62 pages • 2-hour read
Elantris
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Background
Literary Context: The Cosmere
The Cosmere is the trademarked name for the fictional universe in which many of Brandon Sanderson’s novels are set. According to the author’s website, works including Elantris, Mistborn, Warbreaker, The Stormlight Archive, White Sand, and anything from Arcanum Unbounded are part of the Cosmere (“Cosmere.” Brandon Sanderson, 2018). The worlds of the Cosmere share a cosmology and creation myth and operate on the same ruling principles, particularly those that govern the use of magic.
The Cosmere contains three realms: physical, cognitive, and spiritual. The Cosmere was created by the splintering of Adonalsium, a force (sometimes referred to as a divine being), which was killed or overcome in an event called the Shattering, at which Adonalsium broke apart into 16 different entities called Shards. The abilities or supernatural powers possessed by the Shards derive from their original status as a divine entity. The properties infusing the shards and the different realms rely on energy called Investiture, of which the Dor, the mystical force that powers the world of Elantris, is one expression.
Sanderson’s books need not be read in any particular sequence in order to understand the Cosmere, but some characters do appear in several novels, and some of Sanderson’s other works also take place in the same world. For example, the world-hopping Hoid, a beggar in Elantris is revealed in a bonus scene to have been trying unsuccessfully to become an Elantrian. The Hope of Elantris (2007) is a short story that takes place during last part of the novel, while The Emperor’s Soul (2013) is set in Sel, a different region of the same world.
Another overview of the Cosmere is available on the official site for Sanderson fans, The 17th Shard, which also posts news about forthcoming releases, forums where readers can ask questions about Sanderson’s works, and a gallery of fan art (17thshard, 2023). Also, the wiki Coppermind contains extensive descriptions of Sanderson’s world and explanations of its major concepts, as well as a timeline, lists of cultures and lifeforms, and discussions of magical elements (“Coppermind.” Wikipedia, 2023).
Authorial Context: Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson is a successful and popular author of fantasy and science fiction. His work has hit the New York Times bestseller list many times, including the coveted #1 position, and his novels have won numerous awards, including the Hugo Award, the most prestigious award for works of science fiction. In 2007, Sanderson was chosen to complete Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time fantasy series after the beloved author’s passing. Many of Sanderson’s novels have been optioned for film and translated into multiple languages.
Sanderson admits in the author biography on his website that he wasn’t an eager reader as a child, but when he was introduced to the fantasy genre in middle school, he was hooked. He enrolled in college as a biochemistry major, but switched to English and began writing novels while completing his degree. Sanderson also spent time in Korea as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a cultural experience that later inflected Elantris, the first novel he had accepted for publication. After getting a master’s degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University, Sanderson stayed on to teach creative writing there.
Sanderson’s author website provides extensive details about the world of his books. Extensive annotations for Elantris give insight into Sanderson’s process of composition for the book, his intentions, and his take on the characters (Sanderson, Brandon. “Annotation Elantris Introduction.” Brandon Sanderson, 2005). Sanderson describes Elantris as a “mixture of political intrigue, interesting magic, and character dynamics” (“Standalones.” Brandon Sanderson, 2007). The book’s page includes a glossary of terms, maps, an explanation of the languages, and a pronunciation guide. The level of detail demonstrates how much thought and planning goes into constructing the world of a fantasy novel and offers ways for readers to continue to enjoy the book.
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