An omniscient narrator describes the city of Elantris as a place that formerly was the seat of “power, radiance, and magic” (23) in Sycla, the known world. Until 10 years ago, when a person experienced the Shaod, or transformation, which struck randomly, they developed white hair, silvery skin, and the power to perform magic with a wave of the hand. They would then move to Elantris. Elantrians were regarded as god-like; they dispensed food, wisdom, and healing and enjoyed long lives. But this special status ended 10 years ago, after the event called the Reod.

Prince Raoden of Arelon wakes up to find he has experienced the Shaod, a transformation that is now a curse: His hair is grey, his skin is covered with black patches, and he feels neither heat nor cold. His father, King Iadon, has him thrown into Elantris, which is now an “expansive tomb for those whose bodies had forgotten how to die” (29). Raoden resolves not to give in to despair, but is shocked by the state of the city, which is decaying, reeking, and covered in slime.