Titles of the Rulers.

[ferris-girl.livejournal.com]

In King of Attolia, we learn that Eugenides name is now Attolis. So i figured that all of the countries were somewhat similar in that the Queen's was a variation of that name. Follow me here. If all of the Kings names are supposed to end in -is and all of the Queens end in -ia, then it would kinda make sense. Sounis fits in well, but my reasoning for Eddis having the name she does is because, technically she is the supreme ruler of her lands. In the Thief they never mention her name, just her station. Attolia wouldn't be able to take the name Attolis because she would eventually have to marry someone and give up that title.

This all makes sense in my twisted mind, but my only wonder is, why would Attolia the country be named after the Queen and not the King. And in KoA when Costis realizes the King is going to be killed, he calls him Attolia. All very weird. Tell me your thoughts on this theory. I'd like to hear them.

Comments

[fabricalchemist.livejournal.com]

"Attolia" is the battle cry of the guard, yo.

[ferris-girl.livejournal.com]

well, that clears that up. TY!

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

I noticed that, too, but have no explanation for it.

[rowana.livejournal.com]

I noticed it but hadn't thought about it much. I'm afraid I'm with Checkers on this one. Perhaps this is a question for the letter?

:)

[dannybailey.livejournal.com]

I don't know that I have a good explanation for your theory, but I was rereading part of KOA and found this interesting quote:

Eddis to Magus:
"It has only just dawned on him that if he [Ornon] succeeds, Eugenides will be King of Attolia."
"And this is not happy news?"
"King," Eddis emphasized, "of Attolia."'

I thought that was relevant. Since MWT didn't point out which word Eddis actually emphasized, and if you read her line with the natural cadence, I think the emphasis would fall of the word Attolia, and not on King. So, perhaps Eddis is saying that even if Eugenides were King, the county would still be Attolia, not Attolis.

To me, that raises the question, would the name of the country have reverted to Attolis in any other contexts (like, if Attolia had married a baron of her own land)? And then, why is it different for Gen? Or is just that the name of the country never changes and I'm making too much of one little line?

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

I think that possibly the name of each country is what it is, and doesn't change. But that still doesn't explain why Irene would retain the name Attolia after Gen became king. It says in the books that the ruler takes the name of the country. At least, I think it does, can't put my finger on that part right now.

So many of the names are either actual Greek or similar to Greek that I wonder if MWT used Attolis intentionally because of the suffix, and if so what it means. I, too, wondered why Costis shouted "Attolia" instead of "Attolis" or "hey dummy" or something more specific to Gen. I don't think he was doing the battle-cry thing, I think he was warning Gen.

*speaks solemnly* Rowana, I believe this might be one for the Official List of Questions.

[caroline-k.livejournal.com]

I always thought that Eddis was saying something about how Gen's new loyalty would be entirely for Attolia , because he's the King, implying that he might have to make decisions that favour the nation of Attolia over Eddis (like she was saying she might reach a situation where she would have to work against Gen , although I hope not) But waht you all are saying suddenly makes sense. I definitely think this is another one for the questions list.

[octopirock.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure if this has already been asked, but since you brought up the subject of titles I guess I can address it. Do kings and queens give up their old names when they are crowned? I had thought they did until that scene where who-ever-it-was mentions that "her name is Irene." I can't find the quote now though so...

[ferris-girl.livejournal.com]

I think offically that is their name, but those especially close to them may call them by their old name. I think the biggest reason for this is that Unlike Eugenides, they weren't born with the names of their countries, at least Eddis and Attolia weren't. But because names and titles are the same thing in these countries, they had to be named that to have authority. oR something like that.

[(Anonymous)]

I think "king" was emphasized because of the pause (created by describing how Eddis is speaking) and because the Magus then follows up with how they would have a powerful King in Attolia as well as the already powerful queen as their neighbors.