First Gem
| First Gem | |
|---|---|
| Type | Magic |
| Owner | Hoid |
| Universe | Cosmere |
The First Gem is a topaz with magical properties[1] that Hoid once carried and from which he took his name for a while.[2][3]
The name First Gem was referenced by Patji[4] in the Second Oathbringer Letter, when he addressed Hoid as "Cephandrius, bearer of the First Gem."[5] The fact that Hoid was a Dawnshard at some point[6] is related to his title as Bearer of the First Gem.[7]
Theories[edit]
A character named "Topaz" appears in the unpublished work Dragonsteel Prime.[8] Although Dragonsteel Prime is not canonical, Brandon has confirmed that some individuals in the cosmere still know Hoid by that name.[9]
Hoid told Kaladin that he was once named for a beautiful rock that became "completely worthless" for his wearing it.[10] If this is a reference to the First Gem, it likely indicates that it no longer holds its original magical properties. Frost also mentions a gemstone being "dead" in his letter to Hoid.[11]
Although topaz is a polestone on Roshar, Frost and Patji's knowledge of the gem, its name, and Hoid's status as one of the oldest beings in the cosmere[12] all hint that the First Gem has importance beyond Roshar.
Notes[edit]
- ↑ Shadows of Self signing London UK
— Arcanum - 2015-10-19# - ↑ Words of Radiance signing Seattle
— Arcanum - 2014-03-08# - ↑ Oathbringer London signing
— Arcanum - 2017-11-28# - ↑ Bonn Signing
— Arcanum - 2019-05-15# - ↑ Oathbringer chapter 42 epigraph#
- ↑ Dawnshard Annotations
— Arcanum - 2020-11-06# - ↑ Dawnshard Annotations Reddit Q&A
— Arcanum - 2020-11-09# - ↑ Dragonsteel Prime Chapter 31: Bridge Four 4
— Brandon's website - c. 2000# - ↑ Shadows of Self release party
— Arcanum - 2015-10-05# - ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 57#
- ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 60 epigraph#
- ↑ Firefight Seattle Public Library signing
— Arcanum - 2015-01-07#