Oathbringer
3. Momentum
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a vivid flashback to a battle fought thirty-four years prior, highlighting Dalinar’s leadership and combat prowess. He leads a diverse elite force across a scorched battlefield, demonstrating confidence and strategic acumen. The environment is chaotic, filled with smoldering rockbuds and flamespren, emphasizing the intensity of the conflict. Dalinar’s tactical approach involves a classic hammer-and-anvil formation, aiming to trap and crush the enemy. His readiness to engage directly and push forward exemplifies his aggressive and fearless nature, setting the tone for understanding his combat philosophy rooted in momentum and relentless pursuit of victory.
Dalinar’s combat style is characterized by raw physicality and a focus on maintaining momentum. As he charges into the enemy ranks, he relies on instinct, strength, and overwhelming force rather than finesse or hesitation. His actions are brutal but calculated, designed to intimidate and break the enemy’s morale quickly. The scene captures the chaos of close-quarters combat, with Dalinar smashing through enemy lines, killing with primal ferocity, and disregarding fear or mercy. His approach underscores a belief that in battle, relentless forward motion is essential to destabilize foes and secure victory, emphasizing the importance of not stopping or overthinking in the heat of combat.
The narrative then shifts to a specific engagement where Dalinar encounters a group of enemy soldiers led by a commanding officer on a horse, who appears to be a high-ranking lighteyes. Dalinar’s desire for a challenge drives him to attack fiercely, seeking to test his strength and resolve. The fight is depicted as brutal and unrelenting, with Dalinar using quick, powerful strikes to dominate his opponent. The scene underscores his need for adrenaline and the thrill of combat, illustrating how momentum and aggression are central to his fighting style. This confrontation also hints at political or social tensions, as Dalinar considers the significance of his opponent’s status.
In the climax of the chapter, Dalinar demonstrates tactical ingenuity by using a shortbow to shoot the horse, causing chaos and creating an opening to engage the enemy leader directly. His focus remains on maintaining momentum, pushing forward with relentless energy. The battle becomes a frantic, life-or-death contest, with Dalinar fighting fiercely to control the fight’s flow. His physical and mental resilience shine through, as he refuses to yield or be turned aside by the storm of combat. The chapter concludes with Dalinar’s continued drive to dominate his opponent, illustrating his core belief that momentum is the key to victory in war and life alike.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What does Dalinar consider to be the key to effective combat, and how is this principle demonstrated in the chapter?
Answer:
Dalinar believes that “momentum” is crucial in combat. He emphasizes the importance of continuous forward movement—”Don’t stop. Don’t think. Drive forward”—to intimidate and overwhelm opponents. This principle is demonstrated through his aggressive charge into the enemy line, where he pushes through their defenses without hesitation, maintaining relentless pressure. His focus on momentum allows him to keep control of the fight, discouraging enemies from retaliating effectively and ensuring he dominates the battlefield. This approach reflects Dalinar’s tactical mindset that success relies on relentless forward motion rather than hesitation or overthinking.2. Question 2
How does Dalinar’s attitude toward violence and combat reflect his character and leadership style?
Answer:
Dalinar’s attitude toward violence is pragmatic and intense, viewing combat as a test of strength and momentum rather than a noble or honorable act. He relishes the physicality of battle, pushing himself and his men forward with relentless energy. His leadership style is direct and commanding; he leads by example, charging into the fray and inspiring his soldiers through sheer force of will. Dalinar’s willingness to kill and his focus on momentum demonstrate a warrior’s mentality—prioritizing victory and survival over restraint—highlighting his pragmatic approach to warfare and his belief in strength as a key element of leadership.3. Question 3
In what ways does the chapter illustrate the importance of psychological tactics in combat, particularly through Dalinar’s actions and words?
Answer:
The chapter underscores the importance of psychological tactics by showcasing Dalinar’s use of intimidation and confidence to unsettle the enemy. His roaring, beating his sword against his shield, and shouting at the enemy troops serve to instill fear and chaos among them. Dalinar’s disregard for elaborate dueling and his focus on relentless offense (“Don’t stop. Don’t think”) aim to break the enemy’s morale. His aggressive demeanor, combined with his physical dominance and commanding presence, is designed to make opponents doubt their chances, reducing their resolve and encouraging them to flee or falter—highlighting that mental warfare is as vital as physical prowess in battle.4. Question 4
What role does the concept of challenge play in Dalinar’s combat approach, and how does this drive his actions during the fight?
Answer:
Challenge is a fundamental element in Dalinar’s combat mindset. He seeks the thrill and necessity of facing a worthy opponent, which fuels his desire for a true challenge. This is evident when he feels a “thirst” for combat and actively seeks out the enemy officer on the horse, engaging him directly. His aggressive pursuit of this opponent exemplifies his need for personal and martial challenge, which keeps him motivated and alert. Dalinar’s focus on challenge drives him to push his limits, striving for battles that test his strength and skill, reinforcing his belief that combat is about proving oneself and maintaining momentum through real, meaningful confrontation.5. Question 5
Reflecting on Dalinar’s actions and mindset in this chapter, what lessons can be learned about leadership and resilience in high-pressure situations?
Answer:
Dalinar’s actions demonstrate that effective leadership in high-pressure situations requires decisiveness, resilience, and the ability to maintain momentum. He leads by example, charging into the fight with confidence and relentless energy, inspiring his men to follow him. His focus on continuous forward movement and adaptation—such as quickly engaging the enemy officer—shows resilience and adaptability. The chapter teaches that staying focused, pushing through chaos, and seeking challenges can turn the tide of battle. It also emphasizes that leadership involves not only tactical skill but also mental toughness—remaining steadfast and driven even amid violence and uncertainty.
Quotes
1. “A good fight was about momentum. Don’t stop. Don’t think. Drive forward and convince your enemies that they’re as good as dead already. That way, they’ll fight you less as you send them to their pyres.”
This quote encapsulates Dalinar’s core combat philosophy, emphasizing the importance of relentless momentum and psychological dominance in battle. It highlights how mindset and momentum can be as crucial as physical strength, serving as a key insight into his approach to warfare.
2. “Men often cried for their parents as they died. Didn’t matter how old they were. He’d seen greybeards do it, same as kids like this one. He’s not much younger than me, Dalinar thought. Maybe seventeen. But then, Dalinar had never felt young, regardless of his age.”
This passage reveals Dalinar’s reflections on mortality and the universality of fear in battle. It underscores the human cost of violence and Dalinar’s internal acknowledgment of his own hardened, timeless perspective on life and death.
3. “Life was about momentum. Pick a direction and don’t let anything—man or storm—turn you aside.”
This statement distills a central theme of the chapter—perseverance and unwavering focus. It serves as both a battle principle and a metaphor for resilience, reinforcing Dalinar’s worldview that steadfastness is vital in overcoming obstacles.
4. “Dalinar slammed his shield at the enemy and—in the moment of stress—felled him.”
This moment exemplifies Dalinar’s aggressive and direct combat style, illustrating how he relies on forceful action and instinct to dominate his foes. It signifies the importance of decisiveness and physicality in his leadership approach.
5. “Fighting on a battlefield wasn’t like dueling in an arena; Dalinar didn’t dance around the fellow, testing his abilities. Out here, that sort of thing got you stabbed in the back by someone else.”
This quote emphasizes the brutal realism of battlefield combat as opposed to formal duels. It highlights Dalinar’s pragmatic mindset, valuing raw strength and aggression over finesse, which is crucial for survival in war.