[OB] Elhokar appreciation thread

[ICanDream]

After his untimely demise, I’ve been as messed up as Shallan. 

Yet, I have seen no Elhokar appreciation thread. Which, frankly, is disgraceful. So let’s show our boy Elhokar - may he rest in peace - some love!

 

 

[StormingTexan he/him]

Biggest 180 I've had with one of Brandon's characters. I could of cared less for him until this book and just when I started really liking him and rooting for him he's killed. Brandon clearly wanted to torture us but in a sense I really liked what happened here. He died protecting his son and envisioning himself as the person he should be. Better late than never but sometimes you have to pay the devil his dues. Completely gut wrenching though and fo sure one of the biggest moments in the book.

[BraidedRose]

Elhokar’s death was definitely one of the most gut wrenching moments for me, especially since I would never have predicted such a strong reaction. I honestly didn’t think I cared about Elhokar but Brandon made me root for him in OB and then I honestly had to take a break from the book when he died, I was so emotional. I guess I like what happened too though, kudos to Brandon for making that moment so powerful.

[Song she/her]

Elhokar's humility was one of his most powerful traits. He really wanted to be a good king, and he was willing to turn to a dark-eyes to learn how, not many would have cared enough to do that.

He is crippled by self doubt in the first two books (Not surprising given all the intelligence and charisma of the rest of his family), but by the 3rd he accepts himself and starts to contribute.

Such a tragic end!

 

[hypatia she/her]

RiP Elhokar, King of Alethkar, who never had a chance.

Now you are dead and only now I start to understand you - born as an artist, but forced to act as a leader.

Did you ever asked your father, if you could start learning to draw?

I bet his answer wasn't a nice one.

You were like Kaladin, but a Kaladin who were forbidden to protect, to lead.

The one thing, that was always true with your destiny - you were an actor, you tried to act like an heir and a king.

No, this isn't correct - you tried to be your father.

But rest asure - I strongly believe, you would have been a great king of your own over time, with your ability to see and sometime bring forth the best in other people.

One question - what was wrong?

Why did you wait so long with your spren to bond?

Was it a problem with you or with your spren?

Edited January 26, 2018 by hypatia

[Toaster Retribution he/him]

As someone who liked Elhokar from the start, I was sad to see him go, and the scene where he (and Sah, Noro and Beard) died was probably the best scene in OB, and one of the best Sanderson scenes too. I love how he held on to that drawing. That said, I am glad that he died, precisely because it was so powerful a moment. Just like a lot of other memorable character deaths in other stories, the story would be lesser without the death. 

Rest in peace Elhokar, King of Alethkar! And may Moash forever have an unbearable pain in his left pinky toe as a punishment for what he did.

[digitalbusker he/him]

Rest in Peace, Elhokar. In the end, you did your best.

And it's not your fault that hereditary monarchy is a stupid idea.