What Does Ironeyes Do?

[Trusk'our he/him]

I don't think we really know yet, but does anyone have any guesses as to what Death does with his free time?

I know he's "occasionally" Invested by Harmony to guide souls to the Beyond, and I'm sure he's dropped by at least a few Sliverists to guide them and send them on better paths, but. . . what about the rest of his time?

Kelsier has a Worldhopping organization that's vowed to protect Scadrial that he runs and Sazed has more than enough to do being God and all, but I don't think I've heard of any plots or groups under Marsh's purview in his three and a half century life after the Catacendre. He didn't join Wax's cause in AoL, SoS, or BoM, so I assume he's usually busy with something important.

Any ideas?

Edited January 19, 2025 by Trusk'our

[JustQuestin2004 he/him]

We know that he was, at one point, investigating the Southern Continent.

Spoiler

ProfessionalLurker (paraphrased)

Where's Marsh?

Brandon Sanderson (paraphrased)

Investigating the Southern Continent of Scadrial.

[Treamayne]

55 minutes ago, Trusk'our said:

Any ideas?

We know some of these questions might be answered if/when we get a M:SH2.

Spoiler

 

Quote

 

Questioner

Can you tell us why he's called "Death"?

Brandon Sanderson

Because he is seen usually in creepy situations, and looks creepy, and mythology has grown up. Though that one's also a RAFO for the Secret Histories-- that's a real RAFO for the Secret Histories. I might get into that. But you can assume that the allure of... I mean, there's a little more to it. But I mean, let's say you saw him...

Questioner

*laughs* That would be... *inaudible*

Brandon Sanderson

You'd be like, "Ahhhh!" So... But no, I do intend-- there are little things like that, that if I write Secret History 2 I can get into where some of these legends started. So you'll be able to see some of the starts of those and things like that.

Footnote: Questioner is referring to Marsh in Mistborn era 2.
White Sand vol.1 release party (June 28, 2016)

 

Quote

Questioner

Is there more about Marsh in the next book?

Brandon Sanderson

Marsh will... you will find out more about Marsh, but that's probably some of the stuff that will be in either Secret History 2 if I write it, or the next Era. Marsh is only a little bit involved in this Era. You'll see more of him later.

Arcanum Unbounded release party (Nov. 22, 2016)

 

[alder24]

12 hours ago, Trusk'our said:

I don't think we really know yet, but does anyone have any guesses as to what Death does with his free time?

I know he's "occasionally" Invested by Harmony to guide souls to the Beyond, and I'm sure he's dropped by at least a few Sliverists to guide them and send them on better paths, but. . . what about the rest of his time?

Kelsier has a Worldhopping organization that's vowed to protect Scadrial that he runs and Sazed has more than enough to do being God and all, but I don't think I've heard of any plots or groups under Marsh's purview in his three and a half century life after the Catacendre. He didn't join Wax's cause in AoL, SoS, or BoM, so I assume he's usually busy with something important.

Any ideas?

He's working alone for the good of Scadrial. He was investigating the Set in Era 2, so it looks like he works for Harmony (either on his direct order or Marsh himself tries to help despite Sazed indecisiveness). He said in TLM that he's hunting those who try to harm Scadrial. However, because he was running out of Atium, he became too weak to actively stop them, thus he was just investigating what's going on with the Set and Trell and he wanted to grab their Atium if they were to create it. In general he feels guilty for his actions during Era 1 and he tries to atone for the death he caused.

In AoL he intervened against Harmony's wishes and gave Marasi Spook's book, once again showing he's helping to stop those who work against Harmony and their homeworld. Plus he's regularly meeting up with Kelsier so it's likely they share some information even though they don't work together, but they share the same goal.

TLM ch 28:

Quote

“No,” he said. “I run low on atium, and so age finally emerges from the shadows. It has always stalked me. Now it senses the kill. I was here in Bilming, seeking answers. They try to re-create the metal, and I thought maybe…”
“If you run out…” Marasi said, “… you die?”
He nodded. “I was going to let it happen. I have lived so much, far longer than my due. But I helped destroy this world—unwillingly, yes, but my weakness led to much sorrow. I swore I would help. And so, I struggle yet to live…”
Rusts. Death took a deep breath, and the lines on his face retreated—then regrew when he exhaled. It looked like he was vacillating between decades of age with each breath.
“Trell wants to own this planet,” Death whispered. “So your time dwindles, as does mine.” He studied Wax with those inscrutable not-eyes. “I’ve grown too weak to continue hunting those who would destroy this land. My display earlier will get you out of this room, perhaps convince the local constables to leave you alone, but that … might be all I can offer.”

 

Spoiler

Questioner

How often do Kelsier and Marsh talk? Are the conversations more friendly or more confrontational?

Brandon Sanderson

Depends on the moment. But speaking should be seen as regular if not frequent.

YouTube Spoiler Stream 5 (Dec. 2, 2022)