests, backgrounds, and reactions align, yet their bond remains unexplored and unresolved longer than any other. Both Elain and Lucien are at a crossroads, having exhausted what they can do alone, and their story will reveal what they can achieve together. It will also restore the balance of the mating bond, shifting it away from the power imbalance it currently has. Unlike the other male mates, Lucien has not pushed Elain for a decision, which may be key to redefining the bond’s role.

The mating bond is also a huge part of their story, considering both Elain and Lucien were as content as they could be before their bond snapped. Yet once it did, they each started pushing themselves to become more. Their journey has been about stepping beyond where they were and figuring out how they can better the world. It also helps that Lucien, being fully fae, has a deeper connection to and understanding of the mating bond compared to the other couples, who are either half fae or not fae at all. Elain, described as different from her sisters, is also unique in that she was the only female who knew about her mating bond much earlier and understood how her feelings for Lucien tied in with the mating bond and what came with it.

It is no secret that the mating bond is at the center of their conflict, which means their resolution will inevitably be tied to understanding why the mating bond exists in the first place.

How: Gwynriel

Gwyn and Azriel’s story will reveal how the bond snaps though this time through a male’s perspective. In every previous case, the bond has snapped from the female’s point of view. Even when Cassian’s bond with Nesta snapped, we saw it happen through Nesta’s eyes. Lucien, Rowan, Hunt, and Rhys all had their bonds snap outside of their POVs. Azriel, having waited 500 years for a mate, is the perfect character to show the experience from the male’s side.

A rejected bond does not fit into the grand scheme of SJM’s worldbuilding, especially given how the mating bond is tied to fate with severe consequences for those who do not follow it. Rejections leave a lasting impact: both mates feel the other’s death profoundly, and it follows them for the rest of their lives. This makes it unlikely that SJM will use bond rejection as a central theme, especially with how she has framed the consequences of ignoring fate.

All in all, Elucien and Gwynriel both have the best potential to strengthen her lore of the mating bond, adding more to what we have previously known from her other couples, especially since the main couples in her series are already mates.

[blaircmorgan]

so exciting to see my theory on chapter 21 being shared! (thank you so so much everyone!!) cant wait for elain’s book to see what her chapter 21 brings to us🫶🏻🥹

[cassianfanclub]

“This time, you sent the trembling fawn to find me. I did not expect to see those doe-eyes peering at me from across the world.”

Happy Elain Archeron Week Day 6: Fanged Beast

One of my absolute favorite theories in this fandom is that Elain will be able to traverse the murky realm, like the Mystics in HOSAB. @wingedblooms incredible mind connects details in a way most only dream of and has helped to further my excitement for Elain’s book and journey. You can find the two main theories that inspired this piece here and here.

The first time we see Elain peer across the world, she is doing so as a trembling fawn, but my hope is that, she will peer across worlds on her way to becoming a fanged beast and embrace that side of her in her own book.

In this piece, Elain has left behind Az and Bryce in Velaris, and stepped into the murky realm, only to be greeted by a waiting Apollion, mirroring Az. Apollion’s black eyes, deep and dark as the Pit in which he dwells- a telltale sign that his relaxed posture is nothing more than a trick to give a false sense of calm. But I have confidence Elain’s fangs and claws will get her back home.

A massive thank you to @luxury_banshee on IG for creating this piece for me💕

You can find this art on IG here

Please do not repost

@elainarcheronweek

[titaniaqueenoffairie]

When are we gonna start questioning this blind trust in Lucien?

Can we please stop pretending he's just chillin’ as Rhysand’s loyal messenger boy?? Like?? This man is called Fox for a reason — and last time I checked, foxes aren’t known for blind obedience or playing fetch for High Lords they can’t stand.

He’s out here supposedly helping: 🔹 A man he clearly doesn’t like, who served Amarantha for 50years 🔹 A woman who literally destroyed the only home he ever had, mocked his new one, and then dipped. 🔹 A court that’s using his mate like a chain around his neck.

And y’all think he’s just fine with that?? Sweet baby Lucien, loyal Lucien? Nah. I don’t buy it.

I like to believe that deep down, Lucien is playing his own game. Maybe even pulling a secret alliance with Tamlin to rebuild Spring — not because he’s a villain, but because he’s smart, strategic, and not about to let any court use him like a pawn.

I mean, come on. He’s a fox. It’s time he starts acting like one. 🦊