TeaKey

Main theory The Cosmere as a whole is a large story full of smaller stories. The story is supposed to have an ending, and in my opinion there is only one ending that works thematically to the story that starts with the shattering of Adonalsium: namely the re-unification of all the shards. There are several WoBs regarding if this is possible or not. Brandon often responds to questions in a vague manner, like that some (in-world) believe it possible but that it would be hard. My interpretation of that is that not any not-a-man with a couple of shards could do it. You would need to not only be able to reform splintered shards but also pick up shards that you lack connection with. In other words, you would need some kind of extra connection power. Some kind of power capable of uniting (or bonding) the shards together. You would need something like… a bondsmith. Let’s move on to the most controversial part of this theory, the interaction between Dalinar and Odium at the climax of Oathbringer: In this moment I believe that Odium is talking about Adonalsium, not Honor. I believe that Adonalsium is the name of the vessel, and the title of Adonalsium is Unity. This explains Odium’s momentary loss of control. For a split second he believes that somehow, no matter how implausible, Adonalsium is actually alive. This thought terrifies him. Soon afterwards he regains his senses. All the “Unite them” commands that Dalinar hears refer to uniting all the shards of Adonalisum. This is a very well executed escalation of storytelling, something Brandon is very fond of: First we interpret it as uniting the highprinces. Then as uniting all the kingdoms of Roshar. Then as uniting the splinters of Honor. Then as uniting all the shards of Roshar. Then finally as uniting all shards of Adonalsium. Dalinar will go on a quest to unite all shards of the Cosmere, his main opposition being Harmony (soon to be Discord). However, what happens when he picks up each new shard? Is he supposed to come up with a new name matching all the different shards’ intents that he currently holds? No. When Dalinar picks up the three shards of Roshar he will take the title of Unity even though he does not have all the required shards. Dalinar must pick up the fallen title of Adonalsium (Unity). The tower (towerlight), the crown (TBA, voidlight+lifelight) and the spear (warlight). These are all the combinations of the Rosharan shards that Dalinar will end up taking, which will probably be the end of SA10. He will call himself Unity, but he will be a less perfect version. You might even call him a broken version of Unity. The Cosmere wide war will be that of Unity versus Discord: quite the poetic pairup, and it fits well thematically with the Cosmere-wide plot. The shattered shards represent discord in the Cosmere. All (and none) of the Shards are evil because they are all extreme versions of their intent without other characteristics to balance them out. The only chance for stability and unity in the Cosmere lies with Unity. Bonus: The first chapter where Dalinar is introduced is called Unity. TLDR: Dalinar reforms Unity (Adonalsium) and restores stability to the Cosmere Side theory: Adonalsium’s plan There are multiple instances where we see that Shards are capable of creating huge complex plans that manage to outmanoeuvre other Shards. Most famously how Preservation’s plan worked for millenia to result in Harmony. Cultivation also set pieces into motion to have Rayse replaced by Taravangian. So far, the destruction of all the vessels we have seen has come from the intervention of another Shard. This begs the question: How could Adonalisum, holder of all 16 Shards, holder of the most powerful foresight powers to ever exist, be caught by surprise by a couple of mortals? Even if those mortals had Dawnshards to help them? What if Adonalsium was not caught by surprise? What if… Adonalsium planned for the shattering and set in motion a huge and complex plan to have all the pieces reunited again? What if creating Roshar was an essential part of that plan? TLDR: All the stories of the Cosmere have been part of Adonalsium's plan with the end goal of re-uniting all shards. Side theory: Adonalsium is not dead as long as he lives in the hearts of men I have previously pitched the idea that Dalinar currently has (or has access to) the Dawnshard of Uniting. This would be the voice speaking in his mind and the warmth he senses at times. However, Dalinar does not exhibit all the signs of holding a Dawnshard. Allow me to quote Brandon: There is a striking resemblance to the name of Unity and a Dawnshard that desires uniting. What if during the shattering of Adonalsium he imprinted on one of the Dawnshards? In a process similar to how cognitive shadows are created, parts of the vessel Adonalisum still exist fused with the Dawnshard. The voice that Dalinar hears could then possibly be the voice of Adonalsium himself, expertly pulling the strings in the background. This could also be the key that helps with picking up shards to which Dalinar lacks proper connection. TLDR: Adonalsium still lives in some form inside on of the Dawnshards. Bonus death rattle: If crown truly refers to (voidlight+lifelight) in the death rattle higher up then this could possibly refer to Odium (the darkness) picking up Cultivation and forming some shard that is related to ruling, giving the name of that specific light.