Difference between revisions of "Dragon (cosmere)"
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They have the ability to shapeshift, taking on the form of different species, including humans; how much a dragon can shapeshift depends on an unknown factor.{{wob ref|12076}}{{book ref|tress|51}} When the dragon is transformed, there is no apparent sign that it's not the species it's presenting as.{{wob ref|7171}} Their shapeshifting method is different to that of the [[kandra]], even if the result is similar.{{wob ref|148}} |
They have the ability to shapeshift, taking on the form of different species, including humans; how much a dragon can shapeshift depends on an unknown factor.{{wob ref|12076}}{{book ref|tress|51}} When the dragon is transformed, there is no apparent sign that it's not the species it's presenting as.{{wob ref|7171}} Their shapeshifting method is different to that of the [[kandra]], even if the result is similar.{{wob ref|148}} |
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| + | The lifecycle of a dragon involves time spent in human form, in an almost amphibious way. They are born in a humanoid form, transition to a dragon form when they hit puberty, and then gain the ability to switch between these forms at will.{{wob ref|16187}}{{ref|group=fn|text=Brandon has stated that dragons "give birth in a humanoid form."{{wob ref|16187}} 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.}} |
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In their true forms, they are not necessarily large; some are smaller than [[sandling]]s, while others can be as large as [[chasmfiend]]s.{{wob ref|2655}}{{book ref|sa4|80}} They have four legs, as well as a pair of massive wings that allow them to fly. Their skin is covered with pearlescent scales, as well as silvery streaks of [[Dragonsteel (metal)|dragonsteel]] that run along the body, mostly the limbs, up towards their horns, which are made entirely of dragonsteel.{{book ref|Tress|51}} Despite their nonhuman form, they are still able to speak with a human-sounding voice.{{book ref|sa4|80}}{{book ref|tress|51}} |
In their true forms, they are not necessarily large; some are smaller than [[sandling]]s, while others can be as large as [[chasmfiend]]s.{{wob ref|2655}}{{book ref|sa4|80}} They have four legs, as well as a pair of massive wings that allow them to fly. Their skin is covered with pearlescent scales, as well as silvery streaks of [[Dragonsteel (metal)|dragonsteel]] that run along the body, mostly the limbs, up towards their horns, which are made entirely of dragonsteel.{{book ref|Tress|51}} Despite their nonhuman form, they are still able to speak with a human-sounding voice.{{book ref|sa4|80}}{{book ref|tress|51}} |
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* Dragons on Yolen were seen as deities, and see themselves as deities.{{wob ref|16142}} |
* Dragons on Yolen were seen as deities, and see themselves as deities.{{wob ref|16142}} |
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+ | == Footnotes == |
| + | <references group=fn /> |
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| + | == References == |
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Revision as of 18:16, 31 July 2023
| Dragon (cosmere) | |
|---|---|
 by Howard Lyon
| |
| Abilities | Agelessness, shapeshifting |
| Sapient | Yes |
| World of Origin | Yolen |
| Universe | Cosmere |
“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. ”
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
Dragons are intelligent and inherently ageless, but they are not unkillable.[7][8][9] They are also more suited towards long lifespans.[10] Both Frost and Xisisrefliel are shown to hold a non-interventionist policy toward humans in the cosmere.[11][12][13] Additionally, Xisisrefliel and Koravellium Avast are both shown to have magical interactions involving boons.[11][14] The nature of these commonalities - as species characteristic or coincidence - is unknown.
They have the ability to shapeshift, taking on the form of different species, including humans; how much a dragon can shapeshift depends on an unknown factor.[15][16] When the dragon is transformed, there is no apparent sign that it's not the species it's presenting as.[17] Their shapeshifting method is different to that of the kandra, even if the result is similar.[18]
The lifecycle of a dragon involves time spent in human form, in an almost amphibious way. They are born in a humanoid form, transition to a dragon form when they hit puberty, and then gain the ability to switch between these forms at will.[19][fn 1]
In their true forms, they are not necessarily large; some are smaller than sandlings, while others can be as large as chasmfiends.[7][1] They have four legs, as well as a pair of massive wings that allow them to fly. 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.[16] Despite their nonhuman form, they are still able to speak with a human-sounding voice.[1][16]
Despite being reptilian, they are able to grow hair across the head, and under the neck and chin as a beard.[16] At least some of them are carnivorous.[20]
Presence in the Cosmere
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.[21] He has some relationship with the Seventeenth Shard, and actively corresponds with Hoid while the latter is on Roshar.[22][23] Though not a worldhopper, he has significant knowledge of the cosmere.[21]
The second is Koravellium Avast, the original Vessel of Cultivation, though she prefers to hide her true form, even when speaking to other Shards.[24][25] She is the only dragon on Roshar.[1] She is the only dragon that is currently a Shard.[26]
The third is Xisisrefliel, who lives underneath the Crimson Sea on Lumar.[27] Xisis's primary goal on Lumar is research, and he has inhabited the planet for hundreds of years.[16][27] 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.[11][28]
It is possible that other dragons are alive, but have not revealed themselves.[17] 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.[29][30] On Komashi, they have been known since the time of the Torio kingdom which had sculptures of them;[31] by the time the hijo were freed, they were common figures in mythology.[32][20] One year in Nagadan is known as the Year of the Dragon.[33] On Roshar, dragons are effectively unknown to its modern-day inhabitants.[1] It's possible that they were known in the distant past, as there exists old artwork depicting dragonlike creatures.[34] Hoid remarks that dragons make a point to appear before developing cultures; this ensures that dragons become a part of their mythology, giving them greater influence in the future if needed.[16]
![[34]](#cite_note-Oathgate_Locations.jpg-35){kind=link}
Even before the Shattering, dragons were much more cosmere aware than other races, and a few may have gone off-world.[35]
Notable Dragons
Trivia
- Though still present in the cosmere in background roles, dragons will not 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]
- Adonalsium wasn't a dragon.[39]
- Dragons on Yolen were seen as deities, and see themselves as deities.[40]
Footnotes
References
- ↑ a b c d e Rhythm of War chapter 80#
- ↑ #tweettheauthor 2009
— Arcanum - 2009-07-08# - ↑ General Reddit 2020
— Arcanum - 2020-11-22# - ↑ Arcanum Unbounded release party
— Arcanum - 2016-11-22# - ↑ YouTube Spoiler Stream 4
— Arcanum - 2022-06-16# - ↑ YouTube Spoiler Stream 5
— Arcanum - 2022-12-02# - ↑ a b OdysseyCon 2016
— Arcanum - 2016-04-08# - ↑ Supanova 2017 - Sydney
— Arcanum - 2017-06-16# - ↑ Steelheart release party
— Arcanum - 2013-09-24# - ↑ YouTube Spoiler Stream 3
— Arcanum - 2021-12-16# - ↑ a b c Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 52#
- ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 19 epigraph#
- ↑ Elantris Annotations
— Arcanum - 2006-04-17# - ↑ Oathbringer chapter 114#
- ↑ Skyward Atlanta signing
— Arcanum - 2018-11-17# - ↑ a b c d e f Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 51#
- ↑ a b Leipzig Book Fair
— Arcanum - 2017-03-24# - ↑ JordanCon 2016
— Arcanum - 2016-04-23# - ↑ a b Shardcast Interview
— Arcanum - 2023-07-30# - ↑ a b Yumi and the Nightmare Painter chapter 28#
- ↑ a b /r/books AMA 2015
— Arcanum - 2015-09-08# - ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 26 epigraph#
- ↑ OdysseyCon 2016
— Arcanum - 2016-04-08# - ↑ YouTube Livestream 23
— Arcanum - 2020-12-17# - ↑ Rhythm of War chapter 114#
- ↑ Mini-Con 2021
— Arcanum - 2021-11-22# - ↑ a b Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 31#
- ↑ Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 53#
- ↑ Warbreaker chapter 17#
- ↑ General Twitter 2016
— Arcanum - 2016-08-12# - ↑ Yumi and the Nightmare Painter chapter 40#
- ↑ Yumi and the Nightmare Painter chapter 10#
- ↑ Yumi and the Nightmare Painter chapter 16#
- ↑ Oathgate Locations
- ↑ FanX 2021
— Arcanum - 2021-09-17# - ↑ Orem Signing
— Arcanum - 2019-03-16# - ↑ Ad Astra 2017
— Arcanum - 2017-05-05# - ↑ YouTube Livestream 3
— Arcanum - 2020-01-25# - ↑ White Sand vol.1 Orem signing
— Arcanum - 2016-06-29# - ↑ Tress Spoiler Stream
— Arcanum - 2023-03-31#
