Editing Adonalsium

{{Magic
|related=[[Shard]]s, [[Investiture]]
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
}}
{{spoiler|sa4|sa3.5}}
{{update|sa4}}
{{quote
|I have delved and searched, and have only been able to come up with a single name: Adonalsium. Who, or what, it was, I do not yet know.
|The [[Words of Founding]]{{epigraph ref|mb3|39}}
}}
'''Adonalsium''' is a mysterious being or force in the [[cosmere]]{{msh ref|3|2}} from which all [[Investiture]] is derived.{{wob ref|8605}} It is unknown whether the term Adonalsium is a name or title.{{wob ref|3245}} Adonalsium is generally regarded as a God, responsible for the creation of the cosmere,{{msh ref|3|2}}{{wob ref|4850}} and it is sometimes referred to as the "power of creation."{{wob ref|3435}} In a pivotal moment in the history of the cosmere, an event known as the [[Shattering]], a group of individuals conspired against and killed Adonalsium.{{msh ref|3|2}}{{wob ref|2247}} Upon its death the power was broken into sixteen [[Shards]] which were all seized by some of the individuals present.{{msh ref|3|2}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|11}}{{wob ref|10563}} These Shards each bear an aspect of Adonalsium's nature.{{wob ref|9363}}

The events on [[Yolen]] surrounding the Shattering of Adonalsium will be addressed in ''[[Dragonsteel]]''.{{wob ref|9138}}{{wob ref|9882}}

== Nature ==
The exact nature of Adonalsium, whether it is more a force of nature or an intelligent being, is unknown, though either interpretation carries a measure of validity.{{msh ref|3|2}} Notions that it could be "killed"{{msh ref|3|2}} or that it could "design" things{{epigraph ref|sa2|66}} suggests the latter, though these understandings could be faulty. It is unclear whether Adonalsium's power reaches beyond the cosmere,{{wob ref|8561}} or whether Adonalsium could, unlike Shards, wield its power to the fullest extent.{{wob ref|8702}}{{wob ref|8648}}

Adonalsium is widely believed to be the creator of the entire cosmere and all life within it.{{wob ref|3711}}{{wob ref|4850}}{{epigraph ref|sa2|66}} That is, excepting any subsequent creation performed by the Shards, which is typically regarded as a copy of Adonalsium's own designs performed with the remnants of its power.{{au ref|scadrian}}{{msh ref|3|2}} Variations of the phrase "power of creation" typically refer to Adonalsium or the remnants of its power, due to this belief.{{wob ref|3435}} It is possible that the tendency of Investiture to develop sentience over time is rooted in Adonalsium's own drive to develop life.{{wob ref|2253}}

{{sidequote
|Anyway, there was a God. Adonalsium. I don't know if it was a force or a being, though I suspect the latter.
|[[Khriss]]' interpretation of Adonalsium's nature{{msh ref|3|2}}
|side=right|size=300px
}}

All Investiture in the cosmere is associated with Adonalsium.{{wob ref|8605}} Consequently, all forms of magic are ultimately derived from Adonalsium's power.{{wob ref|2612}} As far as anyone in the cosmere is aware, there was no predecessor to Adonalsium.{{wob ref|12882}} While most of the more complex magic systems, such as [[Allomancy]] and [[Surgebinding]], were established after the Shattering, some simpler forms of magic, such as [[highstorm]]s{{wob ref|8624}} and [[spren]],{{wob ref|141}} existed in some form prior to Adonalsium's demise.{{wob ref|4097}} Furthermore, Adonalsium exercised direct control over the nature and limitations of this magic.{{wob ref|13333}}{{wob ref|13525}} Some "fourth law" of thermodynamics seems to govern Adonalsium and the nature of Investiture.{{wob ref|3544}}

It is unclear precisely why the power was later divided into sixteen Shards, or why these Shards bear the Intents that they do. Indeed, it is possible that a set of Shards with an alternate set of natures may have been produced, and it may be possible for a different number to have been produced.{{wob ref|8394}}{{wob ref|8394}} In any case, the known Shardic Intents give some insight into Adonalsium's nature, as each can generally be regarded as some primal force ascribed with a facet of Adonalsium's own personality.{{epigraph ref|sa2|71}}{{wob ref|9363}} It can be assumed, for example, that Adonalsium had some sense of honor and a desire to cultivate, and that it maintained a balance between its concepts of ruin and preservation. With so many different, often conflicting, aspects to Adonalsium's nature, it may have had difficulty taking certain actions or interfering with the cosmere in particular ways.{{wob ref|9519}}

Adonalsium presumably possessed the divine abilities that are associated with the Shards, including the ability to look into the future.{{wob ref|8443}}

== History ==
=== Pre-Shattering ===
Nobody knows whether Adonalsium's Investiture existed from eternity or whether it came into being--naturally, or by means of some other god.{{wob ref|3436}}{{wob ref|8648}} It is also unclear whether Adonalsium's presumed consciousness existed alongside its power from the beginning, or whether it developed as a natural function of Investiture.{{wob ref|9324}} It is, however, likely that Adonalsium existed before any other intelligent life in the cosmere. While the extent of Adonalsium's role as a creator is unclear, it was at least directly responsible for the formation of some worlds, including [[Roshar]] and the rest of the [[Rosharan system]].{{wob ref|3952}}{{wob ref|9283}}{{wob ref|1654}} [[Taldain]]'s specific orbit may also lend itself to Adonalsium's touch.{{wob ref|5491}} 

{{sidequote
|The worlds you now tread bear the touch and design of Adonalsium.
|[[Frost]] speaking of Adonalsium{{epigraph ref|sa2|66}}
|side=left|size=225px
}}

Nothing is known about any interaction Adonalsium may have had with mortals, beyond its work as a creator. Sapient beings were apparently aware of Adonalsium's existence and power, at least, and some worshiped Adonalsium as a deity.{{book ref|sa3|121}} Despite this, or perhaps because of it, some individuals grew to oppose Adonalsium.{{msh ref|3|2}} Their number included humans, [[dragon (cosmere)|dragon]]s, and [[Sho Del]],{{wob ref|9676}} and their motives were diverse; while some sought power for themselves, others simply believed that Adonalsium presented some manner of threat.{{msh ref|3|2}} And so, this opposing force developed a mysterious weapon for use against Adonalsium.{{wob ref|5602}}

At least one plot to destroy Adonalsium failed, though the details of this remain an enigma.{{wob ref|2648}} It is possible that the weapon failed to accomplish the task it was designed for, and that the Shattering was forced by some other means. On the other hand, it may be that the weapon was developed as an alternative approach after some prior strategy failed. Though unlikely, given the thirst for power that motivated some conspirators,{{msh ref|3|2}} it is even possible that the Shattering itself is the aforementioned failure--that the results of the Shattering, whether caused by the weapon or otherwise, were not intended.{{wob ref|721}}

=== Shattering of Adonalsium ===
:''Main article:'' [[Shattering|The Shattering of Adonalsium]]

{{sidequote
|A diverse group. With equally diverse motives. Some wished for the power; others saw killing Adonalsium as the only good option left to them. Together they murdered a deity, and became divine themselves.
|[[Khriss]] speaking of the Shattering{{msh ref|3|2}}
|side=right|size=350px
}}

Adonalsium's opposition, or some subset of their number, eventually put their final plan into action on [[Yolen]].{{wob ref|8605}}{{wob ref|11602}} The group included [[Hoid]]{{wob ref|10773}} and, likely, [[Frost]],{{epigraph ref|sa2|66}} in addition to those who would become the original vessels of the sixteen Shards. Few details are known concerning what transpired at the Shattering. The Shattering occurred as a single event{{wob ref|1292}} at which Adonalsium was indeed killed,{{wob ref|2247}} and consequently its power was divided into sixteen equal portions.{{wob ref|5313}} This bears some measure of resemblance to the Splintering of Shards.{{wob ref|3456}} Investiture throughout the cosmere was affected as a result of the Shattering--becoming associated with particular Shards.{{wob ref|9385}}

Some evidence suggests that the participants influenced the quantity or nature of the Shards which were left behind,{{wob ref|9956}} but it may be that the result of the Shattering was not entirely expected.{{wob ref|721}} It is clear that they did not fully have a plan as to how the power might be divided, as more than sixteen individuals were present and at least one of them, Hoid, refused the offer of a Shard.{{epigraph ref|sa3|41}}{{wob ref|3337}} At least some of the participants in the Shattering regret what occurred--particularly those who did not seize Shards.{{wob ref|6545}} This may be due to the direct consequences of the Shattering, to the subsequent actions taken by the Shards, or simply to guilt.{{epigraph ref|sa2|66}}

The weapon intended to kill Adonalsium no longer exists in its original form, having been expended,{{wob ref|2246}} though remnants of it still exist in the Physical Realm and are the source of Hoid's immortality.{{wob ref|10439}}

According to the [[Sleepless]], the Shattering was accomplished through the use of the four [[Dawnshard]]s, a process which required both [[Intention|Intent]] and [[Command]].{{book ref|sa3.5|19}}

=== Legacy ===
The Shattering occurred roughly 10,000 years before the events of [[The Stormlight Archive]].{{wob ref|1355}}{{wob ref|9683}}{{wob ref|2728}} In the centuries that followed, the Shards settled on other worlds and began using their new power to shape the cosmere. New magic systems were developed, and manifestations of Investiture which previously existed were changed in small ways.{{wob ref|8357}}{{wob ref|3314}} Adonalsium's name was eventually forgotten in much of the cosmere,{{book ref|sa1|54}}{{epigraph ref|mb3|39}} though [[worldhopper]]s remember at least some of its history{{msh ref|3|2}} and [[Shalash]] appears to revere it still as divinity.{{book ref|sa3|121}}

{{sidequote
|Adonalsium... Have you ever heard the term, Dalinar?
|[[Hoid]] questioning [[Dalinar]]{{book ref|sa1|54}}
|side=left|size=250px
}}

With access to future sight, Adonalsium  may have actually anticipated the Shattering. While it apparently took no successful measures to prevent the attack, it may have laid certain plans in place which are still in effect.{{wob ref|8443}} It is also possible that a [[cognitive shadow]] of Adonalsium was left in its place following the Shattering.{{wob ref|8509}}

Scholars disagree as to whether Adonalsium could be reformed by reuniting the sixteen Shards of its power.{{wob ref|4762}} Though some theorize this may be possible, others argue that it would not restore that which was "killed."{{wob ref|5993}} Some think that uniting all sixteen Shards would prove impossible, or that any being attempting to do so would be destroyed.{{wob ref|5329}} Regardless of the possibility, some believe that this should not be attempted for one reason or another.{{wob ref|5276}}

== Trivia ==
* Events on Yolen, including the Shattering of Adonalsium, will be addressed in ''[[Dragonsteel]]''.{{wob ref|9138}}{{wob ref|9882}} ''Dragonsteel'' is currently planned as a trilogy to be written after ''[[The Stormlight Archive]]'' is complete.{{wob ref|10741}}
* Adonalsium is not a dragon.{{wob ref|4556}}
* [[Brandon Sanderson]] developed the concept of Adonalsium and the cosmere while writing ''[[Dragonsteel Prime]]''.{{wob ref|1191}}
* The name Adonalsium is derived from a Hebrew name for God, ''Adonai'' (literally, "my master").{{wob ref|3914}}
* Additionally, Adonalsium is an anagram of "a mind, a soul." This may or may not be intentional.
* In the original publication of ''[[The Hero of Ages]]'', Adonalsium was misspelled as "Adonasium".{{wob ref|7710}}

== Notes ==
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