#sjm theory

[emilystheories]

Aelin Galathynius created Prythian. She is the Mother.

This theory contains TOG, ACOTAR and (slight) CC SPOILERS!

Many, many thousands of years ago, Amren recalled that a huge "rip in the sky" appeared in her home world. Out of curiosity, Amren flew through this rip, and landed in Prythian.

This perfectly aligns with Aelin ripping a hole in the sky of the God's realm. This is the most concrete piece of evidence that Throne of Glass took place in the past (something I have already theorised about).

However, and most interestingly, it is suggested that Amren entered Prythian when it was being made - when the world itself was beginning to form.

If Aelin indeed created the "rip" in the sky that Amren went into - the timing suggests that Aelin's actions led to the creation of Prythian.

And, although subtle, we actually have proof of this.

Recall that Wyrd was described as the thing that "keeps the realms apart:"

But, when Aelin shut the gates between worlds at the end of Kingdom of Ash, we have this VERY important (and often overlooked) clue:

Aelin caused for all worlds to overlap.

I believe this is how Prythian was born.

The Cauldron.

According to the mural that Feyre observes, Prythian was created by a female with "glowing, slender hands," who tipped a fluid with "strange symbols" (wyrdmarks), from the Cauldron, onto the land.

I believe this was Aelin - perhaps not literally, but metaphorically.

But this begs the question; what exactly is the Cauldron?

For starters, we know that the Cauldron has 3 "legs". These legs provide most of its power (and this is an important clue!)

This is very similar to the 3 wyrdkeys in TOG; the very 3 wyrdkeys that Aelin embedded into her arm (and subsequently her blood) when she sealed the gates.

Aelin then gave over the 3 wyrdkeys, and all of her fire power to forge the new lock. It is this very power that is the essence of the Cauldron. 

As evidence of this, when we see the Cauldron's power in ACOWAR, it presents as Aelin's own power; "raw fire power," capable of burning an entire army to ash within seconds.

The Dread Trove.

The Cauldron also created the Dread Trove - and this is another very important clue.

The Crown.

The Crown can control and influence people - just like the wyrdkeys (and subsequent wyrdcollars and rings controlled people in TOG).

The Mask.

The Mask can control the dead - just like the wyrdkeys could create armies of dead people; a power Erawan desperately wanted.

The Harp.

The Harp can open portals to different locations, and potentially different worlds and realms. This is one of the key features of the wyrdkeys.

In fact, it was said the 3 wyrdkeys were needed to create a wyrdgate.

The Cauldron has 3 legs (that I believe are the 3 wyrdkeys Aelin yielded to seal the lock).

Thus, the Cauldron *IS* a wyrdgate.

Cauldron = Wyrdgate.

As further proof of this, to "nullify" the Cauldron, Amren had to:

give up her current body,

forget about those she loved,

and unleash her power of "light and flame."

Which is just like Mala Fire-Bringer; who also had to:

give up her current body,

forget about those she loved, (in fact, both her and Amren both warned that they will no longer "remember" their loved ones),

and unleash her power of "light and flame", in order to forge the lock, and shut the wyrdgate.

But, recall that when Mala's plan didn't work, Aelin (and Dorian) had to give all of their power to reforge a new lock, in order to seal and shut the wyrdgate once more.

This is just like Rhys in ACOWAR; in order to re-seal the Cauldron, he had to give over every inch of his power.

In fact, when Aelin and Dorian's power were used together, and in combination with the wyrdkeys, it was described as "creation and destruction," and the "beginning and the ending."

These are the exact same terms used to describe the Cauldron - and I'd argue the exact same *power* of the Cauldron (but more on that later).

And, as a side note - at one point, the Cauldron's power was even described as "fire and ice"... (ring any bells?)

The Lock.

Further, when Aelin and Dorian were sealing the wyrdgate shut, they had to make a "lock."

The lock they made was the Eye of Elena. This is perhaps the most important clue in this theory; that this very symbol and mechanism allowed for the creation of the Cauldron.

However, we learn in later TOG books that this symbol isn't just known as the Eye of Elena, but also as the "Eye of the Goddess." This is because it was first a sacred witch symbol, created by Rhiannon Crochan.

Crochan means Cauldron.

Additionally, the Eye of the Goddess was named as such, as it is said to represent the Three Faced Goddess (that the witches worshipped), and her three counterparts;

The Maiden

The Mother

The Crone.

It's for this reason that I believe the Cauldron was created from the Eye of Elena, or the Eye of the Goddess lock, as it too follows the principles of Maiden, Mother, and Crone.

We see clear evidence of this when Elain, Nesta and Briallyn were thrown into the Cauldron.

Elain was made into the Maiden.

The Maiden often symbolises innocence, beauty and blossoming.

In TOG, the Maiden was represented by the Blueblood witches, who were the "oracles, mystics, and zealots."

Elain was made into a Seer.

The Bluebloods also required more iron (as it was said that they were the most powerful), and it is rather interesting that Elain (presumably) wears an iron ring.

Nesta was made into the Mother.

The Mother often symbolises maturity, responsibility, and power.

In TOG, the Mother was represented by the Blackbeak witches, who were the warriors - known for their "obedience, discipline, and brutality."

Considering the multiple references to Nesta making a fine General in an army, as well as the parallels between Manon's thirteen, and Nesta's Valkyries - it makes perfect sense.

Briallyn was made into the Crone.

She was, quite literally, turned into an old woman by the Cauldron.

Creation and Destruction.

Knowing that that the Cauldron was made from the Eye of Elena/Eye of the Goddess, as well as the 3 wyrdkeys, as well as Aelin's own power that she donated to forge the lock, and seal the gate - this can explain Nesta's own power.

Nesta's power manifested as "cold" flame, one that seemingly burned without a trace.

We have already seen this before;

Aelin's moon-fire,

and Kaltain's shadow-fire.

The commonality between these two? Both women were in possession of the wyrdkeys.

The same wyrdkeys that the Cauldron now possess; the same power that Nesta stole.

And, all in all, this makes perfect sense. The Cauldron is a wyrdgate. Wyrd is the "language of the universe," it is the power of both creation and destruction, life and death.

Nesta's power symbolises one half - Death.

And, it's for this reason that I believe that Elain's powers (that are yet to be revealed), will symbolise the other half - Life. Creation. (And, I also have an inkling that she will be the one to rebuild the Dusk Court with this very power).

We also know that the Cauldron loved Elain. If the Cauldron was indeed created by Aelin - that she is it's Mother - then perhaps it's no coincidence that "Elain" is an anagram for "Aelin"....?

A portal too?

If the Cauldron is indeed a wyrdgate - then recall that Feyre threw the Book of Breathings into it.

Now, Jesiba Roga possesses that exact book.

Does this tell us that the Cauldron is in fact a wyrdgate to Lunathion, and the Crescent City world...?

Knowing all the connections between the Cauldron and the witches - and Jesiba being a witch herself, it makes sense...

#acotar #acotar theory #throne of glass #sjm theory #sjm multiverse #sjm #sjm universe #sarah j maas #aelin ashryver galathynius #aelin galathynius #tog #crescent city theory #crescent city #elain archeron #nesta archeron #pro elain #pro nesta #manon blackbeak

[hopelesslyhopeful11]

The Future Betrayer of ACOTAR

*I already know this is going to definitely make people mad, but be kind y’all, this character isn’t you and has no reflection on who you are as a person*

The Hint of a Future Betrayal:

In ACOSF, we get this quote from Briallyn (who was working very closely with Koschei) that they are aware that there are members in the night court that can be persuaded to help them with the right motivation.

The Right Incentive and Motive

Like any crime and suspects, we must look at who has motive and who is desperate enough to commit said crime. That being said: who has been hinted since ACOWAR to want something very desperately to the point of delusion? I favor Elain and here is why I think so:

Here are three separate occasions across two books that we have Elains storyline heavily showing her desires and wishes to be human. To the point where she followed something into enemy camp away from her loved ones because she was that desperate to be human again. That is definitely foreshadowing especially when we see it across two books and with what we learn in ACOSF in regard to Elain.

The Evidence in Elain’s Storyline in ACOSF

The next part of placing a suspect is gathering the evidence to suggest your suspect is guilty and ACOSF has pretty good evidence.

Above is only one instance (had to cut out the others bc tumblr does like more than 10 photos per post), but there are multiple instances showing that Elain and Elains storyline is suspect. Like Elain is noticeably absent from the pages in ACOSF which was shocking in and of itself, but what’s even more shocking is that the scenes we do get show us she is sneaking around/lying/and not acting as she normally does (and p.s. we know Azriel isn’t the one teaching her to be sneaky since from his own thoughts we know he hadn’t been alone with her since ACOFAS). This all is just very suspicious.

So who is she working for/sneaking around to?

We get this from ACOSF that Koschei is doing anything he can to free himself and even further drives the point that Koschei knows he can manipulate someone in the IC. So it is reasonable to theorize given everything we know from above that Elain may be influenced to help Koschei under the delusion that he can help her be human again.

To Conclude,

Maybe all of this is just a coincidence. Maybe it is nothing at all. Or maybe it’s everything. I’ll leave you with two last photos that further drive the connection between Elain and Koschei with this line in ACOWAR of Elains mind and this picture saved from SJMs deleted pinterest.

Surely looks to me like SJM was trying to paint a picture of who’s entangled with Elains story and specifically her mind and with all we know from ACOSF, it’s not hard to believe that Elain is going to have a part in freeing koschei with the promise of being human again.

I am once again rewriting to implore you to remember that this is just a theory that I believe is very sound based on everything I posted above with textual evidence and SJMs pinterest. It does not mean I think Elain or people who relate to Elain are evil and underserving of good things. If you cannot debate like you are a human capable of empathy, please see yourself away from my page.

~~Live, laugh, SJM~~

#acotar #acosf #acowar #elain archeron #acosf theory #koschei #koschei the deathless #sjm theory #not an evil Elain post #Elain is just going through it

[athena-85]

This scene has me in a chokehold

Like COME ON……

This was the imagery sjm used

we know that Nesta didn’t get the same treatment… and then he takes her to the garden ❤️👀💀💀💀

Like it is so OBVIOUS

#elriel #acotar #sjm theory #sjm writing

[acourtofantumbra]

I would love to just... even one time... have some kind of profound explanation for the parallels that are coming up during this Throne of Glass reread. Like what do I even do with this?

I haven't seen anyone draw this parallel between Elide's extra sensory bad vibes of the Stone Marshes in TOG and Nesta's vision in the Prison in ACOSF... but it's CERTAINLY there. (Edit: I fully believe some SJM scholar out there has not only found this, but drawn far superior conclusions lol & I encourage them to enlighten me please!!)

What does one do when "even Death itself bows to the 26th string" and Fae trying to claw their way through stone comes up in BOTH?! Asking for a friend.

#sjm theory #sjm multiverse spoilers #sjm multiverse #throne of glass #cc3 #acotar #aelin galythinius #crescent city #empire of storms #elide lochan #lorcan salvaterre #stone marshes #the prison #nesta archeron #cassian #elorcan #nessian #the harp #the dread trove #anneith

[reyleese]

FRIENDLY REMINDER…

Ruhn Danaan has suffered abuse at the hands of his father for his entire life, and has tattoos to cover up the physical scars so that nobody asks questions… THESE SCARS ARE ALL OVER HIS BODY.!!! It’s not like he has one or two tats, these are all over his entire body, covering up so much that even his own sister never noticed until the Asteri out him in front of everyone.! Lidia was the only person he even talked to about this kind of stuff and even then he was just hinting at things…

#crescent city #cc3 #sarah j maas #sjm theory #sjm universe #sjm multiverse #sjm fandom #sjm books #sjmaas #sjm #lidia x ruhn #ruhnlidia #ruhn danaan

[blackcatsnstrawberries]

Azriel Backstory Theory

Break line because it's long

I try not to get into these ACOTAR/TOG/CC theories too much because it just creates a lot of discourse, but I do want to explain my theory on what I think is Azriels lineage, and why I think his mom is from a powerful/old Fae line, and that he and Rhys are not brothers.

First lets just move Rhys to the side for a moment (sorry bb.) If Az was in fact the High Lord’s son with another woman ,and Az was an illegitimate threat to the future High Lords throne, why not just kill him? Why keep him in a dungeon AND THEN train him to fight AND THEN be cool with it when Rhys becomes close to him? If Az was the High Lords son, he'd either be a threat and killed, or just disowned and thrown into the cold with his mom. Keeping him around makes no sense, especially when he does not have his shadow singing powers until age 11.

(And before we go anywhere else, I am 100% an Elriel, that doesn’t come into play but I just need to make that clear)

So we know Azriel’s family relations are: Illyrian mom, Illyrian Lord dad, step mom, 2 half brothers.

The fact that Az has someone who is in title a “step mom” suggests that his father is with/or was with this person at some points during Azriel’s childhood. The existence of the step mother also suggests two reasons as to how Az’s mom ended up pregnant with the Lord’s child 

Az’s mom was actually his mate and he was with her on the side (unlikely)

Az’s mom was the victim of the Lord’s SA 🙁 (unfortunately likely)

A few points to keep in mind

It’s said in (I think) ACOMAF that his step mom was mean, and so were the half brothers, hence the burning of his hands.

A place called Rosehall was mentioned in ACOFAS and that Az goes there over Soltice

Az’s mom is still alive

Ok so we have to remember that Az was locked in the dungeon from a really young age, until he showed his shadowsinger powers at age 11, when his dad dumped him in an Illyrian war camp. So why was he locked up?

Step mom jealous of her partner's mating bond with Az’s mom: Maybe?! I forget where it’s said but it was the SM and the half brothers who were particularly cruel to Az, maybe it was because the SM was jealous of Az’s mom being the true mate to the Lord and took it out on their love child.

A couple problems: we know males rule in Illyria, so if Az’s dad wanted his mom I doubt already having a spouse would stop him. Also if Az’s dad loved Az’s mom, why would he allow for his sons physical torture, and his mates psychological torture? And if he was mated to the mom, but truly didn’t care about either her or Az, why not just have them killed? Or just disown them and throw them into the cold of Illyria?

2. Az’s mom was SA’d by the Lord: few reasons this could be the background. 1) Illyrian Males, according to Az and Cas, are assholes. 2) Az’s mom comes from a powerful Fae lineage and she is being held captive by the Lord/family

So to sum this up as easily as possible, I think Az was held hostage/tortured in the dungeon because the Lord was using him to control his mother. “Stay here, you get to see your kid once a week.” Easiest way to control someone is to threaten someone they love. If she is from a powerful family, but couldn't leave because of her son, it may explain why Az was in the dungeon. As a pawn in some sort of feud/war. I will also explain the connection to ROSEHALL farther down. 

So when Az gets his shadowsinger powers and is dumped in the camp, why does mom stay? Probably because the other parent is a lord and can easily have someone kill Az? Also shadowsingers are rare and giving him to the High Lord (Rhys’ dad) probably carried a lot of favours between the High Lord and Illyrian Lord. 

So where does Rhys’ mom come in? I think Rhys and Az’s mom’s are related, either sisters or cousins. So Az’s mom is able to get a message to Rhys’ mom saying her son was dropped off at the camp and to look out for him, which is how Rhys’ mom comes to taking care of Az. She was the mate of the High Lord, she probably had some sort of protection, or could protect herself and Rhys/Cas/Az when in Illyria. She would be a good friend/relative to have.

Loose ends:

Rosehall: I think this is the name of the fortress/palace/house where Az’s dad and his step mom and brothers live. As of ACOFAS, I think Az is permitted once a year to visit his mother here over the Solstice, who is still being held hostage/stockholm syndrome at this point. If she was a free woman, why would Az not go see her more often, or it be mentioned that he’s in Illyria more? Is this why he doesn’t go to Illyria because he can’t save his mom? 

Rhys’ dad having a special interest in Az: in ACOWAR, it’s mentioned that the High Lord does not let Az leave his side, it’s because he has rare shadowsinger powers, not because he’s the High Lords long lost son. If the High Lord doesn't let Az out of his sight as an adult fully trained to kill, I doubt he would have been nonchalant about Az in the camp when he was a kid who couldn't even fly.

So that’s just what I think. It’s obviously not perfect and there are some holes, which makes sense because Azriel’s backstory is a giant gaping hole, and we’ve been using a teaspoon to fill it in all these years later. And do you know who is going to be the main character in ACOTAR 5 when we learn the actual backstory? His mate. Elain.

(I lied, she came into play here because ACOTAR 5 is HER book and she is going to slay)

EDIT!

A very valid point was brought up about Az's mom (who I wish we had a name for) was just a servant in the Illyrian Lord's house. in ACOFAS Rhys references after the potato incident about how Az's mom was treated poorly as a servant. My thoughts on this:

Her being a servant does not negate coming from a powerful line, or that she is being held against her will in the household. Just like Sigird in HOFAS (sold to the astronomer), her parents could have sold her/gave her to the Lord as some sort of payment (or tithe) if you will.

If she were truly just a household servant of nothing, and Az is the result of a relation (consented or not) between her and the Lord, why lock him up? Again his shadowsinger abilities had not manifested yet, not to mention he's dropped at the camp when they do. If she were just a simple servant, and Az a biproduct of her and the Lord, why would the Lord/Step mom again not just kill him or toss him out?

#acotar #acotar theory #a court of thorns and roses #azriel x elain #azriel #azriel shadowsinger #rhysand #illyrian #Cassian #unhinged theory #sjm #sjm universe #sjm theory #acofas #acomaf #acowar

[chunkypossum]

Sarah Janet we need answers to the important questions.

#throne of glass #aelin galathynius #what happened to vaughn Sarah?!? #who even is vaughn #we don’t even get to know him #why was he introduced at all #sjm theory #sjm #anti sjm #sjm universe #sjmaas #acotar #crescent city #who is that #Aedion smiled #Rowan

[lydreadsbooks]

I haven’t seen anyone talking about the TENSION between Tharion and Ithan, am I delusional?? I swear their entire POVs were just “oh I wonder what he’s doing” “I hope he’s okay” “we need to rescue him” like I was getting wistful sighs and unrealized feelings (ofc SJM put rando girls in their path but sathia was giving beard)

#sjm #cc hofas #hofas spoilers #hofas #cc3 #cc3 spoilers #sarah j maas #house of flame and shadow #cresent city #tharion ketos #ithan holstrom #sjm theory #bookworm

[exile42206]

I am of that strong opinion

helion is going to die or lucien is going to find out in the next book

lucien becomes high lord of day court/ next in line

Nesta and Cassian will become High Lord and High Lady of the dusk court

Nesta and her friends will become warriors and hunt down all the creatures that were “released” following the destruction of the Prison

Elain will accept Lucien, but also begin to go on adventures on the mainkand

I have very little evidence to back me up, but these are my personal main theories

Btw wtf happened to the prison and why is nobody talking abt it

#acosf #acotar #spoilers #nesta archeron #elain archeron #elucien #sjm theory #massverse

[lyssasdrafts]

solider, poet, king, theory is so real in acotar. that’s literally the bat boys dynamic. “there will come a soldier, who carries a mighty sword, he will tear your city down” that’s so cassian. “there will come a poet, who’s weapon is his word” is azriel like his sword is literally called truthteller. and rhysand is the king because he has to burden all the responsibilities but deep down just wants to be free.

#— lyssa’s thoughts #acotar #a court of thorns and roses #high lord rhysand #acotar rhysand #rhysand acotar #rhysand #azriel #azriel shawdowsinger #azriel acotar #acotar azriel #cassian #cassian acotar #cassian acosf #the bat boys #night court #inner circle #sjm #sjm theory

[emilystheories]

The Throne of Glass world no longer exists.

It was destroyed by the Asteri to create Midgard.

[Spoilers for Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, and Crescent City]

Many thousands of years ago, and prior to the Asteri's invasion of Midgard, there existed another civilisation. Part of this civilisation lived in a place called Parthos.

More specifically, when asked what the Crescent City world was before the Asteri's reign, Tharion noted that "ancient humans and their gods dwelled here."

An exact description of the Throne of Glass world.

Interestingly, despite the Crescent City books mentioning other continents (such as Pangera), readers are only given a map of Lunathion.

This is particularly strange, as all other SJM books have provided a full world map.

So, why would this be hidden for Crescent City...?

As such, I theorise that Midgard is actually the Throne of Glass world; hence why a full map has not yet been revealed.

Thus, I believe that following the events of Kingdom of Ash, some years later, the Asteri showed up and destroyed their world. The result of this was the creation of Midgard, and subsequently Lunathion - the world Bryce inhabits today.

The Timeline.

Evidently, this theory suggests that the timeline between the ACOTAR, CC and TOG worlds are not simultaneous, but rather that Throne of Glass occurred in the past - many thousands of years ago.

When considering this possibility, some rebut that this cannot be possible, as Aelin fell through worlds - right past Velaris and Lunathion. However, there is nothing to suggest that Aelin didn't also fall through time.

In fact, there are a multitude of hints throughout the various SJM books to suggest that time travel, or time manipulation, is indeed possible:

When the Asteri lured people into Midgard, it is said they offered a hand through "space and time."

The Harp, when used, can transport people through "space and eons." In fact, the 26th string is time itself - but what happens when a full melody is played?

Merrill straight up suggests that all of the worlds overlap - sharing the same space, but are separated by time. Almost as if it suggests that ACOTAR, CC and TOG are in the same 'world,' but manifestations of differing time periods; the past (TOG), the present (ACOTAR), and the future (CC).

Most importantly, when Bryce lands in Prythian, she starts to wonder if she had travelled in time; or, if this new world occupies a different time period (the exact concept that Merrill just suggested...)

Further, in her most recent interview, SJM was asked whether time travel would play a part in future books. SJM mysteriously replied, "no spoilers."

Thus, if this theory is correct, and Throne of Glass is indeed set in the past, then it is perhaps no coincidence that "Midgard" is the Norse name for "Earth."

And that "Terrasen" means "Old Earth."

Parthos.

As previously mentioned, a portion of the civilisation that used to inhabit Midgard (and as this theory suggests, the TOG characters) resided in an ancient city called Parthos.

As readers, we are first offered a glimpse of Parthos when Apollion takes Bryce to a "dream world" - a landscape in which the Great Library of Parthos used to be.

When in this dream world, Bryce notes that what remains of Parthos is a "DUSTY plain."

Interestingly, in the ACOTAR world, the Bone Carver mentioned that the world he (and his siblings) came from is now nothing more than "DUST drifting across a plain."

As the Bone Carver mentions this, Feyre notes that he draws three interlocking circles into the ground.

This is the exact symbol of Bryce's Archesian necklace - which is also the symbol of Parthos.

If this theory is correct, then the Bone Carver originated from Parthos - from the Throne of Glass world.

Considering the similarities between the Bone Carver and the Sin Eater (the absent God-like being in the TOG world who quite literally carved bones, and was known as the 'God of Truth')... it makes perfect sense.

However, the most telling clue of all, that connects everything together, is this;

Knowing that Parthos is referred to as a "dusty" plain, consider Rowan's words to Aelin:

"I love you. There is no limit to what I can give to you, no time I need. Even when this world is a FORGOTTEN WHISPER OF DUST between the stars, I will love you."

Why would the world Aelin and Rowan inhabit ever turn into a "forgotten whisper of dust"? Just like Parthos?

Because IT IS Parthos.

It is the world the Asteri destroyed to create Midgard.

Asteri Archives.

As even further proof, recall that when Bryce entered the Asteri's archive rooms at the end of CC2, she found notes on how Midgard came to be.

These notes stated that the "indigenous life was not sustainable" for the Asteri.

If this theory is correct, this suggests that the "indigenous" lives were the Throne of Glass humans, and that they did not possess enough magic (or first-light) to feed the Asteri.

We already know this is true, as it was a similar problem that the Valg previously faced.

Additionally, on the exact same page of the notes that detail the Asteri's invasion of Midgard, there is a sketch of both a wolf shifter, and a mer.

The wolf shifters and the mer are the two species confirmed to be the Throne of Glass fae.

So, it begs the question; why were the Throne of Glass fae explicitly mentioned on the Asteri's Midgard (pre-colonisation) notes...?

The Southern Continent.

If Midgard is built on the ruins of the Throne of Glass world, then I believe that Lunathion is situated on the Southern Continent (the setting of the TOG book, Tower of Dawn).

More specifically, as Lunathion is said to be modelled after an "ancient city," I believe it is modelled after the famed Southern Continent City - Antica.

In Tower of Dawn, Antica is described as a city surrounded by a wall, lined with "olive groves" and "wheat farms" bordering the city.

Lunathion is described in the exact same way:

Further, both Lunathion and Antica have "arid" climates:

Lunathion:

Antica:

And, most notably, both are surrounded by deserts; a unique geographical feature that is not prominently featured in other SJM settings.

As such, this suggests that the lost library of Parthos, is the Torre Cesme.

Perhaps the most sacred building in the entirety of the Throne of Glass world, the Torre Cesme is home to a huge library - one that is said to be the oldest.

In the present day, Jesiba Roga guards the remaining books that were once held in the library of Parthos (or, in the Torre Cesme library).

Prior to the end of CC1, Jesiba kept these books locked away in her store, Griffin Antiquities. Interestingly, a set of "glaring owl eyes" had been placed on the store to Jesiba's shop.

Owl's are the symbol of Silba, and the healers of the Torre Cesme.

Further, considering that Yrene's healing abilities are the exact same as Bryce's Starborn powers - could this explain why Jesiba looked like she had "seen a ghost" when she first beheld Bryce's Starborn light?

Such a notion makes even more sense when you consider that Hypaxia's tutor was brought back to life using necromancy, and was originally an inhabitant of Parthos.

Hypaxia states that this tutor specifically trained her in healing magic; just like the healers of the Torre Cesme.

In fact, the scene of Hypaxia removing the Kristallos venom is near identical to Yrene removing the Valg parasite from Chaol:

Lidia Cervos.

Speaking of necromancy, knowing that Hypaxia's family dabbles in such magic calls into question the identify of Lidia, Hypaxia's half-sister.

Is she Aelin Galathynius, brought back to life?

Or, perhaps she is a child of Aelin and Rowan, brought back to life?

Not only do Lidia and Aelin look near identical,

Not only is Lidia represented by flame (Aelin's power),

But her shifted form is that of a deer; that sacred animal of Terrasen. Even her last name "Cervos" is a type of female deer.

Lidia is also seen wearing a "gold ring, crowned with a square, clean-cut ruby." This is the exact description of the ring Aelin have to Rowan when they married.

Further, Ruhn also suggests that Lidia must be an Asteri, or as old as one, given the way she uses language. However, as Lidia is only 47, this makes no sense.

However, it makes perfect sense if Ruhn is actually talking to Aelin, or Aelin's child; someone who, according to this theory, existed many thousands of years ago.

(And, as a side note - given that Lidia looks like the "spitting image" of Luna, and that Luna's sacred animal is the Stag... could it be that Luna is Aelin? And that Lunathion was named after her?)

Connections.

Is it then perhaps no coincidence that one of the houses of Lunathion is the "House of Flame and Shadow." Aelin was known as the "Queen of Flame and Shadow."

In fact, Throne of Glass being the past world of Crescent City explains a plethora of connections:

The "Stag King" of Avallen.

Ruhn being named after the Ruhnn mountains.

Why so many CC places sound like TOG places (Morrah = Morath, Korinth = Orynth).

The witches worshipping the same "three-faced goddess."

Why wyrdmarks can be found everywhere (especially underwater, where some of the ruins of the "ancient civilisation" are said to lie).

It also explains the "World of Throne of Glass" book, which to this day, mysteriously remains unpublished.

According to SJM, the World of Throne of Glass is an "encyclopedia" that documents the full history of the Throne of Glass world. Written by a "grumpy librarian," SJM stated that it will "feel like a book you can pull off the shelves of an ancient library."

It's almost as if the World of Throne of Glass is a Parthos book in itself...

Is that why it remains unreleased?

Future books.

If this theory is correct, some may wonder how SJM could possibly include TOG characters if they are indeed dead.

I believe there are two viable options:

The "rewrite history" route:

In a future multiverse book series, the main characters of CC and ACOTAR would team up, and using the Harp/Horn (or perhaps the full power of the Dread Trove), they would go back in time. In doing so, they would join forces with the TOG characters, and stop the Asteri from ever overthrowing their world.

If successful, it would mean that the Dusk Court was never destroyed. At present, Bryce is hinted to be the ruler of this court... but it doesn't exist (and there isn't a lot of time to rebuild an entire city). However, if time manipulation was used... no rebuilding would be necessary.

It would also explain why the Oracle told Ruhn that the "royal bloodline will end" with him - as Midgard would never be created, the same applies for the Autumn King's reign.

The "escape" route:

Alternatively, perhaps when the Asteri arrived in the TOG world, some of the main characters were able to escape into other worlds - such as Prythian.

This would explain why so many of the characters in the ACOTAR and TOG worlds share many similarities (for example, Tamlin as the ancestor of Aedion and Lysandra...)

This would also explain why so many of the ACOTAR character's last names have been hidden from the reader.

Some characters may have escaped elsewhere too, such as Hel...

(^ This is more of a crack theory, but there's only two characters in the SJM universe who have "freakishly" blue eyes, can shape shift into any form they choose, and have powers that manifest as cold...)

However, no matter the method of saving the world, or storyline adopted, Aelin said it best herself:

"This world will be saved and remade by the dreamers."

#sjm theory #sjm crossover #sjm multiverse #acotar #acotar theory #crescent city theory #throne of glass #aelin galythinius #feyre #rhysand #bryce quinlan #azriel acotar #cassian acotar #azriel #sarah j maas #crescent city

[biggestqiblifan]

Lidia braids Ruhn hair.

That's all I'm going to say.

#crescent city #cc3 #sarah j maas #sjm theory #sjm universe #sjm multiverse #sjm fandom #sjm books #sjmaas #sjm #lidia x ruhn #ruhnlidia #ruhn danaan #hofas #lidia cervos #maasverse #house of flame and shadow #hosab #house of sky and breath

[highladyofterrasen7]

Rhysand

Ruhn

Maeve

All have similar features, violet eyes, dark hair, mind and shadow powers.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN

ALSO THE RUHNN MOUNTAINS IN ERILEA

#sarah j maas #acotar #rhysand #throne of glass #crescent city #ruhn danaan #maasverse #sjm theory

[lakewillowmerewraith]

The Night Court is Based on the Middle East

I've long thought the Night Court is based on the Middle East, making the bat boys Middle Eastern. Ignoring the physical descriptions (dark hair/tan skin), here's why I think so.

First, the night court clothes are described as loose satiny pants with crop tops and sheer sleeves. This is very similar to pre-Islamic middle eastern fashions (think Princess Jasmine).

Secondly, the mountainous region. Lots of countries in the middle eastern are mountainous, not just desserts! (Turkey, Lebanon, to name a few)

Lastly, and this is a weird one, I think SJM took huge inspiration from the 1999 movie, The Mummy, which takes place in Egypt. In that movie, there's a scene at the very beginning where the Pharaoh paints his mistress with an elaborate design. Later, he realizes she has cheated on him when the paint is smudged from her lover. Sound familiar???

Later, the treasure hunters (thieves lol) read a curse written upon an ancient chest, which reads "Death will come on swift wings..." SJM then uses the phrase "Death on swift wings" TWICE in ACOMAF.

Lastly, is the way the film and SJM treat the natives. In The Mummy, the modern Egyptians are largely treated as stupid, backwards fools. They're literally called "smelly" several times, they die in droves with little fanfare (falling off cliffs, eaten by bugs), their deaths merely a plot device. Meanwhile, when the white treasure hunters die, it's always one by one, given time and attention, etc. In my mind, I think this is so similar to how SJM writes the Illyrians. Especially in ACOSF when they describe the blood rite, and the young Illyrian males die in absolute droves. Apparently their families and communities are ok with sacrificing scores of their young males for no apparent reason each year?

Conversely, in the Mummy, there's a select group of the natives, the Pharaoh's Guard, who are held above the rest of the natives. They're more sophisticated, honorable, etc. This is the Bat Boys lol.

Anyways, I could be totally off the mark, but I think the similarities to the movie are very striking. I definitely believe SJM took big inspiration from it.

#acotar #court of thorns and roses #Sjm #sjmaas #sjm fandom #bat boys #rhysand #sjm theory

[reyleese]

After reading the prologue for HOFAS, I think Lidia needs someone to fight for. She needs to know what it is to feel like a person instead of a tool being used to end a war. For so long she’s basically believed that she is NOTHING.. She doesn’t have someone waiting for her to come home, nothing bad would happen if she died— THAT IS WHAT SHE THINKS OF HERSELF, and that is what she feels everyday. “You remind me that I am alive,” she says to Ruhn… She needs to be put in a position where ANYONE, Ruhn, Hunt, Bryce, LITERALLY ANYONE can show her what it is to have a friend, to feel connected to life, and to not feel like she is a tool for the rebellion and that’s it

#sarah j maas #sjm universe #sjm multiverse #sjm fandom #sjm theory #sjm books #sjmaas #cc hofas #hofas #ruhn x lidia #lidia x ruhn #lidia cervos #ruhnlidia #ruhn danaan #ruhn crescent city #prince ruhn #crescent city #hunt athalar #bryce quinlan #cc hoeab #cc hosab #hosab spoilers #huntbryce #hunt x bryce

[acourtofantumbra]

Was doing a deep dive for a future post about *gestures wildly* witches... Manon's lineage... cross-world connections... something I've found that feels actually tangible, maybe. Anyway, despite only dipping a toe into the ToD reread so far (I am not a ToD hater lol I'm just busy) I found myself checking a moment from KoA and took a nosedive into something immediately shinier. But it was so sudden I didn't have time to do my usual highlights/scribbles on my (currently dead) ipad so... enjoy my measly Kindle highlights.

I KNOW many folks have beautifully analyzed SJM's repeated character names because at one point SJM herself basically said, "I keep a record of all of them and I know what I've used."

I've seen folks flag important repeats for years now (we've seen this film before, A+ work, it keeps me up at night!), but the heavy hitters have been Briar, Thanatos, Cormac and even Ruhn (you know... the Erilean mountains and the hottie who knows 3 things).

So it stands to reason that repeated names might deserve some extra scrutiny... And I pray we get some pay off with that in CC3.

Anyway, as I'm pulling at the thread of ToG witches via our (my) favorite queen - Manon - I hadn't realized I fully forgot her dad's name. Frankly, of all the plot points from ToG, Manon's story's specifics were the haziest... except where Dorian is concerned I'm a mere mortal... and that has me suspicious regardless. Anywayyyy, as you can see above, it's Tristan. Tristan Crochan.

I cannot fully explain the cartwheel flip my brain did thumbing through the roladex of SJM's characters... because Tristan Flynn was not the energy my brain was ready for after reading this really sad passage about Manon's murdered family.

On my first read of the SJMU I went ACOTAR (long break between the original and ACOSF) -> CC -> TOG. And on my first TOG read, this passage triggered no alarm bells. I probably just didn't remember Flynn all that much. But after my CC reread... oh. I remember him. Don't you worry.

Now I am fan of Flynn. He's got a rakishness I simp for, I root for him and the dragon, and clocked his lordship woes despite having what we've all decided is a "hot dad". He's a good time. And Flynn feels like someone to watch! He makes an appearance in not one, but two, CC bonus chapters... and he's got a crush on the aforementioned dragon, who either was introduced for no reason or is gonna be a key player going forward. Or SJM is fucking with us. I don't have the answers.

But what I'm struck by Tristan-wise is a) the similarity in the little physical descriptors we get - brown hair, brown eyes and b) not actually Flynn-related... but a deeply similar sounding story to none other than the Autumn King. Daughter you didn't know was born to a woman you claim was your real love... check. Searching far and wide with a singular focus on recovering your daughter... check. Having another kid out of obligation and duty to continue on important bloodlines... check!!!

It might not have anything to do with Flynn at this current moment... but it's not implausible. Lord Flynn is of course a beloved frat-pack member living in a dump with his fellow bros. He specifically pops up in these bonus chapters going through the motions necessitated by his aristocratic bloodline. His mom/family is eager to marry him and his sister off - of course he seems miserable about the whole idea. But also resigned to it? It seems complicated. TLDR there's a world where Flynn's like "woof, yeah I gotta get married off but the heart wants what it wants!" There is precedent!

Also, I've been 👀 Flynn since it was flagged that he has "super rare earth powers" not commonly seen in Valbaran Fae... first off, what does that mean? Second, hot?!

Well I've done it again, so many words and nothing really of note to take away haha. I'll be honest, my mind was not in a Tristan Flynn headspace!! I'm kind of bogged down in my own thoughts about the witchier women of this multiverse... but in my dragon theory speculation Flynn popped up again and I really can't explain why random dead ends are turning up Tristan!!! I'm not mad about it, but I wish I understood.

#sjm multiverse #throne of glass #cc3 #sjm multiverse spoilers #sjm theory #manon blackbeak #tristan flynn #tristan crochan #crochan witches #rhiannon crochan #crescent city #house of sky and breath #kingdom of ash #autumn king #bryce quinlan