Includes SPOILERS for The Stormlight Archive through Wind and Truth!
Brandon Sanderson’s ensemble inThe Stormlight Archiveare all affected by a powerful message, and it matters even more for one prominent Cosmere character.Sanderson’s Cosmere universeencompasses 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 theShards of Adonalsium, the Seventeenth Shard, the Ghostbloods, or, most importantly, Hoid.
Wind and Truth’sendingsaw the completion of several prominent character arcs, with Sanderson remaining true to the themes and philosophies he established inThe 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 Archivehas 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, buthe hasn’t been as prominent in other series as he has inThe 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 inThe Way of Kingsto an endearing storyteller to someone who’s willing to play a direct role in the betterment of Roshar.
I’m Dying For One Stormlight Archive Moment That I’m Going To Have To Wait At Least 6 Years For
The next five books of The Stormlight Archive are going to be packed with moments I’m excited about, but there’s one spiteful moment I can’t wait for.
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 Archivehas 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 inWind and Truthsuggest 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: thatthe 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 inWind and Truthsuggest 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 futureStormlight Archivevolumes, theDragonsteelseries, which will be from his perspective on Yolen, and more. It seems likely that the version of Hoid that readers see inDragonsteelwill be entirely different from the one at the end ofThe Stormlight Archivebooks and whatever role he plays in the fate of the Cosmere. He’s been working for millennia toward mysterious goals, buthis growth as a character could alter his approach to his mission.
This Long-Awaited Brandon Sanderson Sequel Is More Necessary Than Ever After Wind And Truth
The Stormlight Archive book 5 is filled with references to other Cosmere novels, including one that readers are waiting on a sequel for.
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 inThe Stormlight Archive, but his development is even more important.
