The Mentality Behind Merzost

If you’ve read the series or watched the show to a certain point, you’ve likely run into a complicated little thing by the name of merzost. Something which, in the Grishaverse, is considered an abomination.

Oftentimes when going into a fantasy setting, it is easy to think that anything might be possible if one tries hard enough. After all, even what grisha practice is not possible for us in real life, so one might be quick to label it all as magic. But that is quite the trigger word in the universe and most grisha will scowl at such a label. “Magic” is looked down upon, with it being one of merzost’s direct translations in Ravkan. Every fantastical system has its laws, and what happens when this so-called magic is used is an interesting one to dive into.

Today, we seek to discuss the inherent differences that the series lays out between a grisha’s normal abilities and a power so destructive that it is forbidden, as well as what might drive someone to use it at all. What makes one safe and awe-worthy, while the other could rip the fabric of the universe?

(Be warned: major spoilers for the events of the Shadow & Bone book and TV series ahead!)

The Small Science

  Before getting into why merzost is seen as a horrible practice and differentiating it from grisha practice, we need to take a look at how the Small Science actually works. The Small Science is well-known to be what grisha learn to hone. In a sense, all grisha powers are connected to nature. Each Order and each type manipulates matter on some level. However, the key thing to remember is that only that which already exists can be manipulated. A grisha’s powers derive from the world around them and they are one with it, but they cannot be creators of the world. 

Its Sinister Cousin

This is where merzost comes in, as in order for something to be considered merzost, it must be that the user is creating something out of nothing and thus messing with “the making at the heart of the world.” It goes against all foundational understanding and disrupts the harmony that grisha usually have with the elements. In order for this magic to be achieved, it requires a great sacrifice from whoever is attempting it, usually to a devastating effect on them or those around them.

How exactly has this played out in actual history? Well…

The First User of Merzost

The first recorded person to ever successfully use this forbidden magic is known to be Ilya Morozova. A powerful grisha of his time, he became so obsessed with creating amplifiers that he pushed the limits using merzost. While we don’t know much of how his usage affected his physicality like others, this testing of fate is what led to him having to revive his daughter for the third and final amplifier. Ultimately, this resulted in his martyrdom, which can be considered quite the sacrifice on its own.

The Dark Successor

   Like grandfather, like grandson? The follow-up user of merzost and possibly the most notorious is, of course, none other than the Darkling. His usage involved creating the Shadow Fold through Ravka which in turn created volcra out of the inhabitants. He then also used it again when creating his nichevo’ya, or his shadow army that was virtually unbeatable without a Sun Summoner handy.

Merzost’s Aftermath

Unlike Morozova, the Darkling’s meddling with nature brought far more consequences to everyone involved, including himself. The Shadow Fold not only claimed lives but it also ruined Ravka as a nation in many ways, dividing people and worsening its financial state. The corruption of his powers was seen in physical changes where once the Darkling looked young beyond his years, his body suffered as the nichevo’ya fed off him and his face featured scars. When one resorts to an option that was never meant to be messed with, it leaves its mark.

What Leads One to Resort to an Abomination

If it’s common knowledge to many, especially grisha, that merzost is not worth the price one pays, then why did anyone ever end up doing it?

Well for one, humans are prone to a struggle of ego, figuring that surely they might be powerful enough to rein it in and use it to their benefit despite the warnings. In Morozova’s case, it was seemingly a dangerous curiosity and desire to test the limits. And then there is the case of hopeless desperation. While what the Darkling did is not commendable, many sympathize knowing he felt there was no other option to help his people.

And there is another person we haven’t mentioned yet who shockingly also caved—Alina Starkov. Her desperation came from wanting to beat the former by using his own powers against him, which led to her white hair. She, too, felt she had no other option at that point.

Food for Thought

At the end of the day, much of what goes down comes down to human flaw and errors, so how about we pose you some questions.

If you had come into any of these scenarios, or even an entirely different one, do you think you’d have succumbed to the allure of merzost? Would you have stood strong against it? Do you find any use of it justified? Let us know!

Until next time!