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 revealed in the Second Oathbringer Letter when Patji[4] addressed Hoid as "Cephandrius, bearer of the First Gem." Some individuals in the cosmere still know Hoid as "Topaz".[5] Hoid tells Kaladin that he was once named for a beautiful rock that became worthless for his wearing it,[6] presumably referring to the First Gem.
Theories
Hoid's belief that the gem is now "worthless"[6] likely indicates that it no longer holds its original magical properties. Frost also mentions a gemstone being "dead" in his letter to Hoid.[7]
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[8] all hint that the First Gem has importance beyond Roshar. It has been theorised that the First Gem was used in some form in the Shattering of Adonalsium.[9]
Notes
- ↑ 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# - ↑ Shadows of Self release party
— Arcanum - 2015-10-05# - ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 57#
- ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 60 epigraph#
- ↑ Firefight Seattle Public Library signing
— Arcanum - 2015-01-07# - ↑ Idaho Falls signing
— Arcanum - 2018-07-21#