Exploring Cosmere Connections in Mistborn Era 2

WARNING: Major spoilers for all the Mistborn books below!

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Grab your favorite brew and settle in, because today we’re diving into the Cosmere connections woven throughout Mistborn Era 2. If you’ve read these books, you know Brandon Sanderson loves dropping hints and Easter eggs that make us say, "I knew it!" or "Wait, is that...?"

For the uninitiated, the Cosmere is Brandon’s universe of interconnected stories, where different planets (and magic systems) exist and share a common history. And if you’re into Mistborn, especially the Wax and Wayne books, you’ve likely noticed some subtle and not-so-subtle nods to other worlds. 

Let’s unpack a few of the best Cosmere tie-ins in Mistborn Era 2, shall we?

First Stop: The Shards

The Cosmere is governed by many powerful entities—the most relevant to this topic are called Shards of Adonalsium, each representing a different aspect of creation. In the original Mistborn trilogy, we learned about two of these Shards: Ruin and Preservation. By the end of the Era 1 trilogy, both had been dealt with.

Now, in Era 2, we’re feeling the ripple effects of those events. The Lost Metal is the culmination of the consequences of Mistborn Era 1 and the direct actions of powerful Cosmere beings taking an interest in the world of Scadrial. 

We also get some new players in the Shard game. With The Lost Metal, we see the direct actions of another Shard, Autonomy. This isn’t the first time we are seeing them within the Cosmere, but this is definitely their most explosive entrance. Autonomy puts all their cards on the table with their plans for Scadrial, and it left me with goosebumps the first time I read it, and realized what it meant for the Cosmere as a whole. This is the kind of thing that makes me geek out—a feeling I’m sure most Cosmere fans share.  

Hoid: Everyone’s Favorite Worldhopper

Ah, Hoid. If you’ve read the Stormlight Archive or Warbreaker, you already know and love this mischievous, long-lived character. He’s everywhere, and I mean everywhere. That includes Mistborn Era 2. His appearances in these books are always fun because, while he doesn’t play a central role, he’s clearly keeping tabs on everything that happens in the Cosmere.

In the Wax and Wayne books, Hoid pops up under the guise of a simple coachman. Don’t let the mundane profession fool you—this guy is always playing a much bigger game. He’s typically there to observe and, occasionally, nudge characters in the right—or most interesting—direction. Sanderson sprinkles just enough of Hoid’s wit and charm into these scenes to make longtime fans grin, but he’s also careful not to reveal too much about Hoid’s overarching plans.

Cosmere lore gets really fun when you start noticing his appearances across other novels, and piecing together his bigger mission. While you won’t find every answer in Mistborn Era 2, it’s one more step in Hoid’s journey across the stars—and one more way for us to torture ourselves with theory after theory… 🥲

Worldhopping in the Cosmere

Speaking of Hoid, let’s talk worldhopping in general. If you’re new to the term, worldhopping is a method used by certain characters to travel between planets in the Cosmere. Most characters in the Cosmere aren’t aware that other planets exist, let alone that people are moving between them. But for those who do know (like Hoid), there’s a whole network of travelers hopping from planet to planet.

In Mistborn Era 2, we get hints that these worldhoppers are active on Scadrial. Some of the clearest indications come in The Bands of Mourning, where we meet the kandra VenDell. There’s a brief mention of mysterious figures coming and going—figures who seem to know far more about the world than they should. This is prime Cosmere material, subtly acknowledging that Scadrial is part of a much bigger tapestry.

Without spoiling too much, keep an eye out for any odd mentions of distant lands or seemingly out-of-place characters. If something feels a little off in a scene, there’s a good chance it’s connected to the wider Cosmere.

The Southern Scadrians and Technological Parallels

One of the most exciting Cosmere developments in Mistborn Era 2 is the introduction of the Southern Scadrians. When we meet these people—called the Malwish—in The Bands of Mourning, they’ve developed their own unique technology, using medallions and heat-powered devices to survive in their harsh environment. But what really gets Cosmere fans buzzing is how similar this technology seems to advancements on other planets.

For instance, the fabrials used on Roshar in the Stormlight Archive share a lot of similarities with the devices used by the Malwish. Both cultures have figured out how to harness their respective magic systems in practical, technological ways. It raises fascinating questions about whether these advancements are coincidental or if there’s been some cross-pollination of ideas through worldhoppers.

In fact, by the end of The Lost Metal, there’s a growing sense that Scadrial is on the verge of entering the Cosmere stage in a much more significant way. Technological innovation has a way of bridging gaps between worlds, and it’s clear that something big is brewing.

Cosmere Politics: The Ghostbloods Are Watching

Now, let’s get into some real juicy stuff—Cosmere politics. If you’ve read the Stormlight Archive, you’ve probably encountered the Ghostbloods, a secretive organization with unclear goals and members scattered across the Cosmere. Well, guess what? They’ve got a presence in Mistborn Era 2 as well.

While the Ghostbloods are often seen offworld, The Lost Metal reveals that they are an organization whose primary goal is to protect Scadrial—by any means necessary. They are deeply interested in the political and magical dynamics of the planet, especially now that Harmony is in charge. The Ghostbloods are known for playing a long game, and it wouldn’t be surprising if their influence grows in future Mistborn books.

What’s Next for Mistborn and the Cosmere?

The Cosmere connections in Mistborn Era 2 are like puzzle pieces—each one reveals a little more of the picture, but we’re still left wondering how it all fits together. With the final Stormlight books and more Cosmere stories on the horizon, it’s clear that Sanderson has a master plan for bringing all these threads together.

As for Scadrial, it’s exciting to think about where the planet will go next. With The Lost Metal, we see the world on the cusp of even greater technological and magical breakthroughs. And with Trell, the Set, and the influence of other Shards growing, the stakes are only getting higher.