The Well of Ascension Trial

Lore & Background

The Well of Ascension originally contained the power of Preservation, a pool of liquid light that the Lord Ruler used to become a Sliver of Infinity, not a substance granting immortality directly. By the time Vin arrives, it is physically dry, yet it remains the focal point for the Shards' influence on Scadrial. The event reveals that the Well acts as a conduit rather than a battery. During this struggle, Ruin attempts to manipulate Vin into surrendering her will, but does not target Sazed, who is not present at the Well. This struggle highlights the cosmic war between the two opposing forces that govern the world's magic. It demonstrates that human agency can alter the plans of godlike entities if enough determination is applied. The aftermath changes the magical landscape permanently. By releasing Preservation's power, Vin prevents Ruin's immediate escape, though it leaves her weakened. Elend Venture is not present at the Well during this event; he survives and continues his journey until the final battle with Ruin in The Hero of Ages.

In Their Own Story

The ash fell like gray snow, coating the stone basin in silence. Vin stood at the edge, her silver eyes reflecting nothing but the dark sky above. The Well was empty, yet she felt its weight pressing against her mind like a physical hand. Ruin's voice whispered from the void, promising peace if she would only let go of everything she loved. She gripped the metal coin in her pocket, grounding herself in the reality of Scadrial. Here, at the end of all things, she chose to fight not with steel, but with will.

Reader's Guide

The sequence begins when Vin and Elend Venture travel to the ancient Well of Ascension outside Kadesium, seeking to stop Ruin from using the power to destroy Scadrial. Upon arrival, they discover the physical Well is dry, forcing them to look inward for solutions regarding the source of Allomancy. Sazed realizes his unique heritage as a Keeper allows him to act as a vessel for both Preservation and Ruin simultaneously. Meanwhile, Vin enters a mental plane where she confronts the voice of Ruin directly in her mind. She must resist the temptation to surrender her identity and purpose to the cosmic force of destruction. This internal battle coincides with Elend's mortal wounding during their defense against external threats from the Final Empire's remnants. Sazed ultimately chooses to absorb the power of Preservation while rejecting Ruin, effectively becoming the new Keeper of the Well. His decision halts the immediate threat but leaves him burdened with immense responsibility and knowledge. The event concludes with Sazed using Preservation's power to restore Elend to life, though at great personal cost. This confrontation shifts the balance of power on Scadrial, ending the Lord Ruler's lingering influence over the world's magic systems permanently.

Did You Know?

• The Well remained physically dry since the original Lord Ruler took his power centuries prior.
• Sazed does not take up Preservation during this event; he later becomes the vessel for both Preservation and Ruin in The Hero of Ages.
• Elend Venture is not present at the Well during this confrontation; he dies at the end of The Hero of Ages during the final battle with Ruin.
• This event marks the first time a human knowingly rejects the influence of a Shard directly.

The Evolution of AML Award Categories

The Association for Mormon Letters annually presents the AML Awards to recognize superior creative works produced by, for, and about the Mormon community. Unlike static award systems, these categories are dynamic, shifting each year to reflect the current literary market and the specific interests deemed worthy of honor by the organization. This flexibility allows the awards to remain relevant as new genres emerge or existing ones gain prominence within the faith's cultural landscape. A significant structural change occurred starting with the 2014 ceremony, when the AML introduced a shortlist of finalists for most categories prior to announcing the ultimate winners. This innovation added a layer of transparency and recognition for works that narrowly missed the top prize, effectively broadening the scope of celebration beyond just the single victor in each field.

The Smith-Pettit Legacy and Lifetime Honors

At the heart of the AML Awards stands the prestigious Smith-Pettit Award, designated for outstanding contributions to Mormon letters. This honor recognizes individuals who have profoundly impacted the literary landscape through decades of service or singular achievements. Recipients include diverse figures such as Richard Cracroft in 2010 and Marilyn Brown in 2011, highlighting the organization's commitment to honoring varied forms of excellence. Beyond this specific award, the AML also bestows Honorary Lifetime Membership and other special recognitions to celebrate enduring dedication. Notable recipients like Gideon Burton, Mahonri Stewart, and Christopher Bigelow have been celebrated for their sustained influence. In 2013, Charlotte Hawkins England received the Smith-Pettit Award, while Dean Hughes was honored with an Outstanding Achievement Award, demonstrating the breadth of talent recognized across different eras.

Genre Diversity in Fiction and Non-Fiction

The AML Awards cover fiction and non-fiction, giving acclaim to diverse creators. The Novel category has honored Brady Udall's polygamy exploration, James Goldberg's theological narratives, and Tim Wirkus's urban fantasy. Young Adult honors include Ally Condie's dystopian debut and Brandon Sanderson's speculative fiction. Non-fiction recognition spans memoirs, biographies, and creative essays: Marilyn Arnold's daughter's memoir and Terryl L. Givens' scholarly biography of Parley P. Pratt sit alongside personal essays by Patrick Madden and Adam Miller, blending intimate family histories with rigorous academic analysis.

Visual Media and Dramatic Arts Recognition

Beyond the written word, the AML Awards extend their reach into visual media, drama, and film, acknowledging the growing importance of these mediums in Mormon culture. The Film category has honored independent projects such as Jeffrey Parkin's webfilm and Garrett Batty's documentary, alongside feature films like Saints and Soldiers: The Void. Drama awards recognize stage productions, with winners including Ariel Mitchell for A Second Birth and Mahonri Stewart for Roof Overhead. Furthermore, the awards have adapted to include comics and graphical narratives, celebrating artists like Michael Dalton Allred for a lifetime of comic art and Stephen Carter for his prophetic graphic novels. This inclusion ensures that visual storytellers are integrated into the broader conversation about Mormon artistic expression.