In Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive, therapy helps make cool swords even cooler
Briefly

Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive series intricately weaves mental health struggles with epic fantasy. As heroes confront external threats, they are equally faced with personal demons, including depression and trauma. Shardblades, powerful weapons, embody sentient spren that suffer from their human counterparts' broken oaths. This bond illustrates not just the importance of martial skill but an emotional journey. Through Prince Adolin Kholin's interactions with his shardblade, readers witness the complex relationship between the wielder and the weapon, emphasizing that personal battles can be as monumental as physical confrontations.
As Shardbearers battle external foes, they uncover profound internal struggles, making the journey of self-discovery crucial to gaining new magical powers.
The history of the Shardblades reveals a deep connection between their physical forms and the emotional bond with their spren, who are trapped in trauma.
Adolin's journey highlights the importance of confronting one’s past and the emotional weight carried by both the wielder and the weapon.
Exploring mental health through the lens of fantasy allows readers to understand complex themes like trauma and personal growth in a relatable way.
Read at Polygon
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