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Difference between revisions of "Dragon (cosmere)"

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== Characteristics ==
  
== Characteristics ==
−
{{image|Hoid and the dragon.jpg|side=left|width=250px|[[Hoid]] with [[Frost]]}}
 +
{{image|Hoid and the dragon.jpg|side=right|width=300px|[[Hoid]] with [[Frost]]}}
   
 
=== Biology ===
  
=== Biology ===
Line 26: Line 26:
   
 
=== Behaviour ===
  
=== Behaviour ===
−
Dragons are fond of bargains; in some cases, this can take the form of magical interactions that involve the dragon granting the petitioner a boon of some sort.{{book ref|tress|52}}{{book ref|sa3|114}} They are likewise fond of collecting useful assets, which includes people, in form of slaves, followers or even corporate employees.{{book ref|tress|52}}{{wob ref|16187}} They will frequently make themselves known throughout the [[cosmere]], so as to plant knowledge of themselves that they can use later.
 +
Dragons are fond of bargains; in some cases, this can take the form of magical interactions that involve the dragon granting the petitioner a boon of some sort.{{book ref|tress|52}}{{book ref|sa3|114}} They are likewise fond of collecting useful assets, which includes people, in form of slaves, followers or even corporate employees.{{book ref|tress|52}}{{wob ref|16187}} They will frequently make themselves known throughout the [[cosmere]], so as to plant knowledge of themselves that they can use later.{{book ref|tress|51}}
   
 
Aside from that, draconic personalities vary. Some take their self-appointed duties towards people extremely seriously; others devote themselves to scholarships; yet others simply do not care and do as they wish.{{wob ref|16187}} Both [[Frost]] and [[Xisisrefliel]] are shown to hold a non-interventionist policy toward humans in the cosmere, but this does not hold for all their kin.{{book ref|tress|52}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|19}}{{wob ref|2214}}
 
Aside from that, draconic personalities vary. Some take their self-appointed duties towards people extremely seriously; others devote themselves to scholarships; yet others simply do not care and do as they wish.{{wob ref|16187}} Both [[Frost]] and [[Xisisrefliel]] are shown to hold a non-interventionist policy toward humans in the cosmere, but this does not hold for all their kin.{{book ref|tress|52}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|19}}{{wob ref|2214}}
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== Presence in the Cosmere ==
  
== Presence in the Cosmere ==
−
{{image|Xisis.jpg|side=right|width=250px|[[Xisisrefliel]] speaking with [[Tress]] and [[Crow]]}}
 +
{{image|Koravellium Avast by Connor Chamberlain.jpg|side=right|width=250px|[[Koravellium Avast]], also known as the [[Shard]] [[Cultivation]]}}
   
  +
=== Yolen ===
−
Three dragons are known to exist, two of them being known to have been alive since the [[Shattering of Adonalsium]]. One is [[Frost]], living on Yolen.{{wob ref|3679}} He has some relationship with the [[Seventeenth Shard]], and actively corresponds with [[Hoid]] while the latter is on [[Roshar]].{{epigraph ref|sa1|26}}{{wob ref|2682}} Though not a worldhopper, he has significant knowledge of the [[cosmere]].{{wob ref|3679}}
  
  +
Even prior to the [[Shattering]], dragons were much more cosmere-aware than humans and [[Sho Del]], and a few may have gone off-world before anyone else did.{{wob ref|15063}} On [[Yolen]], dragons were worshipped as deities and considered themselves divine in turn, with believers praying to them through Tamu Keks.{{wob ref|16190}}{{wob ref|16142}} [[Adonalsium]], however, was not a dragon.{{wob ref|4556}}
   
  +
Two dragons are known to have been involved in the Shattering of Adonalsium, with one being [[Koravellium Avast]], who would go on to take up a [[Shard]] -- the only dragon to have done so.{{wob ref|15149}} The other one, [[Frost]], would remain on [[Yolen]] after the Shattering, assuming a stance of non-intervention, although he would amass a significant knowledge of the wider cosmere through his relations with both the [[Seventeenth Shard]] and [[Hoid]].{{epigraph ref|sa1|26}}{{wob ref|2682}}{{wob ref|3679}}
−
The second is [[Koravellium Avast]], the original Vessel of [[Cultivation]], though she prefers to hide her true form, even when speaking to other Shards.{{wob ref|14564}}{{book ref|sa4|114}} She is the only dragon on [[Roshar]].{{book ref|sa4|80}} She is the only dragon that is currently a Shard.{{wob ref|15149}}
  
   
  +
=== Direct Influences ===
−
The third is [[Xisisrefliel]], who lives underneath the [[Crimson Sea]] on [[Lumar]].{{book ref|tress|31}} Xisis's primary goal on Lumar is research, and he has inhabited the planet for hundreds of years.{{book ref|tress|51}}{{book ref|tress|31}} Additionally, Xisis exhibits the power to grant various boons to any individual who would bring him a servant, with such boons including the purging of the [[spore eater]] condition and the gift of advanced technology from other planets.{{book ref|tress|52}}{{book ref|tress|53}}
  
  +
The [[Cognitive Realm]]-located city of [[Silverlight]] was originally built as a collection of dragon palaces. Even in the present day, as the city grew to house worldhoppers of other races, dragons retain a substantial presence in the city, owning corporations, vast establishments and even entire skyscrapers.{{wob ref|16187}} However, even dragons who would consider Silverlight their home base occassionally depart for many centuries, such as [[Xisisrefliel]], who has been living underneath the [[Crimson Sea]] on [[Lumar]] in order to research the breakdown of aethers and aether spores.{{book ref|tress|31}}{{book ref|tress|51}}
   
  +
Where dragons do settle, they will often grant boons to humans; Xisis receives gifts of human slaves in exchange for various boons both material, such as advanced off-world technology, and more insubstantial, like information or medical treatment.{{book ref|tress|52}}{{book ref|tress|53}} Over on [[Roshar]], Koravellium Avast grants her own boons to various petitioners, though rather than taking anything in exchange, she grants a matching curse.{{book ref|sa3|114}} Whether this is her own choice or a compulsion is unclear.
−
It is possible that other dragons are alive, but have not revealed themselves.{{wob ref|7171}} How much other inhabitants of the cosmere know about them is unclear. On [[Nalthis]], dragons are part of the local mythology, with the phrase "dragon's nest" referring to a highly dangerous place.{{book ref|wb|17}}{{wob ref|1346}} On [[Komashi]], they have been known since the time of the [[Torio]] kingdom which had sculptures of them;{{book ref|yumi|40}} by the time the hijo were freed, they were common figures in mythology.{{book ref|yumi|10}}{{book ref|yumi|28}} One year in Nagadan is known as the Year of the Dragon.{{book ref|yumi|16}} On [[Roshar]], dragons are effectively unknown to its modern-day inhabitants.{{book ref|sa4|80}} It's possible that they were known in the distant past, as there exists old artwork depicting dragonlike creatures.{{file ref|Oathgate Locations.jpg|text=Oathgate Locations}}
  
   
  +
=== Cultural Influences ===
−
Even before the Shattering, dragons were much more cosmere aware than other races, and a few may have gone off-world.{{wob ref|15063}}
  
  +
Dragons frequently reveal themselves to developing human cultures, so as to plant the seeds for later use.{{book ref|tress|51}} The effectiveness varies. On [[Roshar]], dragons are virtually unknown in the present times, although ancient artwork depicting draconic creatures suggests this was not always the case.{{book ref|sa4|80}}{{file ref|Oathgate Locations.jpg|text=Oathgate Locations}} On [[Nalthis]], dragons are known mythological creatures, with the phrase "dragon's nest" referring to someplace highly dangerous.{{book ref|wb|17}}{{wob ref|1346}}
  +
  +
The planet of [[Komashi]] appears to have been particularly taken with dragons for a long time. They were known during the times of the [[Torio]] kingdom, with sculptures depicting them frequently used as decorations.{{book ref|yumi|40}} Centuries later, in [[Nagadan]], dragons remained a popular motif, with plush dragons being sold as childrens' toys, and one of the years of the Nagadan calendar being named the year of the dragon.{{book ref|yumi|28}}{{book ref|yumi|16}} Despite this, Komashi myths seem to paint dragons as antagonistic, with stories of heroes slaying them being well-known.{{book ref|yumi|10}}
   
 
== Notable Dragons ==
  
== Notable Dragons ==
 
{{for|:Category:Dragon (cosmere)}}
  
{{for|:Category:Dragon (cosmere)}}
−
* [[Koravellium Avast]]
 +
* [[Koravellium Avast]] - the Vessel of [[Cultivation]] on [[Roshar]]
−
* [[Xisisrefliel]]
 +
* [[Xisisrefliel]] - a scholar who studies [[aether]]s on [[Lumar]]
  +
* [[Frost]] - a friend of [[Hoid]], currently living on [[Yolen]]
−
* [[Frost]]
  
   
 
== Trivia ==
  
== Trivia ==
−
* Though still present in the cosmere in background roles, dragons will not become major players until the [[Dragonsteel (series)|Dragonsteel series]].{{wob ref|12806}}
 +
* Though still present in the cosmere in background roles, dragons are not slated to become major players until the [[Dragonsteel (series)|Dragonsteel series]].{{wob ref|12806}}
−
* Brandon likes dragons a lot;{{wob ref|2449}} they are also the only classical fantasy race to feature in the [[cosmere]].{{wob ref|13862}}
 +
* Brandon likes dragons a lot;{{wob ref|2449}} they are also the only classical fantasy race to feature in the [[cosmere]].{{wob ref|13862}} However, the early books in the cosmere were published at the time where "dragon books", such as ''[[wikipedia:Eragon|Eragon]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:How to Train Your Dragon (novel series)|How to Train Your Dragon]]'' were extremely popular. As such, Brandon felt that the market was "dragon flooded" and postponed involving dragons in his stories until much later.{{wob ref|16187}}
−
* [[Adonalsium]] wasn't a dragon.{{wob ref|4556}}
  
−
* Dragons on Yolen were seen as deities, and see themselves as deities.{{wob ref|16142}}
  
   
 
== Notes ==
  
== Notes ==

Revision as of 20:59, 31 July 2023

Dragon (cosmere)
Xisis.jpg
by Howard Lyon
Abilities Agelessness, shapeshifting
Sapient Yes
World of Origin Yolen
Universe Cosmere
This page or section contains spoilers for Yumi and the Nightmare Painter!
This information has the ability to potentially ruin elements of the plot for the reader. Proceed with caution if you have not read this book.

“First, he would find a way to have colorful scales like the dragon. Second, he would learn to speak the language of men like the dragon. Third, he would learn to fly like the dragon. ”

—Hoid, The Dog and the Dragon[1]

Dragons are a sapient species within the cosmere. Originally, they came from Yolen, but can now be found on other worlds (typically in very small numbers).[2][3] They are one of Yolen's three sentient species, alongside humans and Sho Del.[4] Like the Sho Del, Dragons are a form of fainlife.[5][6]

Characteristics

by botanicaxu
Hoid with Frost

Biology

Most dragons in the cosmere are fain creatures, and as such hexapedal, with four legs and two wings. They are inherently ageless, and suited towards their long lifespans, but they are not unkillable.[7][8] In their true forms, they are not necessarily large; some are smaller than sandlings, while others can be as large as chasmfiends.[9][1] Their skin is covered with pearlescent scales, as well as silvery streaks of dragonsteel that run along the body, mostly the limbs, up towards their horns, which are made entirely of dragonsteel.[10] Even in this nonhuman form, they are still able to speak with a human-sounding voice.[1][10] Despite being reptilian, they are able to grow hair across the head, and under the neck and chin as a beard.[10] At least some of them are carnivorous.[11]

Most dragons have the capability to shapeshift, taking on the form of different species, including humans.[10] In fact, shapeshifting into a human is a core aspect of their life cycle. Dragons are born in humanoid form, then transition into their draconic form upon hitting puberty, and eventually gain the ability to switch between those two forms at will.[12] It is also likely that assyming a humanoid form is required for them to bear children. [fn 1] When in their humanoid form, dragons are indistinguishable form the species they are presenting as.[13] Their shapeshifting method is different to that of the kandra, even if the result is similar.[14]

Dragons appear to possess some form of intrinsic connection to Tamu Keks; using a Tamu Kek, one may speak to a dragon, and the dragon can, in turn, respond and influence the speaker's emotions in some manner.[12]

Behaviour

Dragons are fond of bargains; in some cases, this can take the form of magical interactions that involve the dragon granting the petitioner a boon of some sort.[15][16] They are likewise fond of collecting useful assets, which includes people, in form of slaves, followers or even corporate employees.[15][12] They will frequently make themselves known throughout the cosmere, so as to plant knowledge of themselves that they can use later.[10]

Aside from that, draconic personalities vary. Some take their self-appointed duties towards people extremely seriously; others devote themselves to scholarships; yet others simply do not care and do as they wish.[12] Both Frost and Xisisrefliel are shown to hold a non-interventionist policy toward humans in the cosmere, but this does not hold for all their kin.[15][17][18]

Most dragons have at least two names -- a full, long name (such as Xisisrefliel) and then a nickname they are more commonly known as (such as Foil).[19]

Lesser Dragons

Aside from the so-called "greater dragons", cosmere is also home to a number of lesser dragons, or drakelings. Little is known about the lesser dragons, aside from the fact that unlike their greater cousines, they are quadrupedal -- possessed of only four limbs -- and incapable of transformation into humanoid form. It is unclear if those dragons are fain creatures, and if there is any evolutionary relation between them and the greater dragons.[12]

Presence in the Cosmere

by Connor Chamberlain
Koravellium Avast, also known as the Shard Cultivation

Yolen

Even prior to the Shattering, dragons were much more cosmere-aware than humans and Sho Del, and a few may have gone off-world before anyone else did.[20] On Yolen, dragons were worshipped as deities and considered themselves divine in turn, with believers praying to them through Tamu Keks.[21][22] Adonalsium, however, was not a dragon.[23]

Two dragons are known to have been involved in the Shattering of Adonalsium, with one being Koravellium Avast, who would go on to take up a Shard -- the only dragon to have done so.[24] The other one, Frost, would remain on Yolen after the Shattering, assuming a stance of non-intervention, although he would amass a significant knowledge of the wider cosmere through his relations with both the Seventeenth Shard and Hoid.[25][26][27]

Direct Influences

The Cognitive Realm-located city of Silverlight was originally built as a collection of dragon palaces. Even in the present day, as the city grew to house worldhoppers of other races, dragons retain a substantial presence in the city, owning corporations, vast establishments and even entire skyscrapers.[12] However, even dragons who would consider Silverlight their home base occassionally depart for many centuries, such as Xisisrefliel, who has been living underneath the Crimson Sea on Lumar in order to research the breakdown of aethers and aether spores.[28][10]

Where dragons do settle, they will often grant boons to humans; Xisis receives gifts of human slaves in exchange for various boons both material, such as advanced off-world technology, and more insubstantial, like information or medical treatment.[15][29] Over on Roshar, Koravellium Avast grants her own boons to various petitioners, though rather than taking anything in exchange, she grants a matching curse.[16] Whether this is her own choice or a compulsion is unclear.

Cultural Influences

Dragons frequently reveal themselves to developing human cultures, so as to plant the seeds for later use.[10] The effectiveness varies. On Roshar, dragons are virtually unknown in the present times, although ancient artwork depicting draconic creatures suggests this was not always the case.[1][30] On Nalthis, dragons are known mythological creatures, with the phrase "dragon's nest" referring to someplace highly dangerous.[31][32]

The planet of Komashi appears to have been particularly taken with dragons for a long time. They were known during the times of the Torio kingdom, with sculptures depicting them frequently used as decorations.[33] Centuries later, in Nagadan, dragons remained a popular motif, with plush dragons being sold as childrens' toys, and one of the years of the Nagadan calendar being named the year of the dragon.[11][34] Despite this, Komashi myths seem to paint dragons as antagonistic, with stories of heroes slaying them being well-known.[35]

Notable Dragons

For more information, see :Category:Dragon (cosmere).

Trivia

  • Though still present in the cosmere in background roles, dragons are not slated to become major players until the Dragonsteel series.[36]
  • Brandon likes dragons a lot;[37] they are also the only classical fantasy race to feature in the cosmere.[38] However, the early books in the cosmere were published at the time where "dragon books", such as Eragon and How to Train Your Dragon were extremely popular. As such, Brandon felt that the market was "dragon flooded" and postponed involving dragons in his stories until much later.[12]

Notes

Footnotes
  1. ↑ Brandon has stated that dragons "give birth in humanoid form."[12] Given the context, this most likely means that the dragon is born as a humanoid. It is unknown if a dragon needs to be in humanoid form to bear children.
References
  1. ↑ a b c d Rhythm of War chapter 80#
  2. ↑ #tweettheauthor 2009
    — Arcanum - 2009-07-08#
  3. ↑ General Reddit 2020
    — Arcanum - 2020-11-22#
  4. ↑ Arcanum Unbounded release party
    — Arcanum - 2016-11-22#
  5. ↑ YouTube Spoiler Stream 4
    — Arcanum - 2022-06-16#
  6. ↑ YouTube Spoiler Stream 5
    — Arcanum - 2022-12-02#
  7. ↑ Supanova 2017 - Sydney
    — Arcanum - 2017-06-16#
  8. ↑ YouTube Spoiler Stream 3
    — Arcanum - 2021-12-16#
  9. ↑ OdysseyCon 2016
    — Arcanum - 2016-04-08#
  10. ↑ a b c d e f g Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 51#
  11. ↑ a b Yumi and the Nightmare Painter chapter 28#
  12. ↑ a b c d e f g h Shardcast Interview
    — Arcanum - 2023-07-30#
  13. ↑ Leipzig Book Fair
    — Arcanum - 2017-03-24#
  14. ↑ JordanCon 2016
    — Arcanum - 2016-04-23#
  15. ↑ a b c d Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 52#
  16. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 114#
  17. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 19 epigraph#
  18. ↑ Elantris Annotations
    — Arcanum - 2006-04-17#
  19. ↑ Shardcast Interview
    — Arcanum - 2023-07-30#
  20. ↑ FanX 2021
    — Arcanum - 2021-09-17#
  21. ↑ Shardcast Interview
    — Arcanum - 2023-07-30#
  22. ↑ Tress Spoiler Stream
    — Arcanum - 2023-03-31#
  23. ↑ White Sand vol.1 Orem signing
    — Arcanum - 2016-06-29#
  24. ↑ Mini-Con 2021
    — Arcanum - 2021-11-22#
  25. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 26 epigraph#
  26. ↑ OdysseyCon 2016
    — Arcanum - 2016-04-08#
  27. ↑ /r/books AMA 2015
    — Arcanum - 2015-09-08#
  28. ↑ Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 31#
  29. ↑ Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 53#
  30. ↑ Oathgate Locations
  31. ↑ Warbreaker chapter 17#
  32. ↑ General Twitter 2016
    — Arcanum - 2016-08-12#
  33. ↑ Yumi and the Nightmare Painter chapter 40#
  34. ↑ Yumi and the Nightmare Painter chapter 16#
  35. ↑ Yumi and the Nightmare Painter chapter 10#
  36. ↑ Orem Signing
    — Arcanum - 2019-03-16#
  37. ↑ Ad Astra 2017
    — Arcanum - 2017-05-05#
  38. ↑ YouTube Livestream 3
    — Arcanum - 2020-01-25#
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