The Shattering - A Colossal Theory

[Wander89 he/him]

I’ve never really been imaginative enough to come up with my own theory but I thought I’d try my best to at least start a discussion.

I’ve recently replayed Shadow of the Colossus (beautiful game but that’s another thread) which has some similarities to the Cosmere. I’ll try and relate them as much as possible but this might just be the musings of a madman so please be gentle in your critiques. If there are any confirmation of any of these then please feel free to debunk these below.

• The story begins as Wander, our protagonist, enters a forbidden land on his horse, Agro. Prior to entering it is revealed that Wander has stolen an ancient sword capable of slaying 16 Colossi. Wander carries Mono, a beautiful woman who has died prior to the beginning of the game.

Here I see Wander as potentially Hoid, traveling to Adonalsium with an agenda in mind, possibly a loss or ulterior motive. We know that Hoid was present at the Shattering however did not take up a Shard. What we do not know is why and how the Shattering occurred and why Hoid was there in the first place.

•  Upon entering the Shrine of Worship, humanoid shadow creatures appear and attack Wander before he dismisses them with the sword. After doing so, the voice of Dormin echoes from above, surprised that Wander wields this weapon. Wander requests Dormin return Mono’s soul to her body which Dormin states may be possible if he defeats the 16 idols lining the temples hall. These colossi are scattered throughout the land and whilst Dormin warns Wander that a price has to be paid for reviving Mono, he searches for these colossi and seeks to destroy them.

I’ve viewed Dormin here as Adonalsium; the currently unknown entity with vague aspects that may potentially have been holding too much power that this had to be passed to 16 different Shards. Although we currently do not know the purpose of the Shattering, we are aware of its power. At the Shattering these powers were split into 16 different shards, breaking the power and dispersing this amongst the 16. Dormins intent is to be reunited with all 16 colossi who are currently imprisoning him and Hoid could potentially, and unknowingly, be doing the same. Is Hoid the ultimate antagonist? Is he looking to unite the shards, bringing back a being so powerful that he may be able to selfishly use those powers? Does Adonalsium have an agenda which is what caused this in the first place?

• What Wander does not know is that each colossus contains a portion of Dormin's own essence, scattered long ago in an attempt to imprison the entity and leave him powerless. As Wander kills each colossus, a fragment of Dormin returns causing Wander to deteriorate. After defeating more colossi, it is revealed that a group of warriors led by Emon is tracking. Wander. After defeating the final colossus, Emon and his company arrive at the Shrine to witness the death of the last colossus idol. Wander appears back in the temple with his corruption readily apparent; a pair of tiny horns visible on his head. Emon orders him killed however a newly whole Dormin has taken control of Wanders body and transforms into a shadowy giant. Lord Emon casts the Ancient Sword into a pool evoking a whirlwind of light consuming both Dormin and Wander, sealing Dormin within the temple once again.

If the Shards intent is a part of Adonalsium's "personality" then we can believe that this being held the weight of the world and could also want it back but for what reason? For being the entity of creation or something else? Emon can be referred to any organisation, ala Ghostbloods, trying to stop this from happening because they know the truth. Hoid could see himself being the Wander of this situation, meeting an inevitable end and turning the Wheel of Adonalsium, spurring another Shattering or a Rejoining with different intent.

• After the temple collapses, isolating the forbidden land from the rest of the world, Emon expresses hope that Wander can be redeemed and atone for his crimes. Mono awakens and leaves the temple with Agro, finding a male infant with tiny horns on his head in the pull. Mono takes the child with her to higher levels of the shrine, arriving at a secret garden as the game ends.

As I was saying, these are just things that I caught in my head whilst playing the game. When 16 colossi were mentioned I immediately went to The Cosmere and tried to find some similarities between the 16, Dormin and the landscape. Both are beautiful pieces of work and heavily filled with lore and magic. If anyone can add to this or just shoot me down then please feel free. I know most of these questions will be answered in future books but it's fun to speculate.

[Toaster Retribution he/him]

I do believe that Hoid will be the ultimate Cosmere villain, and it wouldn’t surprise me that he would want to bring back someone to life. He loved his dead master, who he named himself after. So yeah, good theory. Upvote!

[Wander89 he/him]

48 minutes ago, Toaster Retribution said:

I do believe that Hoid will be the ultimate Cosmere villain, and it wouldn’t surprise me that he would want to bring back someone to life. He loved his dead master, who he named himself after. So yeah, good theory. Upvote!

Obviously a lot of different things there (and also my love for Shadow of the Colossus) but I think it has some merit, thanks!