The nature of the Sundering has been spelled out in a Nier Reincarnation side story.

[Lurina]

Not too much new here, only a confirmation of what was already known. The line about the Sundered not remembering anything in SHB I initially thought him exaggerating, but after Endwalker it was clear it was true.

I mean, the fact they literally forgot how to talk is definitely new information.

[Brinne]

Man, G'raha and the Ironworks' excuse for turning back the clock and being willing to sacrifice their present for it was weaksauce. The Eighth Umbral Calamity didn't reduce all humans to incoherent nonverbal states or anything! Wimps.

[EaraGrace]

I mean, the fact they literally forgot how to talk is definitely new information.

An interesting point, given the Ancients had the echo and could parse any language which explains how they understand us in Elpis. Perhaps losing that ability caused the loss of language in addition to the memory wipe? A combination? See now I want the future lore book for Endwalker.

Man, G'raha and the Ironworks' excuse for turning back the clock and being willing to sacrifice their present for it was weaksauce. The Eighth Umbral Calamity didn't reduce all humans to incoherent nonverbal states or anything! Wimps.

Hydaelyn help me here we go again.

Edit: Its interesting how in one scene the souls look messed up and squiggly, then become human outlines.





Maybe shows his changing view?

[Lurina]

Edit: Its interesting how in one scene the souls look messed up and squiggly, then become human outlines.





Maybe shows his changing view?

My assumption, considering when it happens, is that it's meant to show mankind post-Sundering "stabilizing" into having consistent forms and new civilizations. It would be inconsistent with Shadowbringers for Emet to be having doubts so early on.

[EaraGrace]

My assumption, considering when it happens, is that it's meant to show mankind post-Sundering "stabilizing" into having consistent forms and new civilizations. It would be inconsistent with Shadowbringers for Emet to be having doubts so early on.

I think the shapes are meant to be the same people walking around though as they’re in the same poses in both images. Emets description in ShB was that Sundering just halved you and made an exact copy, not whatever is happening in the first image.

Could also be reading too much into it alas