Hello everyone!
This is my second post on the forum, and I thought I'd open with a theory! After reading through many of the posts on the forum, and cross-referencing with the novels on my shelf, I've come up with an idea I like about Hoid's abilities.
Specifically, I postulate that there is a shard that governs Time. This may seem like a "duh"/very basic theory, but I'd like to expand on this with a little bit of Special Relativity knowledge. In my understanding of Einstein's work, light is essentially the universe's timepiece, and control over the speed of light would be tantamount to control over time. Hence, this shard "Time" would allow the user/possessor to manipulate light. Now, if this shard was native to Yolen, then it would explain why the magic system of Lightweaving originated there.
Now, a shard as powerful as Time would have to come with limitations: Time travel backwards is impossible. By manipulating light, speeding up or slowing down time would theoretically be possible. But backwards time travel would require light/the universe to act against it's fundamental nature. I understand that the Cosmere is a fantasy universe, but as Sanderson's Laws of Magic state: there's got to be rules. This limitation to Time would also explain Hoid's way of existing since Adonalsium was shattered, yet he hasn't experienced every moment since.
Originally, I thought that Hoid might possess two shards: Light and Dark. However, this seemed too simplistic, and WoB stated that there were no other conflicting pairs apart from Ruin and Preservation. Then, I thought about the ideas behind complimentary pairings, and if Hoid was to have a second shard, it would be something like Space.
Now, Space is one that I haven't felt through fully, but it could operate on multiple levels. Physical space manipulation could explain Worldhopping, Spiritual space could explain Hoid's ability to be in the right place every time, and Cognitive could make access to/control over the Shadesmar a breeze.
I like the idea that he gained access to a shard on Yolen, either through his study of Lightweaving or through his role in Adonalsium being shattered, but that's a theory that's being worked on elsewhere on the forum.
Please let me know what you think, and if I'm totally off-base/am missing some contradictory information, such as "WoB says: Hoid has no shards."
