Comprehensive Guide to Every Shard in Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere (Featuring Updates from Wind and Truth)

WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS for ALL COSMERE BOOKS, including Wind and Truth!!!

Understanding the Shards of the Cosmere

The Stormlight Archive’s latest installment has revealed significant developments regarding the Shards within the Cosmere. Brandon Sanderson is widely recognized as one of the leading authors in contemporary fantasy, with immense popularity stemming from his intricate shared universe: the Cosmere. Works like The Stormlight Archive, Mistborn, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and others weave together a grand narrative anchored by one vital aspect: the divine Shards that shape the essence of this universe’s magical systems.

Initially, there existed a powerful entity named Adonalsium, the creator of the Cosmere and the original source of Investiture—the fundamental energy powering the various magic frameworks across different worlds. Following the cataclysmic event known as the Shattering of Adonalsium, during which characters from the planet Yolen conspired to eliminate this creator, Adonalsium’s power was fragmented into sixteen distinct Shards. Each Shard embodies a specific Intent and is associated with a Vessel, the individual who wields its power. This partitioning saw the original Shard holders depart from Yolen, shaping the unfolding narrative across the Cosmere.

Below is a table summarizing the original Shards along with their corresponding Vessels, the planets they inhabit, and the key books where they prominently feature. Recent events, particularly in Wind and Truth, have introduced shifts in the wielders of these powers, complicating the established order. The original Vessels remain crucial characters in the broader narrative, and their significance is expected to continue in the upcoming Dragonsteel series.

1. Harmony

Current Vessel: Sazed

At the conclusion of The Hero of Ages, Sazed succeeded in merging the two Shards of Scadrial, becoming the first Vessel within the Cosmere to hold dual Shards.This fusion of Ruin and Preservation created Harmony, a force that embodies a constant struggle to maintain balance.

However, this balance continues to be a source of turmoil for Sazed, who has battled to control the opposing forces within him. There are indications that the upcoming Mistborn era 3 may witness his descent from Harmony into Discord, echoing the original Terris prophecy that ominously stated, “his name shall be Discord.”

With the historical context of Ati, Ruin’s original Vessel, Sazed represents a beacon of hope in the Cosmere narrative. Unlike previous holders of Odium, such as Taravangian or Rayse, Sazed is inherently benevolent. Yet, the challenge remains evident in that even the most noble of Vessels have historically struggled with their respective Intents.

2. Retribution

Current Vessel: Taravangian

Retribution is an intricate blend of the opposing Shards—Honor and Odium. These two forces have long engaged in a proxy war across Roshar, culminating in widespread devastation, particularly during the True Desolation. With Honor lacking a Vessel for millennia, Dalinar Kholin briefly wielded this power, only to relinquish it to Taravangian, fully aware of the king’s insatiable hunger for power.

Upon acquiring Honor, along with maintaining Odium, Taravangian finds himself ensnared in a complex web of internal conflict, as the two Intents directly contradict one another. This newfound power draws the attention of other Shards in the Cosmere, pressing him into a position of vulnerability.

3. Cultivation

Current Vessel: Koravellium Avast

Cultivation remains one of the more enigmatic figures within the Cosmere. During the initial five volumes of The Stormlight Archive, she manipulated events to thwart Odium, yet her plans appear to have changed direction following Tanavast’s demise, leading to her retreat from Roshar. Her current Vessel, Koravellium Avast, is affiliated with a draconic legacy from Yolen and plays a critical role in the ongoing battle against Odium’s forces.

As the importance of Lifelight grows amid the loss of Stormlight, characters like Lift leverage this energy in their Radiant abilities, highlighting Cultivation’s critical contribution to the remaining human factions on Roshar.

4. The Dor

Combination of Splintered Devotion & Dominion

The Dor is not classified as a traditional Shard or Vessel; rather, it represents a chaotic energy source originating from the splintering of the Shards Devotion and Dominion on Sel. Following their Splintering by Odium, these powers were inadvertently cast into the Cognitive Realm, resulting in a disjointed Investiture system throughout Elantris, which spawns various magical phenomena and entities, such as Seons.

5. Endowment

Current Vessel: Edgli

Endowment, represented by Edgli, is the sole Shard associated with the planet Nalthis where the novel Warbreaker unfolds. Although Edgli does not have a significant presence in her story, other Cosmere works hint at her objectives. Previously, Hoid sought her alliance against Odium, yet she expressed discontent with the current state of Shards canoodling together on various worlds, insisting she prefers strategic isolation.

6. Autonomy

Current Vessel: Bavadin

Autonomy presents a formidable presence within the Cosmere, particularly through her influence in Scadrial, as observed during Mistborn era 2. Her avatar’s interference in technological advancements indicates a deliberate and dangerous strategy, one that is likely to lead to tension in future narratives. Autonomy maintains a complex relationship with Odium that positions her among the antagonists.

7. Ambition

Current Vessel: Unknown

Ambition was initially held by Uli Da. However, Odium’s quest for power led to Ambition’s demise in a fierce confrontation, significantly impacting the realms of Threnody, where Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell is set. Evidence suggests that Ambition was Splintered across various domains after its killing.

8. Virtuosity

Current Vessel: Unknown

Virtuosity stands apart due to its mysterious nature and its former Vessel being unconfirmed. This Shard has chosen to Splinter itself, resulting in fractured powers throughout the UTol system near the planet Komashi, the setting for Yumi and the Nightmare Painter. Although Sanderson has hinted at exploring more about Virtuosity in a future project, specifics remain elusive.

9. The Remaining Shards

Shards with Limited Exposure

Invention: This Shard is linked to Chan Ko Sar, who has maintained a significant distance throughout the Cosmere’s narrative. Observed traveling and creating wonders, Invention has proven difficult for Harmony to locate, particularly amidst the rising threat of Odium.

Mercy: Not yet Splintered, this Shard remains active within the Cosmere. It was present during the confrontation between Odium and Ambition. Notably, Harmony’s outreach has returned troubling messages from Mercy, hinting at future revelations in forthcoming novels.

Valor: Once governed by the dragon god Medelantorius, Valor is currently unaccounted for. This Shard’s past interactions with Harmony and potential covert operations may suggest a connection to the rising conflict unfolding in The Stormlight Archive.

Whimsy: Like Valor and Mercy, Whimsy has not been Splintered. However, details regarding Whimsy’s Vessel and intentions remain largely undisclosed, leading to speculation about their role in upcoming conflicts.

Reason: The recent revelations in Wind and Truth brought forward the identity of Reason’s Shard and its original Vessel, Euridrius. The fate of this Shard has remained ambiguous since the Shattering, with its status in the current timeline yet to be disclosed.

Final Thoughts

The intricate fabric of the Cosmere continues to evolve, with each Shard contributing unique elements to the overarching narrative. As upcoming works, including those set in the Elantris universe, unfold, readers can anticipate deeper explorations of these powerful entities and their intertwining fates.

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