Kelek's breath
/KEL-eks BRETH/ interjection
≈ “God's blood / Christ almighty”
An oath invoking Kelek, one of the ten Heralds (quasi-divine figures) of the Stormlight Archive. Using a Herald's name in vain is blasphemous.
“Kelek's breath! What happened here?”— Various characters
Etymology
Kelek (also Kelek'Elin) is one of the ten Heralds of the Almighty. Using divine names as profanity follows the same pattern as 'Christ' or 'God's blood' in English.
Usage History
Used throughout the Stormlight Archive. Part of a system where each Herald's name can be invoked in different oath constructions.
Taboo Trajectory
Moderate blasphemy. In a world where the Heralds are genuine historical figures, invoking them casually is disrespectful but extremely common.
Semantic Drift Timeline
Consistent blasphemous exclamation. Other Herald names appear in similar oaths: 'Ash's eyes,' 'Damnation,' etc.
Regional Notes
Used across Vorin-practicing nations on Roshar.