Taldain

Taldain is a fictional planet in Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe. It serves as the setting for White Sand, a project that began as a graphic novel and was later published in prose form. The planet is dominated by arid desert landscapes, with expansive white sands that give the world its name and distinctive atmosphere. The central magical tradition on Taldain is Sand Mastery, the ability to perceive, shape, and manipulate sand. Sand Masters harness the granular material for construction, defense, and other effects, making the control of sand a foundational aspect of technology and daily life.

Society on Taldain is organized around the practice and regulation of Sand Mastery, with communities built to exploit the desert environment and manage scarce water resources. The narrative explores the interactions between different groups, including those who train in Sand Mastery and others who govern or oppose its use. The setting blends exploration, survival, and political dynamics, as individuals confront desert hazards and the ethical implications of wielding sand.

Reception of the Taldain setting has highlighted its distinctive aesthetic and its unique magic system within Sanderson’s broader Cosmere. The world has been expanded through graphic novels and related prose works, and remains a focal point for fans interested in Cosmere locales beyond the primary series.