Ars Arcanum (Latin for "The Art of Mystery") is a glossary or appendix section at the end of the books that are part of the Cosmere universe. The information is presented from an in-universe perspective.[1]
For example, the books in the Mistborn trilogy each have an Ars Arcanum with the table of Metallic Arts, describing what each of the Allomantic metals does. The Ars Arcanum in The Way of Kings tabulates the gemstones used in Surgebinding.
Every Ars Arcanum is written by the same person.[2] It is not Hoid,[3] but a member of the 17th Shard.[1] The illustrations from the various books are made by Nazh.[4]
Speculation
Brandon has stated that Khriss knows more about the cosmere than anyone, with Hoid and Nazh well behind her, leading to the assumption that Khriss is the writer of the Ars Arcanum.[5] Sanderson has avoided confirming or denying this,[6] but since Nazh has been making sketches and collecting information in her employ, it seems very likely.[7]
Notes
- ↑ a b {{{3}}}
— Theoryland - {{{date}}}# Error en la cita: Etiqueta<ref>no válida; el nombre «qa-632-4» está definido varias veces con contenidos diferentes - ↑ Who writes that part?
— Theoryland - 2012-12-6# - ↑ Who wrote the dust jacket
— Reddit - 2014-03-20# - ↑ {{{3}}}
— Theoryland - {{{date}}}# - ↑ {{{3}}}
— Theoryland - {{{date}}}# Error en la cita: Etiqueta<ref>no válida; el nombre «qa-1069-16» está definido varias veces con contenidos diferentes - ↑ {{{3}}}
— Theoryland - {{{date}}}# Error en la cita: Etiqueta<ref>no válida; el nombre «qa-1108-29» está definido varias veces con contenidos diferentes - ↑ Khriss is Nazh's employer.
— Foros de 17th Shard - 09 August 2014#