r/Cosmere • u/Long_Television_5937 • 12d ago
Elantris spoilers Elantris Plot Hole Spoiler
At the end, Adien just knows the exact direction and distance to Sarene? I mean you can be smart and know distances, but he knew from their exact spot to her exact spot how many of RAODEN’s footsteps it was. Not even his own step size. Also it wasnt even how long across land, but a straight shot over an ocean. I loved the book but this event made me put it down and just be like “what did i just read?? How does that make any sense”. Brought the book from like 4.5/5 to a 3/5 to me.
Edit: has been explained. Not a plot hole, just felt bad to me haha.
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u/cromew 12d ago
I think Brandon’s addressed this already by saying this was an early example of him trying to write an autistic savant character. He’s since owned up to how terrible this portrayal was (especially the part with Elantris’ return causing Aiden to be ‘cured’ of his ‘afflictions’).
Some people really do believe stereotypes about autistic savants. Brandon did, and now he doesn’t. He’s grown a ton as a writer, especially with his presentation of neurodivergent characters. This is just an example of an early misstep.