The Name of the Wind

Many fantasy stories incorporate the use of myth and magic. How do these elements manifest in this story, and how does this make The Name of the Wind different than other tales of the genre? What do you understand “sympathy” to be, and how does it work? Is Rothfuss’s version of magic convincing? 

This story, like other coming-of-age stories, builds upon elements of mortal experiences to draw readers in and explore the human condition. What about Kvothe’s journey is relatable? How are his experiences different than other such tales?

As with many classic fantasy tales, women do not necessarily play a key role in the narrative here; if they do, it is often more as motivation for the hero. However, Denna is a unique character because her actions, as Deoch explains, highlight some of the problems that women have faced in pre-industrial societies like the one depicted. Have you learned anything about the world from Denna’s situation? Do you think Rothfuss does justice to the secondary female characters, such as Devi, Auri, and Fela? Could Denna have made her way in life the same way Kvothe has?