Why do Returned Lose Memories?

[Faceless Mist-Wraith he/him]

Is there a Realmatic reason why Heralds lose their memories or is it something separate thatEndowment does to them? I was wondering because they seem to maintain muscle memory and some general knowledge (Lightsong and his boating terms), but are missing all specific information from their past life.

If this is a choice Endowment's part, what purpose does it serve?

[The One Who Connects he/him]

Semi-Relevant Annotation.

Quote

Instead, she saw her daughter come through the petitions line. The woman was brought by her husband, who felt he had no other option. His wife had the same disease Calmseer had. She remembered, at that moment, why she had come back—indeed, she remembered her entire life (that’s common for Returned the moment before they give up their Breath)—and gave away her life to heal her daughter.

[Calderis he/him]

5 minutes ago, FiveLate said:

I would guess that it has to do with the trauma of the transition back to the Physical Realm.  Much like spren initially loose their memories when transitioning,

This makes sense, as Brandon does describe... A specific Cognitive Shadow as a "person spren" 

[+robardin he/him]

18 hours ago, Calderis said:

This makes sense, as Brandon does describe... A specific Cognitive Shadow as a "person spren" 

"I represent that thing you've never been able to kill... I am hope."

Hopespren?

 

[Nathrangking he/him]

Part of it may also have to do with the purpose of having the returned to begin with.Endowment is all about giving. It gives life back to these returned in the form of a super powerful breath. That in turn is meant to eventually heal one whom the returned chooses. The memories of the past might just serve to distract from that mission. If the returned had their memories would they pursue this mission from endowment or would they simply seek to go back to their old lives?