Who is the Sliver in Mistborn?
In the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson, a Sliver refers to a being that has held the power of a Shard, a fundamental force in the cosmere. In this article, we will explore the concept of Slivers and examine the characters who have become Slivers in the Mistborn series.
What is a Sliver?
A Sliver is a being that has held the power of a Shard, becoming a vessel for the Shard’s energy. When a person holds the power of a Shard, they become a Sliver, which allows them to access the Shard’s abilities and manipulate the world around them. However, becoming a Sliver comes at a great cost, as the person’s soul is heavily affected by the Shard’s influence.
Known Slivers
There are several known Slivers in the Mistborn series, each with their own unique abilities and characteristics. Here are some of the most notable Slivers:
- The Lord Ruler: The Lord Ruler, also known as Rashek, is a Sliver of Preservation, one of the two Shards that split the world of Scadrial. He held the power of Preservation for over 4,000 years, using it to rule the world with an iron fist.
- Kelsier: Kelsier, a Mistborn from the original trilogy, becomes a Sliver of Preservation after holding the power of the Well of Ascension. He uses this power to become a Cognitive Shadow, allowing him to communicate with others across the Physical and Spiritual realms.
- Vin: Vin, the protagonist of the original trilogy, becomes a Sliver of Preservation after absorbing the power of the Well of Ascension. She uses this power to become a powerful Mistborn, able to manipulate the world around her with ease.
- Wayne: Wayne, a minor character in the original trilogy, becomes a Sliver of Preservation after holding the power of the Well of Ascension. He uses this power to become a Mistborn, but his abilities are not as strong as those of Vin.
How Do Slivers Form?
Slivers form when a person holds the power of a Shard, either through absorbing it or becoming a vessel for the Shard’s energy. This can happen in several ways, including:
- Absorbing the power of a Well of Ascension: When a person holds the power of a Well of Ascension, they become a Sliver of the Shard that is connected to the Well.
- Becoming a vessel for a Shard’s energy: When a person becomes a vessel for a Shard’s energy, they become a Sliver, allowing them to access the Shard’s abilities and manipulate the world around them.
Consequences of Becoming a Sliver
Becoming a Sliver comes with several consequences, including:
- Loss of identity: When a person becomes a Sliver, their sense of identity and self becomes lost, replaced by the influence of the Shard.
- Loss of free will: Slivers are often unable to make their own decisions, as the Shard’s influence can overpower their own free will.
- Physical and mental strain: Holding the power of a Shard can cause significant physical and mental strain, leading to exhaustion and instability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Sliver is a being that has held the power of a Shard, becoming a vessel for the Shard’s energy. There are several known Slivers in the Mistborn series, each with their own unique abilities and characteristics. Becoming a Sliver comes with significant consequences, including loss of identity, loss of free will, and physical and mental strain.