(Posting in this category because of the spoilers for all books)
Ever since they were introduced in OtEotDSD when Janner receives one, I've been desperately curious about the First Books. While some information is revealed in the course of the story, there is still a lot we and the characters are left not knowing about them.
When it is said that the First Book Janner recieves is said to "give wisdom to the wise" (and this phrase was thought important enough to be preserved word for word in the show) I was reminded of Daniel 2:21b, which has this same phrase but pertaining to God. The First Books are also believed to be written by the Maker, Dwayne, Omer, or Will who are important players in the ancient history of Aerwiar. This is similar to the theme of Biblical authors (each important historically and inspired by God). Throne Wardens are not only physical protectors, but also are supposed to be mental and spiritual protectors as well ( I'd try to find the reference, but I don't have access to my books right now), and a First Book was passed down from throne warden to throne warden. This was probably intended to help them with their duties. For these reasons, it seems to me that the First Books are a scripture-esque element in Aerwiar (the First Book in the show sort of looks like a Bible in thickness and size too).
Now for a barrage of my questions. The First Book Janner is given is said to be one of multiple First Books, and another one is revealed to be in Gnag's possession later (in tWatWK before they open the face for the first time). But how many are there total? Are they all still out there somewhere? The two that are part for the Wingfeather Saga books didn't get a ton of "air time" so to speak, but they still managed to have a tremendous impact on the story by creating major plot twists and revealing forgotten history. Imagine what impact the rediscovery and translation of other First Books would have on Aerwiar and what they would reveal! Much of Aerwiar's known history at the time of the story is unknown or has gaps in it, so it would seem that the Books were lost or at least the language forgotten quite a while ago. But when were they lost? Why was the language forgotten? This kind of reminds me of how one king (I think it was Josiah) rediscovered a scroll with the Law written on it and had it explained to him and saw everything that was happening in Israel in a new light. Will Oskar find more First Books as he organizes the Great Library? Are any hidden in the ancient ruins by Clovenfast (which I think are quite possibly ruins of the first kingdom, especially due to their proximity to the Well)? Are more in the Fane itself? If some Books have been destroyed, will the Maker have Janner write them again? (I feel like that would be fitting with his THAGS subject of Word, and would provide a good reason for him to come back to life). Or, assuming Janner comes back and the Fane is open-able again, will Kalmar meet with the Maker and write them again (similar to Moses on Sinai)?
Ok, this is getting long, so I will stop here (for now...)
Maybe I should make a language based on the book's appearance in the show
this is fascinating! i haven’t really given the First Books really any thought (due to how little page time they get and the fact that i haven’t read wfs in a while [rereading them when i finish the book i’m on currently]) but i think they’re like the first books of the Bible! or like Exodus, which has rules? because you said it was ‘passed to throne warden to throne warden’. there’s a few ways that could go
So, with accessing the Fane, I think that could still happen regardless of Janner's fate.
Are we told anywhere that the three who open it must be siblings? I'm pretty sure they just need to be a Warden, Royal, and Song Maiden/Master, which would mean Artham could step in....
Mind that I hope Janner could come back, and my authorial instincts tell me that narrative guidelines would make it terribly difficult to tell a good, proper story where that doesn't happen, given how Peterson set things up. (You'd have to make a whole new book, disconnected from the primary series, that addresses the matter, and it's too big to simply mutter the answer, and too much of a hook to answer in the negative if made into a primary plot-point.) But I'm not sure his presence is exactly needed for these tales to unfold.
Anyhow, very interesting ideas!
I will also add, I'm inclined to think Ouster and Gnag used their first book to help them study and master(?) the powers of the ancient stones, that the song was based upon secrets found in the second First Book.