Delve into the fascinating connections of magic in the Cosmere, particularly through the Dawnshards, which hold divine power for both creation and destruction. Discover the mysterious Sleepless species, their roles, and complex communication methods. Explore the rich lore of the Larkin and Horn Eater cultures, unraveling their historical significance. Navigate the complexities of magic systems and game mechanics, enhancing the understanding of these intricately woven narratives and their implications for storytelling.
The podcast reveals Dawnshards as primal commands of Adonalsium, fundamentally shaping the Cosmere's magic and events.
Discussion around the Sleepless highlights their protective role across planets and their historical significance within the Cosmere.
Cultural insights into the Horn Eaters emphasize their unique connection to the Dawnshard and their engaging myths about nature.
Deep dives
The Concept of Dawnshards
The Dawnshards are revealed as primal commands of Adonalsium used to create or influence all things in the Cosmere. These commands serve as the foundation for significant actions and events in the universe, particularly relating to the destruction of Ashen. This new understanding not only sheds light on the nature of magic in the Cosmere but also invokes curiosity about the potential for divine commands to be interpreted differently by various wielders. As fandom speculation continues, the mystery surrounding the identity and purpose of the other three Dawnshards fuels community discussions and theories.
The Role of Shards and Commands
The podcast delves into how the different shards of Adonalsium may interact with the newly introduced Dawnshards, hinting that shards could potentially be grouped under these primal commands. Participants explore the implications of change as one of the Dawnshards, comparing it to the forces of Ruin and Preservation. They speculate that the interpretation of these commands may vary based on the wielders' intentions, affecting the nature of the shards themselves. This exploration raises intriguing questions regarding the possibility of reshaping the Cosmere's fabric and destiny based on the commands utilized.
Sleepless and Cosmic Protection
The Sleepless, a mysterious race in the Cosmere, are discussed in the context of their role in protecting planets and the broader implications of their actions. They are invested in ensuring the safety of not just Roshar but potentially other worlds within the Cosmere. The podcast raises questions about the coordination among various Sleepless groups and their possible history, hinting at a deeper connection to cosmic events. Their concern for preserving both the Dawnshard and planetary integrity positions them as key players in the evolving narrative of the Cosmere.
Horn Eater Lore and Myths
The podcast highlights the rich cultural background of the Horn Eaters and their connection to the Dawnshard, revealing their myths and unique abilities. These myths suggest that Horn Eaters have a profound understanding of the land of the gods and the mechanisms of nature in their environment. Specific discussions around the Bow of Hours that Rock draws provide insights into the significance of this artifact within their culture. Furthermore, the mention of the 'sighted' among Horn Eaters introduces the fascinating idea that they may engage in temporary bonds with spren, enhancing their capabilities.
Exploration of Fabrial Technology
There is a detailed discussion about the principles of fabrials and how they connect to the broader magical system, particularly focusing on aluminum's role in enhancing this technology. The podcast reiterates that the impact of specific gemstones on fabrials and the potential for their use reflects a thoughtful integration of various magic systems within the Cosmere. Listeners learn about the practical limitations and the potential for innovation in using fabrications. The idea that experimentation and knowledge inform the creation of new magical devices provides a fascinating insight into the evolution of magic in the series.
This week on SpanReads, we're talking about the spicy part of Dawnshard, all the lore and cosmere implications!
This episode we have Mi'ch, (firstRainbowRose), Ian (Weiry), David (Windrunner), Joshua (Jofwu).
We're doing a series of Stormlight recap articles on our site, updated through Rhythm of War: https://www.17thshard.com/news/features/stormlight-archive-recap-world-and-history-r1056/
For a deep refresher of the book, check out the Coppermind's summary of Dawnshard: https://coppermind.net/wiki/Summary:Dawnshard
Thumbnail is the UK cover by Julia Lloyd: https://coppermind.net/wiki/File:Dawnshard_UK_Cover_-_Amazon.jpg
New SpanReads episodes every Thursday all the way until December's release of Wind and Truth! Next up, from November 14th to December 5th we're on Rhythm of War!
If you like our content, support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/17thshard
For discussion, theories, games, and news, come to https://www.17thshard.com
Come talk with us and the community on the 17th Shard Discord: https://discord.gg/17thshard
Want to learn more about the cosmere and more? The Coppermind Wiki is where it's at: https://coppermind.net
Read all Words of Brandon on Arcanum: https://wob.coppermind.net
Subscribe to Shardcast: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:102123174/sounds.rss
Send your Who's That Cosmere Characters to wtcc@17thshard.com
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