The Stormlight Archive · Character
Hoid
Also known as Roamer, Traveling One, Witless
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 13
Hoid is a supporting character in The Stormlight Archive (Book 1).
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 13
- Books
- 2
Hoid, the many-named wanderer best known as Wit, begins the series as a disguised storyteller and king's jester who needles Alethi lighteyes, warns Dalinar of gathering danger, and gifts Kaladin a flute along with the tale of the Wandersail. By Rhythm of War he has moved from the margins toward the center of events: as the Queen's Wit to Jasnah, he drafts the contract for the contest of champions against Odium and advises the Kholins at the highest level. He has also begun a wary romance with Jasnah built on intellectual fascination. Glimpses of his past, such as Zahel knowing him as 'Dust' and his apprenticeship of Sigzil as a Worldsinger, hint at an ancient figure whose true aims remain veiled behind performance.
Description
Hoid is tall and thin, with an arrowlike, sharply defined face and pale blue eyes that can seem to hold a joke just out of reach. His hair is described as white, though at times it appears deep onyx, and he is known to dye it or disguise himself. He often wears a stiff black coat with black trousers, and carries a long, slender silver sword suited to dueling rather than war. His manner is poised and contemplative, with the ease of a practiced wanderer and a faintly theatrical air. Tall and lanky, Hoid has jet-black hair and a sharply angular face, with keen eyes and a prominent nose that gives his profile a distinctly beaklike edge. His all-black clothing is sleek and formal, set off by a sword in a silvery sheath. He wears his bearing lightly, often leaning at ease with a slight smile that suggests he is listening more closely than he lets on.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Adolin Kholinfriend
Adolin is fond of Hoid, pays him, and gives him access to food and courtly company. Hoid counts that affection among Adolin's admirable traits.
Dalinar Kholinconflicting source relationships
Their bond begins with cryptic warnings that Dalinar slowly learns to trust. It grows into a contentious advisory partnership in which Hoid shapes the contest of champions. Dalinar never fully trusts him, but judges him more trustworthy than Odium.
- E
Elhokarking's Wit
Hoid served as the king's Wit and entertained him. Elhokar tolerated his periodic disappearances and expected him to return.
Jasnah Kholinconflicting source relationships
Jasnah employs him as Queen's Wit and confidant. They also begin a guarded romance founded on intellectual companionship and mutual curiosity.
Kaladinstorytelling acquaintance
Hoid shares a warm, formative encounter with Kaladin, offering him a story, a flute, and a lesson about responsibility.
Shallan Davartrusted ally
Hoid aids Shallan's spren Pattern and warns him of Ghostblood spying, acting as a trusted ally in her struggle against Mraize.
- S
Sigzilformer mentor
Sigzil is Hoid's former apprentice, whom Hoid graduated to full Worldsinger before entrusting him to Kaladin's care.
- Z
Zahelacquaintance
Zahel knew Hoid long ago under the name Dust and finds him uniquely difficult and evasive, which hints at Hoid's history beyond Roshar.
Story so far
BOOK 1The Way of Kings
- Serves as King Elhokar's Wit, mocking lighteyes at court and vanishing periodically
- Warns Dalinar that danger is gathering around him and offers him a knowing wink
- Meets Kaladin on the Shattered Plains, tells him the Wandersail story, and gives him a flute
- Reveals that Sigzil was his apprentice, graduates him to full Worldsinger, and asks Kaladin to look after him
BOOK 4Rhythm of War
- Serves as Queen Jasnah's Wit and mocks Ruthar at her request
- Brings the Heralds to a meeting and plays host with wine
- Drafts the proposed contract for Dalinar's contest of champions against Odium
- Begins a romantic relationship with Jasnah
- Helps Pattern communicate through the cube and warns him of Ghostblood spying
Appearances
Meet Hoid in Bookworm
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