Passions
| Passions | |
|---|---|
| World of Origin | Roshar |
| Universe | Cosmere |
The Passions are a philosophy or religion from Thaylenah on Roshar.[1][2][3]
Philosophy
“Don't know much blustering math...But I do know the Passions. You win when you need it most, you see. ”
The primary tenet of the Passions is that wanting something draws it to you.[1] If you need money very badly, you will win when you gamble,[2] or if you strongly desire to visit a particular destination, you will get there even without a map.[4] The Passions do not have a formal theology, yet some people treat them as a religion instead of a philosophy.[1] Belief in the Passions is reinforced by the existence of spren on Roshar,[1] which often appear in response to emotions.
Although Thaylen lore holds that the most Passionate among them could reopen the "portal of worlds" (possibly referring to an Oathgate),[5] the Passions do not actually have any inherent magical component.[6]
Relationship to Shards
The Passions have their basis in traditions that were influenced by the Shard Odium.[7] Odium refers to himself as an incarnation of "Passion"[8] and many of his followers (such as the Fused and Moash) commonly speak of Passion that comes from or honors Odium.[9][10][11] Although the Thaylen Passions are not directly linked to Odium, indirect connections through tradition and inspiration do exist.[7]
Another Shard named Ruin that formerly inhabited Scadrial also spoke pointedly about passion.[12][13] This may have some significance in the cosmere, as not all of the Shards share Ruin and Odium's regard for passion.[14]
Practitioners
Although Thaylenah is not considered a "Vorin kingdom",[2] Vorinism is culturally dominant[15] and there is an outpost of Vorin leadership located there.[16] Thaylens are therefore nominally Vorin, but many prominent Thaylens (including Yalb,[2] Yokska,[17] Hobber,[18] and Vstim[19]) also follow the Passions. Queen Fen and her husband Kmakl both make reference to the Passions,[5][20] and Febrth continues to follow the Passions even after joining the Diagram.[4] Rysn expresses some skepticism about the Passions, although they seem to be culturally ingrained in her.[19]
Fen tells Dalinar Kholin that some of the events surrounding the True Desolation have caused her people to consider abandoning Vorinism altogether in favor of the Passions.[21]
Perception
“But wishing and expecting is of the Passions. A heresy. A good Vorin worries about transforming themselves. ”
—Elhokar Kholin[22]
The Passions are generally dismissed by people from Vorin strongholds such as Alethkar and Jah Keved. Elhokar Kholin calls them heretic,[23] while Shallan Davar and Navani Kholin see them as a pagan pseudo-religion or set of superstitions.[5][2] Jasnah Kholin believes that all religions, including the Passions, are equally impossible to verify.[3]
Trivia
- A fabrial such as the emotion bracelet may have effects that correspond to the Passions.[6]
Notes
- ↑ a b c d Stormlight Three Update #4
— Arcanum - 2016-10-12# - ↑ a b c d e f The Way of Kings chapter 8#
- ↑ a b Words of Radiance chapter 3#
- ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 43#
- ↑ a b c Oathbringer chapter 12#
- ↑ a b Shadows of Self San Francisco signing
— Arcanum - 2015-10-09# - ↑ a b Skyward Chicago signing
— Arcanum - 2018-11-16# - ↑ Oathbringer chapter 57#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 120#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 122#
- ↑ Oathbringer interlude I-12#
- ↑ The Hero of Ages chapter 57#
- ↑ Oathbringer release party
— Arcanum - 2017-11-13# - ↑ Idaho Falls signing
— Arcanum - 2018-07-21# - ↑ The Way of Kings interlude I-4#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 50#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 62#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 35#
- ↑ a b Words of Radiance interlude I-3#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 118#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 107#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 74#
- ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 74#