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The exact nature of Adonalsium, whether it is more a force of nature or an intelligent being, is unknown, though either interpretation carries a measure of validity.{{msh ref|3|2}} Notions that it could be "killed"{{msh ref|3|2}} or that it could "design" things{{epigraph ref|sa2|66}} suggests the latter, though these understandings could be faulty. It is unclear whether Adonalsium's power reaches beyond the cosmere,{{wob ref|8561}} or whether Adonalsium could, unlike Shards, wield its power to the full extent.{{wob ref|8702}}{{wob ref|8648}}
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
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All Investiture in the cosmere is associated with Adonalsium.{{wob ref|8605}} Consequently, all forms of magic are derived from Adonalsium's power.{{wob ref|2612}} As far as anyone in the cosmere is aware, there was no predecessor to Adonalsium.{{wob ref|12882}} While most of the more complex magic systems, such as [[Allomancy]] and [[Surgebinding]], were established after the Shattering, some simpler forms of magic, such as [[highstorm]]s{{wob ref|8624}} and [[spren]],{{wob ref|141}} existed in some form prior to Adonalsium's demise.{{wob ref|4097}} Furthermore, Adonalsium exercised direct control over the nature and limitations of this magic.{{wob ref|13333}}{{wob ref|13525}} Some "fourth law" of thermodynamics seems to govern Adonalsium
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}}
== History ==
=== Pre-Shattering ===
Nobody knows whether Adonalsium's Investiture existed from eternity or whether it came into being--naturally, or by means of some other
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Nothing is known about any interaction Adonalsium may have had with mortals, beyond
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}}
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Adonalsium's opposition, or some subset of their number, eventually put their final plan into action on [[Yolen]].{{wob ref|8605}}{{wob ref|11602}} The group included [[Hoid]]{{wob ref|10773}} and, likely, [[Frost]],{{epigraph ref|sa2|66}} in addition to those who would become the original vessels of the sixteen Shards. Few details are known concerning what transpired at the Shattering. The Shattering occurred as a single event{{wob ref|1292}} at which Adonalsium was indeed killed,{{wob ref|2247}}, and consequently its power was divided into sixteen equal portions.{{wob ref|5313}} This bears some measure of resemblance to the Splintering of Shards.{{wob ref|3456}} Investiture throughout the cosmere was affected as a result of the Shattering--becoming associated with particular Shards.{{wob ref|9385}}
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 weapon intended to kill Adonalsium no longer exists in its
According to the [[Sleepless]], the Shattering was accomplished through the use of the four [[Dawnshard]]s, a process which required both [[Intent]] and [[Command]].{{book ref|sa3.5|19}}
=== Legacy ===
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
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* [[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}}
* Additionally, Adonalsium
* In the original publication of ''[[The Hero of Ages]]'', Adonalsium was misspelled as "Adonasium".{{wob ref|7710}}
== Notes ==
{{cosmere}}
[[category: characters]]
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