I have been wondering why Shardblades and Shardplate are named as they are.
I have a theory that they are Splinters of the Shard Honor, and that honor has been dead for a longer time than we are thinking. I think they are what is left of Honor after he has been killed by Odium.
When I asked about this during Sanderson's Q&A on reddit today, here is the answer I got:
(me) b4dave:
Hi Brandon, I've been an avid lover of your books since I purchased Elantris just based on the cover alone, and was pleasantly surprised with a completely amazing work of fantasy on the inside.
My question is, why are they called Shardblades/Shardplate? Is it because they are a splinter of the the Shard Honor, or is there something more to them than that?
(BS) mistborn
Thanks!
As for your question, you are on the right track.
This leads me to think that my theory is correct, at least in part. I wanted to know what you guys thought, and maybe can expand on, and give references that could back this up since I dont have my copy of WoK with me at the moment.