The Bands of Mourning
Seven rings of power that rewrite the rules of Allomancy.
The Bands of Mourning are seven legendary artifacts created during the Final Empire, capable of granting Allomantic powers without ingesting metal. Central to the Era Two novels, they serve as both a source of immense power and a dangerous burden for Waxillium Ladrian. These rings bridge the ancient magic system with the industrial age of Scadrial, driving the conflict in the latter half of the series.
Quick Facts
- Author
- Brandon Sanderson
- Illustrator
- Isaac Stewart; Ben McSweeney
- Cover artist
- Chris McGrath
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Series
- Wax and Wayne, Mistborn
- Genre
- Fantasy novel
- Publisher
- Tor Books
Facts from the source article.
Background
Forged by the Lord Ruler, these artifacts were designed to manipulate the fundamental rules of magic. Each band corresponds to a specific metal, allowing the wearer to access its associated powers instantly. Unlike standard Allomancy, which requires burning ingested metals, the bands bypass this limitation, offering unlimited potential but at a psychological cost. Their history is shrouded in mystery, with legends suggesting they were meant for the Lord Ruler's own use or as a contingency against rebellious Allomancers. When Wax acquires them, he discovers that each ring carries a unique influence on his mind and body.
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