Brandon Sanderson explains why he avoids elves in the Cosmere

Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere contains sentient swords, giant monsters and noble kings, but one familiar fantasy race is notably absent: elves. In a recent SanderFAQ video he traces that decision back nearly 30 years to an essay he wrote at Brigham Young University called “Kill the Elves,” born of frustration with writers imitating J.R.R.

Tolkien. Sanderson later posted a provocatively titled piece, “How Tolkien Ruined Fantasy,” arguing that Tolkien’s mastery made it hard for new writers to escape his shadow. He has since pursued a different route, keeping his stories primarily focused on humans and inventing creatures that reflect the Cosmere’s metaphysical themes.

Those creatures tend to be self-aware fragments of fundamental forces, like Devotion or Honor, which he likens to classical fae, rather than traditional trolls or giants; instead he has Greatshells and the Parshendi.

brandon sanderson, cosmere, elves, sanderfaq, byu, tolkien, kill elves, greatshells, parshendi, devotion