u/nealran

This essay primarily discusses the Shard(s) of Scadrial. Cosmere spoilers are present as this post relies on information in many recent Cosmere stories.

From what I have gleaned from Hoid in Emberdark, it seems that in the future, Sazed will give up one of the Shards he bears. Given Sazed’s nature, I initially assumed he would give up the Shard of Ruin, but this post carries speculation that it might be Preservation that he releases.

The prevailing candidate to pick up the second shard is Kelsier. Given his immortality, ambition, and his brief time bearing the Shard of Preservation, he is the logical successor. During Kelsier’s ascension in Secret History, where Ati taunted Kelsier, we learned that he was deeply connected to Ruin, prompting the initial assumption that he would inherit that Shard.

It was in a recent Word of Brandon that Sanderson mentioned different people during the Shattering would have created different Shards. With Harmony and Retribution forming new Shardic intentions, it follows that in a different Shattering of a dual Shard like Harmony means the power might change. It would have to be similar to the prior Shard, but the powers were merged for so long that they are not what they once were.

Bringing us back to Kelsier, the Survivor. I posit that the power of Preservation will, in Kelsier’s hands, take on the title and intention of Survival. Focused on Preserving itself and what it protects, while being willing to Ruin anything that threatens its Survival. It provides some context for the war, even. Kelsier is not known for his restraint, and if he were the bearer of Ruin’s power during a war, the Cosmere would bear much deeper scars than we have seen.

Sazed, on the other hand? He gives up a source of tremendous power, fundamentally changing himself and damaging himself in the process. He seems to already be damaged and in the process of becoming Discord at the end of TLM. He has gone through some of the most significant and longest lasting transformations known to the Cosmere.

I speculate he would take on a title like Transition, a change or shift from one subject or state to another. The change Ruins the subject or state, while Preserving it in its new form. Sazed ascended from a mortal to the god Harmony. Harmony is transitioning to Discord. Discord will Ruin itself, and be Preserved as something new.

I appreciate feedback, speculation, alternative theories, or requests for sources. This idea sprang upon me, and I wanted to share it with this brilliant, wonderful community immediately.

Edit: The actual point of this little essay was whether or not my take at the titles of the new Shards was reasonable, not whether or not it was going to happen or how.