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Midnight Essence

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Midnight Essence
Spren in the Wall.jpg
by Ben McSweeney
Type Spren
Abilities Splinter, Shapeshifting
Universe Cosmere
This page or section contains spoilers for Tress of the Emerald Sea!
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.
This page or section needs to be updated with new information for Tress of the Emerald Sea!
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Midnight Essence is a substance that appears throughout the the cosmere, most notably connected to Midnight Aether and Re-Shephir. Midnight Essence has not been shown to exist without some degree of sentience or possession through a Luhel Bond, and therefore can be considered both a substance and a creature.[1] However, whether or not it is truly sentient is questioned.[1]

It is associated with Re-Shephir, as the substance she uses to make her Spren.[2] The ancient Radiants considered them one of the Ten Deaths.[3] Dalinar Kholin experienced them in one of his visions, while Shallan Davar, Adolin Kholin, and members of Bridge Four had to deal with them while fighting Re-Shephir in Urithiru.[2]

On Lumar, Midnight Essence is used by a variety of characters, and is more widely available, with the commonly accessible method of synthesis involving placing water onto Midnight spores.[1]

Nature

Midnight Essence is said to be synonymous with Midnight Aether by Ulaam.[4]. It is a black, viscous, bubbling liquid that imitates a nearby creature.[4] All Midnight Essence created exhibits some form of mind, and Midnight Essence may be an example of concentrated investiture granting sentience[5]. However, even Hoid cannot determine whether Midnight Essence is truly alive.[6] Midnight Essence can be controlled through a Luhel Bond, giving the bonder the ability to manipulate the Essence's movement and actions, and, if enough control is exerted, dissipate it at will.[1]. The Luhel Bond involves a form of trade with the sentient midnight essence, relinquishing something it wants (water in the case of Lumarian Essence) in exchange for control over the entity.[7]

Appearance & Behavior

Midnight Essence is smooth, slick, black, and reflective.[3] Due to its ability of mimicry, it can appear in a variety of shapes. The Midnight Essence creatures created by Re-Shephir in Urithiru were humanoid, mimicking the appearance of people in the tower.[2] However, they can also change shape at will, being able to squeeze themselves into a hole and wriggle away to escape pursuit. Some Midnight Essence creatures on Lumar exhibit these same characteristics, with Tress's Midnight Essence mimicing a nearby rat, and sliding underneath a gap between a door and the ship deck with ease, despite being far larger than said gap.[1]

Some Midnight Essence creatures, however, appear in shapes unrelated to mimicry. In Dalinar's vision, they had six extremely thin legs that were bent at the sides with clawed paws. Their bodies seem almost fluid, with long and flexible necks and sharp teeth that appeared like knives. They also give off a putrid smell. Additionally, the Midnight Essence creatures found in the Midnight Sea look like large sea serpents, though it is unclear whether this is a result of them mimicing some form of deep ocean life, or if they are manipulated to appear this way, similar to the creatures from Dalinar's vision.[6]

The Midnight Essence in Dalinar's vision had no eyes. It hunted by smell, and made a soft wheezing whispering sound when hunting for a scent.[3] Its body was soft, and gave a little when it was struck. When the skin was pierced, the Midnight Essence bled smoke. If the Essence was damaged enough, its entire body would deflate with a hissing sound, leaving behind a skin that looked like a sack of black silk. The Midnight Essence's mouth was a weak point on its body.

Midnight Essence can be fairly clever as well, wary when facing a skilled or determined opponent.[3] However, this may be a result of manipulation through the weilder of the Luhel Bond.

Abilities

The claws of the Midnight Essence in Dalinar's vision were powerful enough to seriously damage Shardplate.[3] It was quite strong, able to burst right through the wall of a barn. As it hunted by smell, it could track people in the darkest night. They also often hunted as a pack. The Essence was seemingly impervious to fire. They were also swift, both while running and while fighting. While the Midnight Essence may be released directly by Re-Shephir, it also may be extracted from her to be used independently[8] and released elsewhere.[3]

Notes

  1. ↑ a b c d e Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 31#
  2. ↑ a b c Oathbringer chapter 29#
  3. ↑ a b c d e f The Way of Kings chapter 19#
  4. ↑ a b Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 28#
  5. ↑ General Signed Books 2016
    — Arcanum - 2016-10-12#
  6. ↑ a b Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 58#
  7. ↑ Tress of the Emerald Sea chapter 62#
  8. ↑ Skyward Pre-Release AMA
    — Arcanum - 2018-10-22#
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