Brandon Sanderson reveals the absence of elves in the Cosmere universe.

Brandon Sanderson’s expansive Cosmere universe is filled with sentient swords, colossal beasts, and noble rulers, but one classic fantasy element you won’t find in his works is elves. In a recent episode of his SanderFAQ YouTube series, Sanderson shared that his dislike for elves dates back nearly three decades.

While studying English literature at Brigham Young University in the late ’90s, he penned an essay titled “Kill the Elves” for the school magazine, expressing his frustration with authors who were merely mimicking J.R.R. Tolkien. He even posted an essay on his website called “How Tolkien Ruined Fantasy,” which he admits was a bit sensationalized. His main argument was that Tolkien’s mastery made it incredibly challenging for new writers to break free from his influence.

Sanderson has worked hard to carve out his own niche. His narratives primarily focus on humans, and while the Cosmere features some magical beings, they are often self-aware manifestations of universal forces like Devotion or Honor, which he likens to traditional fae. Instead of trolls or giants, he introduces massive crustaceans known as Greatshells and shape-shifting beings called Parshendi. The only nod to Tolkien’s legacy in his universe is the inclusion of dragons.

“Creating something that carries the same weight and awe as a dragon without actually being a dragon is quite a challenge, so I ultimately decided, ‘I like dragons, I’m including dragons,’” Sanderson confesses.

His initial aversion to Tolkien began in childhood when he attempted to read The Lord of the Rings but found it too dense. However, he has since changed his perspective and is currently enjoying the audiobook narrated by Andy Serkis. Reflecting on his “Kill the Elves” essay, he feels a sense of embarrassment and now appreciates fresh interpretations of Tolkien’s races. The video even features a clip from the fantasy anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, though it’s uncertain if this was included by the editor or if Sanderson is genuinely a fan of the series. Perhaps the next SanderFAQ could delve into his anime preferences.