"My name is Kvothe, pronounced nearly the same as 'Quothe'."
Chapter summary
Early morning and Chronicler is waiting for Kvothe to begin telling his life story. Before beginning Kvothe learns Chronicler's shorthand for note taking. He learns the cipher in less than an hour, stunning Chronicler in the process. Chronicler reconsiders his disbelief that Kvothe learnt Tema in a day. Kvothe reminds Chronicler that he is of the Edema Ruh who were telling stories before Caluptena burned, before there were books, before there was music to play. The Ruh were spinning stories when the first fire flickered to light.
Several false starts are made: it began when he heard her sing; when he went to University to learn magic; when Aleph spun the world out of nameless void. Then Kvothe settles on telling his story as if he was at the centre of creation.
He begins by stating his name: "My name is Kvothe," and says "Names are important as they tell you a great deal about a person. I've had more names than anyone has a right to." The Adem call him Maedre: The Flame; The Thunder; and The Broken Tree. His first mentor called him E'lir, his first love liked the sound of Dulator. Other names include Shadicar, Lightfinger, and Six-String. Kvothe the Bloodless, Kvothe the Arcane, and Kvothe Kingkiller too.
And ends by saying:
"I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep."
You may have heard of me."
Character list
Title
Of Beginnings refers to Kvothe starting to narrate his life story.
The Names of Things are important as they tell you a great deal about a person.