Shadows of Self -- Title Origin (Hero of Ages Spoilers!)

[Nethseäar he/him]

Prior to the release of Shadows of Self, I recall speculation about the title -- did it refer to Allomantic gold shadows. As we now know, Allomantic gold didn't make an appearance in the book. So, why the title? The Alloy of Law made a wonderful appearance in Miles' speech to Wax. What on earth does Shadows of Self reference?

I just finished my re-read of the first Mistborn trilogy, and I came across this intriguing tidbit:

The Hero of Ages, Chapter 75, page 660 (2008 paperback):
 

"Where, then, are the mists?" another asked.

The room fell silent again. Sazed sat, pen held in his hand, yet not writing anything. He leaned forward. "The mists are the body of Preservation?"

The others nodded.

"And . . . it disappeared?"

Again, a nod.

"Does this not mean, then, that Preservation has returned?"

"That is impossible," Haddek said. "Preservation's power remains, for power cannot be destroyed. His mind, however, was all but destroyed--for this was the sacrifice he made to imprison Ruin."

"The sliver remains," another reminded. "The shadow of self."

"Yes," Haddek said. "But that is not Preservation, just an image--a remnant. Now that Ruin has escaped, I think we can assume that even it has been destroyed."

 

 

[Stormgate he/him]

This may be a red herring, but what about the Splinter of Ruin hanging around? Wouldn't that be a shadow of self as well?

[Nethseäar he/him]

This may be a red herring, but what about the Splinter of Ruin hanging around? Wouldn't that be a shadow of self as well?

 

Indeed, I think it may be. Although it seems to refer to the remnant of Preservation's mind. Maybe Ruin fragmented his mind before he died? But then, dying would probably have gotten rid of that fragment.

Looking around the forums, after being gone a while, I discovered that I was a week late with this connection. Ah, well.

[WeiryWriter he/him]

Okay, this is something that pops up over, and over again.  There is not a connection:

 

Questioner

My other question is about the phrase "Shadows of Self". It's mentioned in the last Mistborn book [...] so are we ever going to see the shadows in Shadows of Self?

Brandon Sanderson

We are not going-- Well yes and no. What it is referencing in this book is the different roles that each person plays in their life. That is the core meaning of "Shadows of Self". But there is also, there is a kandra involved, which they change shape and become different people, so "who are you?" and identity is a big thing.

(source)

[Nethseäar he/him]

Okay, this is something that pops up over, and over again.  There is not a connection:

Alas, and my apologies. My search was pretty cursory before I posted, and only within the Shadows of Self spoiler board. I fully expected a more specific explanation. Thanks for the WoB!