The Underestimated Power of Elain Archeron - The Mystical Eye of The World
We’ve witnessed many vigorous and forceful powers wielded by those in the Inner Circle and other various characters - elementalism, shadow magic, shape-shifting or pure brute strength. Such powers are incredibly remarkable and awe-invoking.
You may have pretended to wield some of these powers while playing with your friend as a child, striking them down with an imaginary ball of flame, or causing them to yield by using your make-believe skill with an enchanted sword. Most people in this day and age find these types of magical abilities to be the ultimate archetypal symbols of power, heroism and strength in a fantasy world.
But what of the psychological powers, that is, the powers of the mind?
Elain Archeron is the cosmic bridge between the physical world and the space of fate. The psychological, nuanced power she was given is one that is overlooked and yawned at because it is so prone to being drowned out by the boisterous and flashy powers wielded by others. But, sometimes (if not most times) the strongest power lies within knowledge.
Elain is overlooked and underestimated due to this, despite being just as, dare I say more, powerful than other main characters and side characters. She has the supernatural knowledge of various different outcomes and future events - with this, she can prevent the deaths of her loved ones, or aid in the downfall of her enemies. She has the upper-hand that all other courts would kill to have. It is not yet confirmed whether or not she can see into the past as well, but given what is known of Seers in traditional lore, it is very likely.
Let’s quickly look into the revered power held by Seers in Greek mythology. I’ll use Pythia (The Oracle of Delphi) as an example:
Pythia was a woman, or rather a series of women, who held the position of the most influential prophet and oracle in Ancient Greece. She resided on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, known as the ‘Navel of The World’.
The Delphic Oracle was by far the most prestigious prophet among the Ancient Greeks, and the most powerful of women in the ancient world.
She would sit on a sacred platform and enter into a state of divine possession as the visions appeared to her in symbolic form, threading fate in the process. Emperors, kings and generals across the land kneeled before her in reverence.
While the Ancient Greeks looked up to political power and brute strength, they also respected and revered the more quiet and spiritual power of female oracles.
Lastly, let’s look at a quote about Seers in the A Song of Ice and Fire series by G.R.R.M that portrays their incredible connection to nature:
“A thousand eyes, a hundred skins, wisdom deep as the roots of ancient trees. Greenseers.”
- The Three-eyed Raven to Bran Stark, ASOIAF
Although this quote comes from a different series, it exhibits the long-established spiritual belief that with nature comes wisdom.
This quote portrays the deep connection Seers share with nature, so much so that they are sometimes able to see through the eyes of animals. Elain is a gardener who values her time spent amongst her flowers and plants outside, and many of her visions are uttered in symbolic language that relates to animals and nature itself.
I am of the theory that Elain grounds herself from her visions through gardening, thus allowing her to properly process them without feeling overwhelmed.
In conclusion, Elain has far more power than the people in the fandom give her credit for. Despite not possessing the elemental powers or brute physical strength her sisters display, Elain’s power lies within deep knowledge and stealthy observance.
She will prove to be the powerful, wise, capable and strong FMC that many have overlooked for far too long, and that others have seen and admired for quite some time.
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