The Definitive Guide: How To Pronounce Sarene From Elantris (The Official Brandon Sanderson Way)

Few names in the Cosmere universe spark as much debate among readers as Sarene, the brilliant and headstrong princess from Brandon Sanderson’s debut novel, *Elantris*. For years, fans have wrestled with the correct way to vocalize the name of the Arelonian heroine, often leading to confusion between the author's original intent and the linguistic rules established within the world of Sel. This in-depth guide, updated for December 2025, finally settles the score, detailing the two officially accepted pronunciations and the fascinating in-world reason behind them.

The confusion stems from the unique language rules of Arelon, which are intrinsically linked to the magic system of AonDor. Understanding the underlying linguistic structure is key to unlocking the true, technical pronunciation, though Sanderson himself offers a more reader-friendly alternative that is widely accepted.

Sarene: Biography and Profile of the Arelonian Princess

Princess Sarene is one of the three main viewpoint characters in *Elantris*, alongside Prince Raoden and the Fjordell Gyorn Hrathen. Her journey is central to the political drama of the novel.

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• Full Name: Sarene
• Title: Princess of Duladen (or Dulad)
• Role in *Elantris*: The political and diplomatic protagonist; she arrives in Arelon for an arranged marriage to Prince Raoden, only to find him afflicted by the Shaod and taken to the cursed city of Elantris.
• Kingdom of Origin: Duladen (located on the continent of Sel)
• Marriage: Arranged to Prince Raoden of Arelon.
• Father: King Eventeo
• Key Characteristics: Highly intelligent, a formidable political strategist, fiercely independent, and a passionate advocate for the common people against the oppressive Fjordell religion.
• Topical Entities: Raoden, Hrathen, Eventeo, Duladen, Arelon, Elantris, Shaod, Fjordell, AonDor, Cosmere, Sel.

The Two Official Pronunciations: Technical vs. Common

Brandon Sanderson has acknowledged the difficulty readers face with the names in *Elantris* and has provided two distinct, author-approved ways to pronounce Sarene. One is technically correct based on the language of Arelon, while the other is the more common and accepted pronunciation by the author himself.

1. The Technical, In-World Pronunciation: "sa-REE-Nee"

For purists who want to adhere to the linguistic rules of Arelon, the correct pronunciation is "sa-REE-Nee." This is the pronunciation that respects the Aon-based language structure of the *Elantris* world.

• Phonetic Breakdown: sa-REE-Nee
• The Rule: In the language of Arelon, the Aon part of a word or name is always long. The name Sarene contains the Aon for 'e', which dictates a long 'E' sound for both 'e's in the name. This makes the second syllable sound like 'REE' and the final syllable sound like 'Nee'.
• Why it Matters: This pronunciation connects Sarene's name directly to the magic system of AonDor and the geography of Sel, providing deep topical authority for the name's meaning.

2. The Author's Preferred, Reader-Friendly Pronunciation: "sa-RAY-Nay"

While "sa-REE-Nee" is technically correct, Sanderson himself often defaults to the less complex pronunciation: "sa-RAY-Nay." This is the pronunciation he originally intended and is a direct carry-over from the name's earlier draft version.

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• Phonetic Breakdown: sa-RAY-Nay
• The History: The name Sarene was originally "Sarana" in early drafts, which was pronounced "suh-RAY-NAY." When Sanderson changed the spelling to Sarene, he kept the more familiar "sa-RAY-Nay" pronunciation as a valid alternative, recognizing that the average reader would likely struggle to arrive at "sa-REE-Nee."
• Verdict: If you are listening to a reading or casually discussing the book, "sa-RAY-Nay" is the most common and easily understood pronunciation.

Addressing Common Mispronunciations and Audiobook Variations

The ambiguity of the name Sarene has led to several common mispronunciations among fans, further complicated by variations in the official audiobooks. Understanding these differences is crucial for a complete picture of the name's history.

The "Sarah-Knee" or "Sar-een" Mispronunciations

Many readers initially pronounce the name using common English phonetic rules, leading to variations like "Sar-EEN" (rhyming with marine) or "SARE-en" (rhyming with Darren). These pronunciations ignore the Arelon linguistic rules and are considered incorrect by the author's guide. The confusion is understandable, as the spelling "Sarene" is highly ambiguous in the English language.

The Audiobook Discrepancy

Another layer of confusion comes from the official audiobooks. While Michael Kramer and Kate Reading are the primary narrators for the Cosmere, the *Elantris* audiobook has seen different narrators over its various editions. One narrator, Jack Garrett, has been noted by fans to pronounce Sarene in a way that is closer to "SAH-reen" or a variation that doesn't strictly adhere to either of Sanderson's preferred pronunciations. This highlights a common issue in the Cosmere—even official narrators sometimes vary in their delivery of character names, which can be frustrating for dedicated readers.

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The Takeaway: If you hear a pronunciation that sounds different in an audiobook, it may be a narrator's interpretation rather than the author's intent. Always refer back to the "sa-REE-Nee" or "sa-RAY-Nay" options for the definitive answer.

The Final Word: Choosing Your Sarene

Ultimately, Brandon Sanderson is known for his relaxed approach to Cosmere names, often stating that as long as readers enjoy the story, the exact pronunciation isn't a major concern. However, for those seeking topical authority and accuracy in their discussions of *Elantris*, the choice is clear:

• For Technical Accuracy and Lore: Use "sa-REE-Nee." This demonstrates a deep understanding of the Arelon language, the AonDor magic system, and the world of Sel.
• For Ease and Author's Preference: Use "sa-RAY-Nay." This is the most common and accepted pronunciation that honors the author's original vision for the name.

No matter which you choose, the story of Princess Sarene, her political maneuvering in Arelon, her relationship with Prince Raoden, and her stand against Dilaf and the Fjordell Empire remains one of the most compelling narratives in the entire Cosmere. Understanding the correct pronunciation simply adds another fascinating layer to the enduring legacy of *Elantris*.

Relevant Cosmere Entities and LSI Keywords

AonDor, Raoden, Hrathen, Dilaf, Shuden, Kiin, Iadon, Elantris, Arelon, Fjordell, Shaod, Sel, Cosmere, Brandon Sanderson, Duladen, The Emperor's Soul, Mistborn, Stormlight Archive, Warbreaker, Aon, Dakhor, Skaze, Shardworld, Worldhopper, Investiture, Dor.