

He was originally human, but has changed enough that when asked, Brandon only says "It's complicated." Hoid is not a Shard, nor is he a Herald, but something else entirely. Hoid was involved in the events taking place before any of the cosmere's published books begin, and is the second oldest character seen so far. Among the original Vessels, Hoid is often known as Cephandrius, which is one of his earliest aliases. The dragon Frost once asked him in a letter if he is no longer hiding behind the name of his old master, likely referring to the name Hoid. Hoid is not his original name before telling Kaladin the story of the Wandersail, he claims he stole the name from someone he should have loved. Hoid is a recurring character in the cosmere, originally from Yolen.
