The Stormlight Archive · Character
Elhokar
Also known as Elhokar Kholin
- Major
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 1
Elhokar is a major character in The Stormlight Archive (Book 1).
- Gender
- male
- Age
- young adult
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 1
- Books
- 2
Elhokar Kholin inherits the Alethi throne after his father Gavilar's assassination, a king clad in Shardplate yet consumed by insecurity, suspicion, and the crushing shadow of his father's legacy. In The Way of Kings he wavers between Dalinar's counsel and Sadeas's persuasion, haunted by fears of assassination and nearly killed by a chasmfiend on the hunt. By Rhythm of War he is remembered in death: flashbacks reveal the curious boy who loved drawings and heights, belittled by Gavilar, and recount how he grew enough to come close to speaking the First Ideal of the Knights Radiant before Moash ran him through with a spear. His mother Navani and young son Gavinor carry his memory forward, and Gavinor vows to avenge him.
Description
Elhokar is a tall, well-made Alethi man with lighteyes; the text does not specify their exact color or his hair. His appearance is refined and royal, most often marked by a dark silk coat embroidered in silver or gold. When dressed for public spectacle, he wears Shardplate with gauntleted hands. He has a guarded, squinting expression and the formal presence of a ruler under scrutiny. Elhokar is described as a young man in a stiff uniform, giving him a formal, carefully arranged silhouette. His specific build, skin tone, hair, eyes, and facial features are not provided. The uniform and the bearing of a young royal presiding over a gathering define his visible impression: ceremonious, controlled, and not entirely at ease.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Adolin Kholincousin
His cousin, who with Dalinar discusses Elhokar's near-fatal chasmfiend encounter and his need for support.
Gavilar Kholinfather
Elhokar's father and predecessor. In Book 1 his murder fuels Elhokar's paranoia and invites unflattering comparisons; Book 4's flashbacks reveal Gavilar openly disparaged his son's potential and sidelined him.
Jasnah Kholinsister
His sister, the king's daughter to his heir.
Navani Kholinmother
His mother, who in Book 1 worries his rule is weak and resolves to protect him even from himself; by Book 4 she mourns him, remembering the curious boy who would have loved the view from her airship.
- RK
Renarin Kholincousin
His cousin, who joins the Kholin family on the hunt.
- AK
Aesudan Kholinhusband
His wife, who complains of being left to entertain ardents but is later seen chatting amiably with him at the feast.
- GK
Gavinor Kholinfather
Elhokar's young son, who survives him and wants to learn the sword to kill his father's murderer.
Dalinar Kholinconflicting source relationships
Elhokar's devoted uncle and chief adviser, who urges him to unite the highprinces and rethink the war and seeks to be named Highprince of War; Elhokar alternates between relying on him and suspecting his motives.
- H
Hoidking's Wit
Elhokar's Wit, who entertains him and periodically disappears.
- T
Taravangianforeign monarch
Fellow monarch, king of Kharbranth, distinguished from Elhokar as king of Alethkar.
Torol Sadeasking and highprince
A highprince and commander whom Elhokar consults on the war and threats to the crown, and who argues against retreat.
- K
Kabsalsubject
An ardent under the king's authority who avoids notice because Elhokar keeps track of the ardents.
- B
Bashinhuntmaster
Huntmaster who organizes and runs the king's chasmfiend hunt.
- V
Vengeancerider
Elhokar's horse, not a Ryshadium, ridden during the hunt and battle.
Story so far
BOOK 1The Way of Kings
- Presides as heir at the feast before taking the throne after Gavilar's assassination
- Leads a chasmfiend hunt organized by Bashin, riding Vengeance, and narrowly survives the encounter
- Doubts that Dalinar's army can endure and suspects his uncle's judgment and motives
- Weighs Dalinar's request to be named Highprince of War, agreeing to consider it if the highprinces will cooperate
- Appears in Shardplate at the dueling arena, a show of royal power at odds with his inner uncertainty
BOOK 4Rhythm of War
- Flashbacks show him as a young prince left by Gavilar to entertain guests while his father pursues secret business
- Navani recalls the curious boy who loved drawings and delighted in heights
- Remembered as having grown in his final years and come close to speaking the First Ideal of the Knights Radiant
- Revealed to have been killed by Moash with a spear through the chest
- His son Gavinor resolves to learn the sword to avenge him, while Navani mourns him aboard her airship
Appearances
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