Riftwise Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I have thought about this off and on since first reading WoK. On my current re-read I ran across them again and did a search here in the forum but found no reference to any theories on them. I also looked in the Wiki, but did not find any hints to indicate some have found ways to access hidden power in them. Is it possible that glyphwards are just missing some component that would release a more perceptible effect? We know that glyphwards are prayers to the Almighty, but never see a manifestation of that power. We read of glyphs on the Honorblades and Shardblades, on weapons the Parshendi have access to, and on the Knights Radiant shardplate. It is my theory that glyphs were a way to access or focus Stormlight in the past and has since been lost. My hope is that in Words of Radiance we will see this lost art regained. Though I know there are plenty of books to come where this could be covered. In truth, part of this came to mind because Shallan mentioned in her interview with Jasnah that her glyphwards are regarded as quite impressive and the fact that she can now infuse, or at least access stormlight. Perhaps Shallan will find a way to use them together to create new alternatives to fabrials. Any thoughts, ideas, or holes where this just can't be possible? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christophalies Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I have considered this before as well. The KR in Dalinar's flashbacks that hbe the glowing Shardplate was what made me think of it. The plate was glowing, which modern plate doesn't so, and it had glyphwards on it which I don't recall people having on them in the present day. Could just be a coincidence. Down this line of thinking... If glyphwards are prayers to the almighty.... And Tanavast is dead. Maybe glyphwards USED to have power but lost it when Honor died. Just a thought. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delightful Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 It sounds too much like AonDor (Elantris) to me. especially the just-missing-a-piece-to-make-it-work aspect. Not a bad theory, I just doubt brandon would do another magic system based on symbols and letters. (I do recognize that each order of KR had their own symbol though which may or may not be magically significant). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skaa Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 It could be that you need access to a certain Surge to activate glyphs. Perhaps it's the still-unnamed Surge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marianmi Posted February 13, 2014 Report Share Posted February 13, 2014 My theory was that glyphs on plates act like the framing on the fabrials. They spread a pattern of stormlight, resulting in a (magical) effect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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