Difference between revisions of "Adonalsium"

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'''Adonalsium''' is a mysterious being or force in the [[cosmere]]{{msh ref|3|2}} from which all [[Investiture]] is derived.{{wob ref|8605}} It is unknown whether the term Adonalsium is a name or title.{{wob ref|3245}} Adonalsium is generally regarded as a God, responsible for the creation of the cosmere,{{msh ref|3|2}}{{wob ref|4850}} and it is sometimes referred to as the "power of creation."{{wob ref|3435}} In a pivotal moment in the history of the cosmere, an event known as the [[Shattering]], a group of individuals conspired against and killed Adonalsium.{{msh ref|3|2}}{{wob ref|2247}} Upon its death the power was broken into sixteen [[Shards]] which were all seized by some of the individuals present.{{msh ref|3|2}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|11}}{{wob ref|10563}} These Shards each bear an aspect of Adonalsium's nature.{{wob ref|9363}}

 

The events on [[Yolen]] surrounding the Shattering of Adonalsium will be addressed in ''[[Dragonsteel]]''.{{wob ref|9138}}{{wob ref|9882}}

 

 

Adonalsium is widely believed to be the creator of the entire cosmere and all life within it.{{wob ref|3711}}{{wob ref|4850}}{{epigraph ref|sa2|66}} That is, excepting any subsequent creation performed by the Shards, which is typically regarded as a copy of Adonalsium's own designs performed with the remnants of his power.{{au ref|scadrian}}{{msh ref|3|2}} Variations of the phrase "power of creation" typically refers to Adonalsium or the remnants of his power, due to this belief.{{wob ref|3435}} It is possible that the tendency of Investiture to develop sentience over time is rooted in Adonalsium's own drive to develop life.{{wob ref|2253}}

 

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| [[Khriss]]' interpretation of Adonalsium's nature{{msh ref|3|2}}

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It is unclear precisely why the power was later divided into sixteen Shards, or why these Shards bear the "intents" that they do. Indeed, it is possible that a set of Shards with an alternate set of natures may have been produced, and it may be possible for a different number to have been produced.{{wob ref|8394}}{{wob ref|8394}} In any case, the known Shardic intents give some insight into Adonalsium's nature, as these can generally be regarded as some primal force ascribed with a facet of Adonalsium's own personality.{{epigraph ref|sa2|71}}{{wob ref|9363}} We can assume, for example, that Adonalsium had some sense of honor and a desire to cultivate, or that it maintained a balance between its concepts of ruin and preservation. With so many different, often conflicting, aspects to Adonalsium's nature, it may have had difficulty taking certain actions or interfering with the cosmere in particular ways.{{wob ref|9519}}

Adonalsium also presumably had access to certain godlike abilities that are associated with the Shards, including the ability to glance into the future.{{wob ref|8443}}

 

Nobody knows whether Adonalsium's Investiture existed from eternity or whether it came into being--naturally, or by means of some other God.{{wob ref|3436}}{{wob ref|8648}} It is also unclear whether Adonalsium's presumed consciousness existed alongside its power from the beginning, or whether it developed as a natural function of Investiture.{{wob ref|9324}} It is, however, likely that Adonalsium existed before any other intelligent life in the cosmere. While the extent of Adonalsium's role as a creator is unclear, it was at least directly responsible for the formation of some worlds, including [[Roshar]] and the rest of the [[Rosharan system]].{{wob ref|3952}}{{wob ref|9283}}{{wob ref|1654}} [[Taldain]]'s specific orbit may also lend itself to Adonalsium's touch.{{wob ref|5491}}

 

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At least one plot to destroy Adonalsium failed, though the details of this remain an enigma.{{wob ref|2648}} It is possible that the weapon failed to accomplish the task it was designed for, and that the Shattering was forced by some other means. On the other hand, it may be that the weapon was developed as an alternative approach after some prior strategy failed. Though unlikely, given the thirst for power that motivated some conspirators,{{msh ref|3|2}} it is even possible that the Shattering itself is the aforementioned failure--that the results of the Shattering, whether caused by the weapon or otherwise, were not intended.{{wob ref|721}}

 

:''Main article:'' [[Shattering|The Shattering of Adonalsium]]

 

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Some evidence suggests that the participants influenced the quantity or nature of the Shards which were left behind,{{wob ref|9956}} but it may be that the result of the Shattering was not entirely expected.{{wob ref|721}} It is clear that they did not fully have a plan as to how the power might be divided, as more than sixteen individuals were present and at least one of them, Hoid, refused the offer of a Shard.{{epigraph ref|sa3|41}}{{wob ref|3337}} At least some of the participants in the Shattering regret what occurred--particularly those who did not seize Shards.{{wob ref|6545}} This may be due to the direct consequences of the Shattering, to the subsequent actions taken by the Shards, or simply to guilt.{{epigraph ref|sa2|66}}

 

 

The Shattering occurred long before other notable events in the cosmere.{{wob ref|1355}}{{wob ref|9683}}{{wob ref|2728}} In the centuries that followed, the Shards settled on other words and began using their new power to shape the cosmere in new ways. New magic systems were developed, and manifestations of Investiture which previously existed were changed in some small ways.{{wob ref|8357}}{{wob ref|3314}} Adonalsium's name was eventually forgotten in much of the cosmere,{{book ref|sa1|54}}{{epigraph ref|mb3|39}} though [[worldhopper]]s remember at least some of its history{{msh ref|3|2}} and [[Shalash]] appears to still revere it as divinity.{{book ref|sa3|121}}

 

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== Trivia ==

* Events on Yolen, including the Shattering of Adonalsium, will be addressed in ''[[Dragonsteel]]''.{{wob ref|9138}}{{wob ref|9882}} ''Dragonsteel'' is currently planned as a trilogy to be written after ''[[The Stormlight Archive]]'' is complete.{{wob ref|10741}}

* Adonalsium is not a dragon.{{wob ref|4556}}

* [[Brandon Sanderson]] developed the concept of Adonalsium and the cosmere while writing ''[[Dragonsteel Prime]]''.{{wob ref|1191}}

* The name Adonalsium is derived from a Hebrew name for God, ''Adonai'' (literally, "my Lord").{{wob ref|3914}}

 

== Notes ==

<references/>

{{cosmere}}

[[category: characters]]