Cosmere Conversations Episode 37: The Emperor's Soul
May 14, 2019
Dive into the intricate world of 'The Emperor's Soul', where political intrigue and epic magic come to life. Discover Shai, a talented forger, navigating identity and artistry against a backdrop of danger. The unique magic of soul stamping parallels programming, revealing deep philosophical implications. Explore the cultural landscapes of the Rose Empire and Elantris, and how memory and personas shape the protagonist's journey. Plus, uncover the evolving nature of artistic expression and its emotional connections!
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Perfect Cosmere Introduction
- The Emperor's Soul is an ideal Cosmere entry: short, dense, and representative of broader themes.
- Brooke and Tyler argue it hooks new readers and showcases worldbuilding, politics, and magic concisely.
Form Shapes Investiture
- Soulstamping and Elantris' Aon Dor share a core principle: form and shape govern investiture.
- Both systems act like patterned languages where precise shapes channel magical effects.
Magic As Code
- Sanderson frames both Aon Dor and Forgery as language-like systems of morphemes and code.
- The hosts liken Shai to a programmer writing an 'Ashravan' program with a daily shortcut stamp.