Lift
A thief who learned to dance on the edge of life itself.
Lift is a young thief from Yeddaw who becomes the first Edgedancer of the modern era. Described as a member of the Order of Edgedancers, she is bonded to a cultivationspren named Wyndle. Her story is central to the novella *Edgedancer*, which was originally published in *Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection* in 2016 before receiving a standalone edition on October 17, 2017. This work features her specifically and takes place between the events of *Words of Radiance* and *Oathbringer*. While she appears as a child, her role evolves significantly within the series, marking her transition from an orphaned street rat to a magical warrior capable of manipulating life and growth.
- Role
- Edgedancer (Surgebinder)
- Affiliation
- The Nightwatcher's Cult, Yeddaw
- First Appears
- Words of Radiance
- Status
- Alive and active as a Surgebinder
- Origin
- Yeddaw, Alethkar
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Lift's origins are rooted in Yeddaw, where she survives as a young thief. Her narrative is explored in depth in the novella *Edgedancer*, which was released in November 2020 alongside the second novella, *Dawnshard*. In this story, she bonds with Wyndle, a cultivationspren who often challenges her perspective while granting her Surgebinder abilities. Her journey is distinct from the main novels, serving as a bridge between major installments. Unlike other Knights Radiant who are often nobles or soldiers, Lift's background defines her approach to magic and conflict. Her existence confirms that the Orders of the Knights Radiant can be joined by individuals outside traditional societal structures, provided they can bond with their respective spren.
In Their Own Story
The story of Lift is primarily contained within the novella *Edgedancer*, published in 2016 as part of *Arcanum Unbounded* and later standalone. Set between *Words of Radiance* and *Oathbringer*, it details her adventures after bonding with Wyndle. In this period, she utilizes her abilities to navigate the dangers of Yeddaw, dealing with threats that would overwhelm ordinary individuals. Her arc demonstrates a shift from purely self-serving survival tactics to protecting others, though she retains her street-smart demeanor throughout. The source highlights that *Edgedancer* is one of only two novellas published as of 2024, the other being *Dawnshard*, which focuses on Rysn and Lopen.
Reader's Guide
To understand Lift, one must look to her specific appearances in the publication history. She first appears in the context of *Words of Radiance* (released March 4, 2014), but her dedicated story arrives with *Edgedancer*. Readers should note that while she is an Edgedancer, her path differs from the main protagonists like Kaladin or Shallan due to her age and origin. Her powers involve manipulating growth and decay, a unique trait among the Orders. Her status as a character who bridges the gap between *Words of Radiance* and *Oathbringer*, making her timeline placement critical for understanding the series' progression.
Did You Know?
- Lift is the subject of the novella *Edgedancer*, which was originally published in the anthology *Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection* in 2016.
- A standalone edition of *Edgedancer* featuring Lift's story was released on October 17, 2017.
- *Edgedancer* is set chronologically between the novels *Words of Radiance* and *Oathbringer*.
- Lift is bonded to a cultivationspren named Wyndle.
- As of 2024, only two novellas have been published in the series: *Edgedancer* and *Dawnshard*, with Lift appearing in the former.
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