Review: Mistborn: The Final Empire – Prologue
Introduction
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn: The Final Empire opens with a prologue that immediately immerses readers into a dark and oppressive world under the rule of the Lord Ruler. The prologue not only establishes the novel’s grim setting but also introduces key thematic elements, such as tyranny, oppression, and the stark divide between the nobility and the skaa. Through the perspective of an unnamed nobleman and a skaa plantation worker named Tresting, Sanderson crafts a chilling introduction that sets the tone for the novel’s epic struggle against an immortal despot.
Setting the Stage: The Oppressive World of the Final Empire
The novel’s prologue takes place in a rural plantation on the outskirts of the Final Empire. Right from the opening lines, Sanderson paints a bleak picture of the world:
“Ash fell from the sky.”
This simple yet evocative sentence immediately signals that this is not a typical fantasy setting. The constant presence of ashfall, combined with a blood-red sun, creates a desolate and almost apocalyptic atmosphere. The landscape is barren, the air is thick with soot, and the sky is perpetually shrouded in gray. This oppressive environment serves as a direct reflection of the Lord Ruler’s tyranny, reinforcing the idea that his reign has physically and metaphorically corrupted the world.
Sanderson also introduces the societal structure that dominates the Final Empire. The skaa, an enslaved underclass, live in perpetual fear, while the nobility, who serve the Lord Ruler, rule with absolute authority. The plantation’s master, Tresting, exemplifies this power dynamic. He views the skaa as nothing more than property and believes that their obedience is absolute. This belief is reinforced by centuries of oppression, where any sign of rebellion has been crushed mercilessly.
Characterization: The Arrogance of Nobility and the Fear of the Skaa
The prologue primarily follows two perspectives: Tresting, the nobleman overseeing the plantation, and the nameless skaa workers under his rule.
Tresting is the perfect representation of noble arrogance. He sees himself as benevolent for treating his skaa with mild restraint, believing that occasional displays of kindness ensure loyalty. However, his perspective is deeply flawed—he does not recognize that his very existence as a nobleman perpetuates the suffering of the skaa. He assumes that the skaa are incapable of rebellion or independent thought, which makes him blind to the growing discontent festering beneath the surface.
The skaa, on the other hand, are characterized by their learned helplessness. Generations of oppression have instilled in them an unshakable fear of the nobility. Even though they secretly whisper about the Lord Ruler’s injustices, they do not act. Sanderson masterfully conveys their despair through their body language—hunched shoulders, averted gazes, and an ever-present sense of dread. They are so accustomed to suffering that even the thought of resistance seems impossible.
However, this passive acceptance of oppression is subtly challenged when one of the skaa women shows defiance. Her quiet resistance, while small, foreshadows the larger rebellion that will unfold later in the novel.
The Arrival of Kelsier: A Catalyst for Change
The prologue takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of Kelsier, a character who instantly stands out from the rest. Unlike the other skaa, he moves with confidence, wears a knowing smile, and carries himself with an air of defiance. While the skaa cower, Kelsier exudes a quiet strength that unsettles both them and Tresting.
Kelsier’s introduction is significant because he represents hope—something that has been absent in the lives of the skaa for centuries. He is living proof that the nobility are not invincible, and his mere presence hints that change is on the horizon. His Allomantic abilities, though not fully revealed in the prologue, are subtly implied through his mysterious behavior and the way he effortlessly deals with Tresting.
When Kelsier kills Tresting, it is not just an act of vengeance but a symbolic rejection of the oppressive status quo. His actions challenge the core belief that the Lord Ruler and his nobility are untouchable. By the end of the prologue, Sanderson has established Kelsier as a force of disruption—someone who will shake the foundations of the Final Empire.
Themes Introduced in the Prologue
Tyranny and Oppression – The Lord Ruler’s dominion over the Final Empire is absolute, with the nobility acting as his enforcers and the skaa as his victims. The sheer weight of his rule is felt in every aspect of life, from the ashen sky to the fear ingrained in the skaa.
Hope and Rebellion – The skaa have lived in fear for so long that they no longer believe rebellion is possible. Kelsier’s presence, however, introduces the idea that resistance is not only possible but inevitable.
The Power of Perception – Tresting’s downfall comes from his arrogance and inability to recognize the changing tide. The nobility believe themselves untouchable, but Kelsier proves that their reign is not as secure as they think.
Conclusion
The prologue of Mistborn: The Final Empire is a masterclass in world-building and storytelling. In just a few pages, Sanderson establishes the oppressive atmosphere of the Final Empire, introduces key thematic elements, and sets up Kelsier as a figure of change. The stark contrast between the downtrodden skaa and the confident, enigmatic Kelsier immediately hooks the reader, making them eager to see how the story unfolds. With a gripping blend of tension, mystery, and rebellion, the prologue serves as the perfect introduction to the epic journey that awaits.
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