Difference between revisions of "Letters"

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{{literature
|type=Message
|author=[[Hoid]], [[Frost]], [[Endowment]], [[AutonomyPatji (being)|Patji]], and [[Harmony]]
|world=Cosmere
|'world=[[Roshar]], [[Yolen]], [[Nalthis]], [[First of the Sun]], and [[Scadrial]]
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}
{{copyright}}
 
The '''letters''' are a set of correspondence between [[Hoid]] and several other prominent figures in the [[cosmere]], including [[Frost]], [[Endowment]], [[Autonomy]], and [[Harmony]].{{wob ref|86062682}}{{wob ref|5301}}{{wob ref|8401}}{{wob ref|9081}} Hoid's initial letters express his fears concerning [[Odium]]--both his former attacks against various [[Shards]] of [[Adonalsium]], his activities on [[Roshar]], and the potential for future devastation throughout the cosmere--and calls for assistance from the recipients.{{epigraph ref|sa1|12}} Subsequent letters, all addressed to Hoid, are a response to this call for aid.{{epigraph ref|sa2|59}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|33}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|42}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|53}}
 
In addition to giving some insight concerning the significance of the conflict on Roshar as it relates to the greater cosmere, the letters give some insight into the histories, goals, and personalities of their authors.
 
{{copyright}}
 
== The First Letter ==
{{for|The Way of Kings/Epigraphs#The Letter|a list of the excerpts in each chapter's epigraph}}
 
The first letter, written by Hoid to Frost,{{wob ref|2682}} argues for the danger presented by [[Rayse]], the vessel of Odium, hoping to draw Frost out of his oath of nonintervention.{{wobepigraph ref|8606sa2|74}} Hoid points out that Rayse was dangerous even before taking the Shard of Odium upon himself, and thus if [[Ati]] could be so corrupted by the Shard of [[Ruin]] then Rayse will only be made worse. Hoid cites the ShatteringSplintering of [[Devotion]] and [[Dominion]] on [[Sel]] as proof of the threat Odium presents. He then dismisses concerns of his own biases and asks Frost to call off the members of the [[Seventeenth Shard]] who have been hunting for him on Roshar before making his final plea.{{epigraph ref|sa1|12}}
 
{{quote|
<br/>
 
Let me first assure you that the [[lerasium|element]] is quite safe. I have found a good home for it. I protect its safety like I protect my own skin, you might say. You do not agree with my quest. I understand that, so much as it is possible to understand someone with whom I disagree so completely. Might I be quite frank? Before, you asked why I was so concerned. It is for the following reason: Ati was once a kind and generous man, and you saw what became of him. Rayse, on the other hand, was among the most loathsome, crafty, and dangerous individuals I had ever met. He holds the most frightening and terrible of all the Shards. Ponder on that for a time, you old reptile, and tell me if your insistence on nonintervention holds firm. Because I assure you, Rayse will not be similarly inhibited. One need only look at the aftermath of his brief visit to Sel to see proof of what I say. In case you have turned a blind eye to that disaster, know that [[Aona]] and [[Skai]] are both dead, and that which they held has been Splintered. Presumably to prevent anyone from rising up to challenge Rayse.
<br/>
 
 
==The Second Letter==
{{for|Words of Radiance/Epigraphs#The Second Letter|a list of the excerpts in each chapter's epigraph}}
The second letter is a reply to the first, written by Frost to Hoid.{{wob ref|5301}} In this letter, Frost dismisses Hoid's concerns, arguing that Rayse has been trapped by [[Honor]] in the [[Rosharan system]], and thus the threat he presents is sufficiently obstructed for the time being. Though his frustration with Hoid comes through in the opening lines, he names Hoid a friend and begs him to consider the danger that Hoid's own meddling may introduce.{{epigraph ref|sa2|59}}
 
 
===First Oathbringer Letter===
{{for|Oathbringer/Epigraphs#Chapter 33|a list of the excerpts in each chapter's epigraph}}
 
The first of these letters is written by Endowment{{wob ref|8401}}{{ref|text=By process of elimination, Endowment is the only known, living Shard who fits with the context of the letter.}} and offers a dismissal much like Frost's. It notably expresses a disdain for multiple Shards sharing a planet, referencing an oath that they made not to settle near one another. Endowment ultimately argues that Rayse's activity is none of Hoid's business, and that Odium, and potentially Hoid himself, will be dealt with if they feel the need arises.{{epigraph ref|sa3|33}}
 
{{quote
| Dearest Cephandrius,<br />
I received your communication, of course. I noticed its arrival immediately, just as I noticed your many intrusions into my land. You think yourself so clever, but my eyes are not those of some petty noble, to be clouded by a false nose and some dirt on the cheeks. You mustn't worry yourself about Rayse. It is a pity about Aona and Skai, but they were foolish--violating our pact from the very beginning. Your skills are admirable, but you are merely a man. You had your chance to be more, and refused it. No good can come of two Shards settling in one location. It was agreed that we would not interfere with one another, and it disappoints me that so few of the Shards have kept to this original agreement. As for [[Uli Da]], it was obvious from the outset that she was going to be a problem. Good riddance. Regardless, this is not your concern. You turned your back on divinity. If Rayse becomes an issue, he will be dealt with.
<br />
And so will you.<!--
 
 
===Second Oathbringer Letter===
{{for|Oathbringer/Epigraphs#Chapter 42|a list of the excerpts in each chapter's epigraph}}
 
The second letter is written by an avatar of Autonomy (specifically [[Patji (being)|Patji]], an avatar of Autonomy,{{wob ref|12761}}) and mentions [[First of the Sun]].{{wob ref|9081}}{{wob ref|8606}} As things stand, Autonomy dismisses Hoid's concern, believing Rayse to be captive, and even offers some admiration for the trapped Shard. The author refers to itself in a plural sense and suggests that Hoid may have found more favor if he had approached some other avatar. The letter is closed with a challenge by which Hoid may earn the Shard's respect.{{epigraph ref|sa3|42}}
 
{{quote
| Cephandrius, bearer of the [[First Gem]],<br />
You must know better than to approach us by relying upon presumption of past relationship. You have spoken to one who cannot respond. We, instead, will take your communication to us &ndash; though we know not how you located us upon this world. We are indeed intrigued, for we thought it well hidden. Insignificant among our many realms. As the waves of the sea must continue to surge, so must our will continue resolute.
<br />
Alone.
<br />
Did you expect anything else from us? We need not suffer the interference of another. Rayse is contained, and we care not for his prison. Indeed, we admire his initiative. Perhaps if you had approached the correct one of us with your plea, it would have found favorable audience. But we stand in the sea, pleased with our domains. Leave us alone. We also instruct that you should not return to [[Obrodai]]. We have claimed that world, and a new avatar of our being is beginning to manifest there. She is young yet, and--as a precaution--she has been instilled with an intense and overpowering dislike of you. This is all we will say at this time. If you wish more, seek these waters in person and overcome the tests we have created. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<br />
Only in this will you earn our respect.<!--
 
 
===Third Oathbringer Letter===
{{for|Oathbringer/Epigraphs#Chapter 53|a list of the excerpts in each chapter's epigraph}}
 
The third letter is written by [[Sazed]], the vessel of [[Harmony]], evident in the writing patterns, the reference to two diametrically opposed Shards, and his relative ignorance regarding Adonalsium. While Harmony does not dispute Hoid's claims, he feels unequipedunequipped and expresses a hesitancy to offer any support before he is able to place any trust in the man, of whom he knows nothing about. He requests that Hoid visit him directly before taking any action of his own.{{epigraph ref|sa3|53}}
 
{{quote
|Friend,<br />
Your letter is most intriguing, even revelatory. I would have thought, before attaining my current station, that a deity could not be surprised. Obviously, that is not true. I can be surprised. I can perhaps even be naive, I think. I am the least equipped, of all, to aid you in this endeavor. I am finding that the powers I hold are in such conflict that the most simple of actions can be difficult. I am also made uncertain by your subterfuge. Why have you not made yourself known to me before this? How is it you can hide? Who are you truly, and how do you know so much about Adonalsium? If you would speak to me further, I request open honesty. Return to my lands, approach my servants, and I will see what I can do for your quest.<!--
 
-->|Third ''Oathbringer'' Letter
}}
 
==The Sixth Letter==
{{for|Rhythm of War/Epigraphs#The Letter|a list of the excerpts in each chapter's epigraph}}
The sixth letter is in reply to [[Hoid]]. It is also written by [[Sazed]], the vessel of [[Harmony]], again evident in his writing patterns, mention of his relative youth, and talk of being made up of Ruin and Preservation.
 
{{quote
|Dear Wanderer,<br />
I did receive your latest communication. Please forgive formality on my part, as we have not met in person. I feel new to this role, despite my years of holding it. You will admit to my relative youth, I think. I have been fascinated to discover how much you’ve accomplished on [[Scadrial]] without me noticing your presence. How is it that you hide from Shards so well?<br/>
 
I have reached out to the others as you requested, and have received a variety of responses. Much as you indicate, there is a division among the other Shards I would not have anticipated. [[Endowment]] at least responded to my overtures, though I have not been able to locate [[Invention]] again following our initial contact. [[Whimsy]] was not terribly useful, and [[Mercy]] worries me. I do think that [[Valor]] is reasonable, and suggest you approach her again. It has been too long, in her estimation, since your last conversation. The deaths of both [[Devotion]] and [[Dominion]] trouble me greatly, as I had not realized this immense power we had was something that could be broken in such a way. On my world, the power always gathered and sought a new Vessel.<br/>
 
That said, the most worrying thing I have discovered in this was the wound upon the Spiritual Realm where [[Ambition]], Mercy, and Odium clashed - and Ambition was destroyed. The effects on the planet [[Threnody]] have been….disturbing. Other Shards I cannot identify, and are hidden to me. I fear that their influence encroaches upon my world, yet I am locked into a strange inability because of the opposed powers I hold.<br/>
 
I have begun searching for a pathway out of this conundrum by seeking the ideal person to act on my behalf. Someone who embodies both Preservation and Ruin. A....sword, you might say, who can both protect and kill. But this does not get to the core of your letter. I have encouraged those who would speak to me to heed your warnings, but all seem content to ignore Odium for the time being. In their opinion, he is no threat as long as he remains confined in the Rosharan system.<br/>
 
I do not share their attitude. If you can, as you supposed, maintain Odium’s prison for now, it would give us necessary time to plan. This is a threat beyond the capacity of one Shard to face. Unfortunately, as proven by my own situation, the combination of Shards is not always a path to greater power. We must assume that Odium has realized this, and is seeking a singular, terrible goal: the destruction - and somehow Splintering or otherwise making impotent - of all the Shards other than him. To combine powers would change and distort who Odium is. So instead of absorbing others, he destroys them. Since we are all essentially infinite, he needs no more power. Destroying and Splintering the other Shards would leave Odium as the sole god, unchanged and uncorrupted by other influences.<br/>
 
You say that the power itself must be treated as separate in our minds from the Vessel who controls it. I find this difficult to do on an intrinsic level, as although I am neither Ruin nor Preservation, they make up me.<br/> Regardless, I will try to do as you request. However, you seem more afraid of the Vessel. I warn you that this is a flaw in your understanding. You have not felt what I have. You have not known what I have. You rejected that chance - and wisely, I think. However, though you think not as a mortal, you are their kin. The power of Odium’s Shard is more dangerous than the mind behind it. Particularly since any Investiture seems to gain a will of its own when not controlled.<br/>
 
My instincts say that the power of Odium is not being controlled well. The Vessel will be adapted to the power’s will. And after this long, if Odium is still seeking to destroy, then it is because of the power. Of course, I admit this is a small quibble. A difference of semantics more than anything. In truth, it would be a combination of a Vessel’s craftiness and the power’s Intent that we should fear most.<br/>
 
Regardless, please make yourself known to me when you travel to my lands. It is distressing that you think you need to move in the shadows.<!--
-->|The Sixth Letter
}}
 
== Trivia ==
* TheBrandon "element"intends isfor the beadfirst offive lerasiumbooks fromin Mistbornthe [[Stormlight Archive]] to have letters in Secrettheir Historyepigraphs.{{wob ref|54833852}}
* The "old reptile" is Frost{{wob ref|2682}}
* The Second letter was written by Patji{{wob ref|12761}}
 
== Notes ==
<references />
{{complete|[[User:JofwuChaos2651|JofwuChaos2651]] ([[User talk:JofwuChaos2651|talk]]) 0807:1055, 17 SeptemberMarch 20182022 (MSTUTC)}}
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