The Stormlight Archive’s Message Hasn’t Affected Anyone More Than This Iconic Cosmere Character
Includes SPOILERS for The Stormlight Archive through Wind and Truth!
Brandon Sanderson’s ensemble in The Stormlight Archive are all affected by a powerful message, and it matters even more for one prominent Cosmere character. Sanderson’s Cosmere universe encompasses several novels, short stories, graphic novels, and more, making it confusing to wrap one’s head around. That makes it all the more important to have characters who tie the narrative together, such as the Shards of Adonalsium, the Seventeenth Shard, the Ghostbloods, or, most importantly, Hoid.
Wind and Truth’s ending saw the completion of several prominent character arcs, with Sanderson remaining true to the themes and philosophies he established in The Way of Kings. Characters like Kaladin, Shallan, and many more have changed drastically from when readers met them in 2010, as have the stakes of the Cosmere. In the span of the series’ five volumes,The Stormlight Archive has rapidly developed alongside Sanderson’s universe, incorporating interplanetary elements and a crucial place in the vast overarching narrative. It makes sense that Hoid would grow alongside this story.
Hoid Has Grown More Attached To Roshar
Hoid Has A Deep Affection For The Humans Of Roshar
Hoid has appeared in practically every Cosmere novel so far, but he hasn’t been as prominent in other series as he has in The Stormlight Archive. Even the books he narrates don’t offer as much of a view into his internal perspective, and his thousands of years of knowledge and experience make him instrumental to the Cosmere’s development. That makes it all the more valuable how much he’s transformed from the frustratingly enigmatic King’s Wit in The Way of Kings to an endearing storyteller to someone who’s willing to play a direct role in the betterment of Roshar.
In Words of Radiance, Hoid said, “If I have to watch this world crumble and burn to get what I need, I will do so. With tears, yes, but I would let it happen.” This is an intense quote, suggesting he’d sacrifice Roshar for the betterment of the Cosmere, or whatever his long-term goals may be. It’s hard to imagine him saying this now, though, with him popping up on Scadrial and immediately wondering how he could make his way back to Roshar. He loves the humans of Roshar, and that could come to complicate his journey.
Hoid's Arc In The Stormlight Archive Connects To The Books' Main Themes
The Stormlight Archive Is All About Individual Value
The Stormlight Archive has several themes, but the concept of utilitarianism and the value of every individual human life has always been the most prominent. Consider Dalinar trading his Shardblade for Kaladin and the other bridge crews. This is a monumental moment in the series that ends up proving infinitely valuable for Dalinar as he defends Roshar from the True Desolation. The philosophical debate carries on throughout the series between Dalinar and Taravangian, tying directly into their Contest of Champions, Jasnah and Odium's debate, and more.
Hoid may be secretive, and it’s possible he’s hiding something grand, but his actions in Wind and Truth suggest he’s not going to let Roshar burn.
Taravangian insists that the correct action should always be taken with the greater good in mind, even if it means sacrificing innocent lives. Dalinar valiantly represents the opposing perspective: that the value of each person and their individual autonomy can’t be quantified. This directly connects to Hoid’s quote, and the closer he got to Dalinar, Kaladin, and others, the more he resonates with this ideology. Hoid may be secretive, and it’s possible he’s hiding something grand, but his actions in Wind and Truth suggest he’s not going to let Roshar burn.
What Hoid's Growth Means For The Cosmere's Future
Hoid Is Changing Just Like Other Characters
Hoid is going to be a prominent character throughout the Cosmere, with expected appearances in the future Stormlight Archive volumes, the Dragonsteel series, which will be from his perspective on Yolen, and more. It seems likely that the version of Hoid that readers see in Dragonsteel will be entirely different from the one at the end of The Stormlight Archive books and whatever role he plays in the fate of the Cosmere. He’s been working for millennia toward mysterious goals, but his growth as a character could alter his approach to his mission.
Theories about Hoid have suggested numerous possibilities for what he wants. He could be trying to reform Adonalsium, resurrect a lost love, or something else entirely. Readers only know that he plans to “make that which once was.” It’s an ominous description that could imply nobility or villainy, but his character growth isn’t for nothing. Just because he’s a Worldhopper doesn’t mean he’s not affected by events like the Catacendre or the restoration of Elantris. He’s just as susceptible to the gravity of these situations as any other character in The Stormlight Archive, but his development is even more important.
The Stormlight Archive
- Created by
- Brandon Sanderson
- Character(s)
- Kaladin Stormblessed, Shallan Davar, Dalinar Kholin, Adolin Kholin, Jasnah Kholin, Szeth-son-son-Vallano, Navani Kholin
