There is a big difference between Born from the mists and Game of Thronespointed out by Brandon Sanderson, this could indicate something about how his books should be adapted. George R. R. Martin A Song of Ice and Fire The novels are some of the most prolific fantasy books ever written, and given the popularity of the HBO adaptation, they’re a common point of comparison for any series hoping to be turned into a film or television show. Brandon Sanderson has long discussed the possibility of a Born from the mists film adaptation, and there’s a lot to theorize about what that would look like.
In a Reddit 2016 topic, Sanderson was prompted by a fan, asking if he would consider breaking up A Song of Ice and Fire if Martin doesn’t. The question was asked in praise of Sanderson as an author and also due to the fact that he finished Robert Jordan’s famous book. The Wheel of Time series after Jordan’s death in 2007. Brandon Sanderson had an interesting and honest answer about why he wouldn’t be suited for the job. While the whole thing is worth reading, the focus here is on how they differ in their approach to magic, saying the following:
“My work is also fundamentally different from George’s in its use of magic. We talk about books and he points out (rightly) that I often use a heavily magical component in my stories – particularly the endings. This is because I’m writing science/magic hybrids, and the idea of magic as progress is fascinating to me. George, however, prefers his magic to be mysterious, unknown, and dark.–not a tool, but a force you can sometimes (with great danger) apply. This is a small problem, as I like books that use magic differently, I’ve just made a stylistic choice in how I do what I do.”
“I would say it’s not the divine nature of magic in mine, but rather the reliable, tool-based nature of magic. In both, you can use it for good or evil – but in George’s books, he often takes a more classic “Wonder” style approach to magic, meaning you never know exactly what the ramifications of using it will be, and you can never truly control it. One Ring, although my magic tends to be an unexplored science. which – if understood – can actually be used reliably, in this, he’s more Tolkien and I’m more Asimov.”
Brandon Sanderson’s Magical Systems Are “Science/Magic Hybrids”
Brandon Sanderson’s magic is based on calculable values
Firstly, it’s fascinating that Brandon Sanderson compared his approach to magic to Isaac Asimov, a prolific science fiction writer. Sanderson has cited his inspiration from Asimov before, as the writer had his own shared science fiction universe that combined his book series Foundation, Robotand Galactic Empire. When examining magic in Brandon Sanderson’s books, how Born of the Mists magical system, it is true that he mixes science with his fantastic elements in a way that differs from George RR Martin or JRR Tolkien.
The term “magic system” was popularized mainly because of his books, and is often misused in relation to other fantasy stories that do not have a defined system. Consider Allomancy as the prime example. Everything works in a system that, although still complex, can be understood in tangible and measurable ways. Every mechanism has a push and a pull, with defined attributes and monitored costsalmost like skills in a video game or tabletop RPG. It leaves little room for ambiguity or inconsistency, as there are defined properties that determine what can be done with each Allomantic ability.
The magic in Game Of Thrones is much more mystical and ambiguous
There are no definitive properties for magic in Game Of Thrones
A Song of Ice and Fire is often considered antithetical to Tolkien and The Lord of the RingsBut this is less true than people imagine. In terms of their views on the human condition, they may differ. In terms of magic, Martin and Tolkien draw on ancient mythology and epic poetry, which often considers magic to be an ambiguous subject with properties incomprehensible to a mortal being. Just as it is not clearly defined what powers the One Ring actually possesses, it is unclear what powers Melisandre or Quaithe possess.
Melisandre is a prime example, as she features prominently in Game of Thrones. She arrives in season 2 with visions of prophecy, projecting Stannis Baratheon as the only true king and the Prince That Was Promised, who would lead the kingdom against darkness. Several people are sacrificed in his name, including his own daughter, but the prophecy turns out to be wrong. Thousands die in vain because Melisandre chose the wrong person. But Melisandre still has magical powers.
In Game of Thrones in season 2, she gives birth to a dark creature that goes and murders Renly Baratheon. As Stannis says, after seeing what she gave birth to, one cannot deny that her god is real. Melisandre definitely has powers of dark magic and foresight, but it’s not entirely clear whether they come from the Lord of Light or some other source.. Melisandre doesn’t know, and the reader never will either. It’s a deliberate ambiguity.
Why Mistborn’s magic system is crucial for a film adaptation
Mistborn’s magic system drives the plot forward
Magic isn’t just a factor in Brandon Sanderson’s stories as it is in Martin’s; it is a crucial element of their plots. To defeat the Sovereign Lord in The Final EmpireKelsier, Vin and the team need to find a strategy using Allomancy this could defeat him, considering the Eleventh Metal as a possibility. To defeat Ruin in The Hero of All AgesMarsh rips off Vin’s earring, which was actually a hemalurgical spike, allowing her to harness the mists. Sanderson plants his plot twists, relying on the reader’s understanding of his magical systems to execute them.
For one Born from the mists For a film adaptation to work, the audience needs to understand the magic system, or else these narrative beats need to be changed drastically. It’s an interesting situation, as it is much more difficult to present information about not one, but three magical systems to audiences in films than in books. In the novels, the audience can consult the Ars Arcanum at any time, and Sanderson is always clear in explaining what exactly his protagonists are doing with their various metals to achieve specific effects.
Framing Mistborn as a sci-fi/fantasy hybrid could work as a movie
Using sci-fi films as a narrative framework could work for Mistborn’s film script
On the one hand, there is some difficulty in exposing understanding Born of the Mists magic system. But on the other hand, similar things are done all the time in various science fiction films, especially superhero films. Consider Deadpool and Wolverine, for example. The core of the film is about the relationships between its heroes, but the climax revolves around them discovering the mechanics to defeat Paradox and destroy the Time Ripper. THE the heroes face a series of obstacles until they find the mechanic that works and beat the bad guy.
That doesn’t mean that Born from the mists should be a science fiction film, but instead should use the narrative beats of science fiction films to establish its rhythm and the introduction of Allomancy. Born from the mists can and should be inspired by other fantasy titles like The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thronesseeing what worked well for them. However, as Brandon Sanderson points out, their stories are driven by their magical systems, which ultimately changes the structure of how a Born from the mists the film would play.