In The Well of Ascension, religious symbols and legends, particularly the prophecy of the Hero of Ages, form a significant motif, embodying The Power of Hope in a world struggling to rebuild after the fall of the Lord Ruler. The belief in a savior figure who will restore balance provides a source of comfort and motivation for the people of Luthadel, who face overwhelming challenges in the face of political and military turmoil. This belief in prophecy and divine intervention fuels their actions and gives them hope for the future, even as their leaders struggle to find such hope.

Vin, especially, embodies a key aspect of this religious motif. Her defeat of the Lord Ruler at the end of the first book elevates her to a messianic status in the eyes of many, connecting her to the figure of the Hero of Ages foretold in religious texts. While Vin herself struggles with the weight of these expectations, her connection to the prophecy becomes a symbol of hope for the people of Luthadel. Furthermore, Vin’s relationship with Kelsier, who is viewed as a saintly figure after his death, deepens this connection. Kelsier’s posthumous influence serves to solidify Vin’s role as a religious figure, with her actions reflecting a continuation of his rebellion against the Lord Ruler’s tyranny.