Phantom Monstrosity Posted May 4, 2013 Posted May 4, 2013 Okay. Are you saying Adonalsium's personality survived the shattering? Or are you saying that Adonalsium's basic drives were FUBAR and so some of the Shards are evil? Anyway, I am just paraphrasing Brandon, as posted here: None of the shards technically are evil. It's a technical truth (since shards are mindless), but that doesn't mean they don't cause people who hold them to act evilly. Like, if I brewed up a poison that gave you an insaitable craving for the blood of orphan babies, the poison (as a mindless object) wouldn't be evil per se, but it would certainly create impulses that could easily lead to evil.
hoser he/him Posted May 4, 2013 Posted May 4, 2013 None of the shards technically are evil. It's a technical truth (since shards are mindless), but that doesn't mean they don't cause people who hold them to act evilly. Like, if I brewed up a poison that gave you an insaitable craving for the blood of orphan babies, the poison (as a mindless object) wouldn't be evil per se, but it would certainly create impulses that could easily lead to evil. And how is that evidence?
Phantom Monstrosity Posted May 4, 2013 Posted May 4, 2013 Yes, I don't think the fact that "Some aspects of Odium contributed to the entity that was Adonalsium" has any bearing on the matter.
Colateralwar Posted May 5, 2013 Author Posted May 5, 2013 I dont think Adonalsium had a "bearer". All together, the sixteen shards compose a whole human personality, complete with all the facets, problems, contradictions that we all suffer from. It was only after the shattering that these shards required a host since they were not complete in and of themselves. Just my two cents
happyman he/him Posted May 7, 2013 Posted May 7, 2013 I would say it's fairly easy to see how Odium isn't evil...as long as it's paired with something else. Here is an online dictionary definition of odium (emphasis mine): 1 : the state or fact of being subjected to hatred and contempt as a result of a despicable act or blameworthy circumstance 2 : hatred and condemnation accompanied by loathing or contempt : detestation 3 : disrepute or infamy attached to something : opprobrium So not all of these relate to notions of justice, or the like, but they could. In most people minds, it is possible to do something so awful, so terrible, so wrong, they must be punished. Odium would then be a good thing, at least for everybody else. 1
darkanimereal1 Posted May 7, 2013 Posted May 7, 2013 And how is that evidence? Adonalsium could've been a huge jerk for all we know. True. Or Adonalsium could have been neutral. And this goes for the "shard" (since technically, Adonalsium as a whole wouldn't be a shard...) or a holder (if there was one). Or even a god if that's what Adonalsium was. Besides the Thrill (the ability to enjoy doing everything to win), having the ability to distance oneself from what isn't meeting one's needs seems useful and could fit with Odium. I wonder whether the irrational hatred that Szeth feels towards his victims is an unhealthy aspect of Odium. This is a good point. I really want to know what's up with Szeth and if Odium has any influence over him. We know that Szeth is NOT getting powers like Kaladin is, which makes me think his magic comes from Odium. I would say it's fairly easy to see how Odium isn't evil...as long as it's paired with something else. Here is an online dictionary definition of odium (emphasis mine): 1 : the state or fact of being subjected to hatred and contempt as a result of a despicable act or blameworthy circumstance 2 : hatred and condemnation accompanied by loathing or contempt : detestation 3 : disrepute or infamy attached to something : opprobrium So not all of these relate to notions of justice, or the like, but they could. In most people minds, it is possible to do something so awful, so terrible, so wrong, they must be punished. Odium would then be a good thing, at least for everybody else. Also a great point. I'm on the "shards are not inherently evil" bandwagon here.
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