Kevin's Watch

In the second chronicles, did anyone notice how Mistweave was always around, but never seemed to say anything? I almost felt that he was mute like Seadreamer. Somehow I always had the impression that he spoke "off camera," but Donaldson was playing a game with us by not relating any of his dialogue to the reader. I began to pay attention to the character to see if he would ever speak... and finally he DID! One line toward the end of White Gold Wielder.

Did anyone else pick up on this or think it was strange? It almost seems like it had to be on purpose.

I always just figured Mistweave was the strong, silent type. And very shy, with a lot of uncertainty about his own worth, especially in comparison to the stolid devotion of the Haruchai.

Interesting observation. Never noticed it, but in retrospect, it does seem odd. I'm curious, what was the one line Mistweave speaks?...

Something along the line of "I'd appreciate it if you would look at my arm. The pain is considerable." (paraphrasing)

Ya know, I didn't even notice that Mistweave was the "silent giant" until you brought it up.

BT Shire wrote:In the second chronicles, did anyone notice how Mistweave was always around, but never seemed to say anything? I almost felt that he was mute like Seadreamer. Somehow I always had the impression that he spoke "off camera," but Donaldson was playing a game with us by not relating any of his dialogue to the reader. I began to pay attention to the character to see if he would ever speak... and finally he DID! One line toward the end of White Gold Wielder.

Did anyone else pick up on this or think it was strange? It almost seems like it had to be on purpose.

Maybe Donaldson was going for the "Silent Bob" approach by only having Mistweave actually speak once or twice.

Having thought this over some more, I wonder if it just wasn't important that Mistweave say anything. What he does is important enough; why give a character dialogue if it's not going to add to the plot?

Myste wrote:Having thought this over some more, I wonder if it just wasn't important that Mistweave say anything. What he does is important enough; why give a character dialogue if it's not going to add to the plot?

Mistweave probably said quite a bit, but it just wasn't noted, because it wasn't important to the story. Just like there's no mention of anyone cleaning the pots and dishes after a meal.

Nice point, Myste. Yes, I also think it's SRD's efficiency at work. But it's true, Mistweave does get lost in the shuffle among the other Giants of the Search because he doesn't speak much. Of course, Vain doesn't speak much either, but he gets everyone's attention.

Right, Vain?

Wayfriend wrote:Just like there's no mention of anyone cleaning the pots and dishes after a meal.

The unsung heroes of the Search.

That is not the only line spoken by Mistweave. When Cail leaves Revelstone for the Dancers of the Sea, the First teases Mistweave by saying that Cail would leave him behind. Mistweave replies:

Outdistance a Giant? Not while I live!

Ah! I must have missed that one. Mistweave was a chatty one after all!

BT Shire wrote:Ah! I must have missed that one. Mistweave was a chatty one after all!

Not so much chatty as not entirely silent. But good enough!