Oathbringer
16. Wrapped Three Times
by Sanderson, BrandonIn this chapter, Dalinar Kholin examines a legendary and mysterious weapon known as the Blade of the Assassin in White, claimed to be forged during the shadowdays by divine intervention. The blade appears ordinary at first glance—elegant, small, and curved—yet it bears unusual characteristics, notably the absence of a gemstone typically used to bond men to Shardblades. Dalinar’s inspection, illuminated by Stormlight, reveals that the blade is distinct because it was crafted directly from Honor’s soul, making it a unique artifact that does not scream when touched, unlike conventional blades bonded through oaths and spren. This indicates a different form of oath and connection, rooted in Honor’s divine essence.
The Stormfather explains the significance of this blade, emphasizing that it is a mark of a different kind of oath—one directly linked to Honor’s own soul rather than the spren-based bonds of regular Shardblades. The conversation touches on the nature of oaths and their importance, as well as the contrast between Honor’s blade and the other weapons associated with the dead spren. Dalinar reflects on the implications of Honor’s death, considering that if Honor’s essence still exists in this form, perhaps Odium’s power can also be challenged or broken. The Stormfather suggests that Odium, being a force rather than a person, cannot break his own rules, which offers a faint hope for eventual victory.
Dalinar also discusses the strategic potential of the Honorblade and his visions of a future confrontation with Odium, who is depicted as a relentless, ageless force driven by unyielding rage. The Stormfather advises that Odium is unlikely to agree to a direct contest unless presented with the right opportunity—specifically, a champion chosen by Dalinar. This approach might persuade Odium to accept a challenge, as it would give him a chance to fight without risking a direct assault that could leave scars or weaknesses. The concept of time emerges as a crucial element, as the Stormfather reveals that patience and timing are vital to overcoming such an ancient and powerful adversary.
The chapter concludes with Dalinar securing the Honorblade in a hidden location within the tower, carefully concealing it from others. He reflects on the weapon’s immense power and the importance of using it wisely, contemplating its potential beyond mere weaponry—perhaps as a means to achieve Windrunning and other extraordinary feats. The Stormfather humorously suggests that he cannot see all things, but hints at the blade’s significance and the risks involved. As Dalinar prepares to leave, he considers the strategic advantages it offers, including swift travel via Oathgates. The chapter underscores the delicate balance of power, patience, and divine influence in Dalinar’s ongoing quest to confront Odium and protect Roshar.
FAQs
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1. What is unique about the Honorblade described in the chapter, and how does it differ from typical Shardblades?
Answer:
The Honorblade in the chapter is unique because, unlike typical Shardblades, it lacks a gemstone that normally bonds a man to the weapon. Most Shardblades are distinguished by a gemstone at the hilt or where the hilt meets the blade, which flashes when touched to initiate bonding. The Honorblade, however, has no gemstone, yet it still feels warm and alive, indicating it is a fragment of Honor’s own soul. Its origin is different—made directly from Honor’s essence and given to the Heralds—making it a different kind of oath-bound weapon. It doesn’t scream upon touch, which is characteristic of other Blades that have spren attached due to broken oaths, emphasizing its unique spiritual and magical nature.2. How does the Stormfather explain the nature of the Honorblade and its connection to oaths?
Answer:
The Stormfather explains that the Honorblade is made from Honor’s own soul and is tied to a different kind of oath compared to other Shardblades. While most Blades are the corpses of spren that scream when touched due to broken oaths, the Honorblade does not scream because it was created directly from Honor’s essence and does not possess a spren or mind of its own. The chapter also touches on the idea that oaths are fundamental to the Blade’s nature—breaking oaths kills spren, which is why most Blades scream. The Honorblade, being a direct piece of Honor, is not subject to this, making it a unique and powerful artifact.3. What strategy does Dalinar consider regarding Odium and the concept of fighting a direct confrontation?
Answer:
Dalinar considers the possibility of appealing to Odium by offering a champion to fight him in a contest of champions. The Stormfather explains that Odium, as a force akin to natural laws like gravity or time, cannot break his own rules and is unlikely to agree to a direct fight unless it is presented in the right way and at the right moment. Dalinar learns that convincing Odium to accept a challenge could be a way to buy time and weaken him, as Odium’s rage and scars from past hurts do not heal and he remains constant in his anger. The strategy hinges on timing and presenting the challenge as a way to force Odium into a decisive conflict, which might ultimately lead to his downfall.4. What role does the Honorblade play in Dalinar’s plans, and what are his concerns about using it?
Answer:
The Honorblade serves as a powerful tool for Dalinar, potentially granting him Windrunning abilities and other unknown powers beyond those of ordinary men. Dalinar recognizes its significance as a gift from a god and is cautious about using it, understanding its immense power and the dangers it might pose if misused. He expresses a desire to think carefully before wielding it, emphasizing his responsibility and the importance of discretion. Dalinar also considers the possibility of the Stormfather monitoring it, but he is wary of revealing its existence to others until he can ensure its safety. The Blade could be a game-changer in their fight against Odium, but its true potential and risks remain carefully weighed.5. How does the chapter portray the theme of time and its importance in Dalinar’s strategic thinking?
Answer:
Time is portrayed as a crucial and valuable resource in Dalinar’s strategic considerations. The Stormfather emphasizes that Odium, despite his rage and power, cannot break the natural laws of the universe, including the passage of time. Dalinar’s vision of convincing Odium to accept a contest of champions hinges on the idea that time can be an ally—by buying time, they can weaken or outlast Odium’s rage and scars. The chapter suggests that patience, timing, and understanding the importance of time’s inexorable march are vital in their efforts to oppose Odium. Ultimately, the chapter highlights that time, although intangible, is the most precious resource a person can have in the struggle against an immortal and unchanging enemy.
Quotes
1. “It doesn’t scream when I touch it. The weapon, instead, was made directly from Honor’s soul, then given to the Heralds. It is also the mark of an oath, but a different type—and does not have the mind to scream on its own.”
This quote highlights the unique nature of the Honorblade, emphasizing its divine origin and its distinction from typical Shardblades, which scream when touched. It underscores the significance of this weapon as a direct vessel of Honor’s essence, symbolizing a different kind of oath and power.
2. “Odium is a force like pressure, gravitation, or the movement of time. These things cannot break their own rules. Nor can he.”
This passage conveys the concept that even a being as powerful as Odium is bound by fundamental laws, framing him as a force of nature rather than a creature capable of arbitrary rule-breaking. It provides insight into the nature of divine and cosmic forces within the story’s universe.
3. “Time, though dross to him, is the most valuable thing a man can have.”
This line encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of patience and strategic timing, emphasizing that the true power lies in the careful management of time—an invaluable resource even to gods and powerful entities.
4. “You think I can see all things? I see what is left out in the storms, and that darkly. I am no god, Dalinar Kholin. No more than your shadow on the wall is you.”
This quote reflects the limitations of perception, even for divine or semi-divine beings like the Stormfather. It underscores the theme that knowledge and understanding are inherently incomplete, and humility is necessary in the face of greater mysteries.
5. “The map we made… I see what is left out in the storms, and that darkly. I am no god, Dalinar Kholin. No more than your shadow on the wall is you.”
This closing reflection emphasizes the idea that even the most powerful beings have their blind spots, and that true insight requires acknowledgment of one’s limitations, framing the chapter’s overarching themes of humility and cautious strategy.