Skip to content

Chronicler Quote by Patrick Rothfuss

“But I'm collecting the story of his life. The real story.' Chronicler made a helpless gesture. 'Without the dark parts it's just some silly f—' Chronicler froze halfway through the word, eyes darting nervously to the side. Bast grinned like a child catching a priest midcurse. 'Go on,' he urged…” quote by Patrick Rothfuss
Download Open image
““But I'm collecting the story of his life. The real story.' Chronicler made a helpless gesture. 'Without the dark parts it's just some silly f—' Chronicler froze halfway through the word, eyes darting nervously to the side. Bast grinned like a child catching a priest midcurse. 'Go on,' he urged, his eyes were delighted, and hard, and terrible. 'Say it.' Like some silly faerie story,' Chronicler finished, his voice thin and pale as paper. Bast smiled a wide smile. 'You know nothing of the Fae, if you think our stories lack their darker sides. But all that aside, this is a faerie story, because you are gathering it for me.””

Patrick Rothfuss

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, 2007

A storyteller emphasizes that even dark, unsettling parts are essential to a true narrative, especially in faerie lore.

In simple terms: Stories need darkness to be complete.

Key Takeaway

Embrace all aspects of a story, even the grim ones.

Themes

storytelling truth darkness fae

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • role‑playing
  • fantasy literature
  • story analysis

Key Concepts

narrative integrity mythic tradition creative honesty

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the dark reveal about the characters?
  • How does omitting pain affect truth?
A Different Perspective

Ignoring darkness can produce shallow, misleading tales.

2.2 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Patrick Rothfuss

Explore all 895 Patrick Rothfuss quotes

More Chronicler quotes

Browse all 22 Chronicler quotes