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    Oathbringer

    by Sanderson, Brandon
    Oathbringer, the third book in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series, is an epic fantasy novel set on the planet Roshar. It follows Dalinar Kholin as he confronts his past, unravels ancient secrets, and strives to unite warring factions against existential threats. The story explores themes of leadership, memory, and redemption amid catastrophic conflicts and mystical revelations, advancing the series’ intricate world-building and character development.
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    Oathbringer

    28. Another Option

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with a can­did reflec­tion on human nature, as the nar­ra­tor admits to being labeled a mon­ster and acknowl­edges the fears that many of us har­bor about the poten­tial for dark­ness with­in. This intro­spec­tive pref­ace sets a tone of vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty and self-aware­ness, sug­gest­ing that the true mon­ster may be not an exter­nal force but an aspect of human capac­i­ty for both good and evil. This acknowl­edg­ment frames the broad­er themes of moral ambi­gu­i­ty and inner con­flict that per­me­ate the sto­ry, empha­siz­ing that even those who seek right­eous­ness can har­bor fears and flaws, mak­ing the strug­gle for virtue com­plex and ongo­ing.

    The nar­ra­tive then shifts to a polit­i­cal and strate­gic con­text, where Dali­nar Kholin faces a set­back as Azir’s deci­sion to seal off the Oath­gate sig­ni­fies a major diplo­mat­ic fail­ure. The rejec­tion from Azir under­scores the frag­ile nature of alliances and the del­i­cate bal­ance of pow­er in this world. Despite the dis­ap­point­ment, Dali­nar remains res­olute, focus­ing on forg­ing alliances with oth­er nations like Thayle­nah and Khar­branth. His strate­gic efforts aim to unite the East­ern states into a coali­tion, hop­ing to cre­ate enough strength to influ­ence West­ern nations lat­er. The chap­ter high­lights the impor­tance of diplo­ma­cy, per­sis­tence, and adapt­abil­i­ty in the face of diplo­mat­ic rejec­tion.

    Amidst the polit­i­cal tur­moil, the sto­ry explores the mys­te­ri­ous under­ground tun­nels with­in Urithiru, which are filled with strange phe­nom­e­na and poten­tial dan­gers. Dalinar’s curios­i­ty about these tun­nels, espe­cial­ly the strange hole at the ceil­ing, hints at hid­den threats lurk­ing beneath the sur­face of the city. His attempt to inves­ti­gate using Storm­light demon­strates both his resource­ful­ness and the uncer­tain­ty of what lies with­in the tun­nels. The pres­ence of a crea­ture like a mink and the cir­cu­lat­ing air sug­gest com­plex, pos­si­bly super­nat­ur­al or fab­r­i­al-relat­ed, mech­a­nisms at work. This sub­plot adds a lay­er of intrigue and fore­shad­ows poten­tial threats that could chal­lenge the city’s sta­bil­i­ty.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Dali­nar receiv­ing a tense and final com­mu­ni­ca­tion from Queen Fen of Thayle­nah, who firm­ly rejects his over­tures for alliance. Her stark refusal and the tone of final­i­ty reveal the deep-root­ed mis­trust and polit­i­cal com­plex­i­ties that hin­der uni­ty. Dalinar’s frus­tra­tion and sense of help­less­ness are pal­pa­ble as he reflects on the bar­ri­ers to diplo­ma­cy and the per­son­al toll of lead­er­ship. His inter­nal strug­gle is com­pound­ed by the real­iza­tion that in this frac­tured world, alliances are frag­ile, and the path for­ward remains uncer­tain. The chap­ter ends with Dali­nar retreat­ing into the cor­ri­dors, con­tem­plat­ing his next move amid the ongo­ing chaos and the weight of lead­er­ship.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What emotional or philosophical confession does the narrator make in the preface of Oathbringer, and what does it reveal about their perspective on humanity?

      Answer:
      The narrator admits to being called a monster and openly confesses their own humanity, stating, “I am the monster that I fear we all can become.” This confession reveals a deep self-awareness and acknowledgment of human flaws, suggesting that the narrator sees the capacity for monstrosity—whether through actions or internal struggles—as intrinsic to human nature. It highlights a theme of shared fallibility and the idea that the line between heroism and monstrosity is thin, emphasizing the complexity of moral judgment and the importance of understanding one’s own imperfections.

      2. How does the political situation in the chapter—specifically Azir’s decision—impact Dalinar’s strategic options, and what does this reveal about the larger conflict?

      Answer:
      Azir’s decision to seal off the Oathgate and refuse to open it, citing the danger of a magical portal, effectively cuts off Azir from Dalinar’s alliance-building efforts. This decision signifies a setback for Dalinar’s plans to unite the Eastern states and forge a coalition that could challenge external threats. It underscores the fragility of political alliances and highlights the challenges Dalinar faces in diplomacy, especially when dealing with nations that prioritize their own sovereignty and security. This moment reveals the broader conflict as one of mounting resistance to Dalinar’s efforts for unity, illustrating how political mistrust and fear can impede collective action against common enemies.

      3. Analyze Dalinar’s approach to investigating the mysterious tunnels and holes within Urithiru. What does his method reveal about his leadership style and problem-solving approach?

      Answer:
      Dalinar’s decision to personally investigate the tunnels by using Stormlight to levitate a chair and examine the hole demonstrates his proactive and hands-on leadership style. Rather than relying solely on reports or subordinates’ assessments, he seeks direct evidence, showing a willingness to confront unknown threats head-on. His use of Stormlight to climb and explore indicates resourcefulness and a practical mindset, valuing empirical investigation. This approach reflects a leader who is deeply involved in understanding the issues affecting his people and demonstrates a blend of courage, curiosity, and determination to find solutions, even in the face of uncertainty and potential danger.

      4. What does the chapter suggest about the complexities of communication and diplomacy, especially in the exchange with Queen Fen of Thaylenah?

      Answer:
      The chapter highlights the difficulties of diplomacy through the tense and ultimately unsuccessful communication with Queen Fen. Dalinar’s repeated efforts to forge alliances are met with stubbornness and finality from Fen, who explicitly states she will not allow Thaylenah to fall into Dalinar’s hands and dismisses his offers as naive or desperate. The written exchanges underscore the importance of personal dialogue—something that Dalinar recognizes might be more effective if he could speak with her directly. The chapter illustrates how political negotiations are complicated by mistrust, differing priorities, and the risk of miscommunication, emphasizing that diplomacy often involves patience, understanding, and the challenge of overcoming entrenched positions.

      5. Consider Dalinar’s reflections at the end of the chapter, where he feels ignored and frustrated. What does this reveal about the emotional toll of leadership in times of crisis?

      Answer:
      Dalinar’s feelings of being ignored and his desire for open skies and fresh air reveal the emotional strain that leadership entails, especially during crises. Despite his efforts and strategic thinking, he faces indifference from those around him, which can foster feelings of isolation and frustration. His internal struggle shows that leadership is not only about making decisions but also about managing personal emotions and the loneliness that can accompany responsibility. It underscores the human side of leadership—the desire for connection, acknowledgment, and a moment of respite amidst relentless pressure—highlighting that even strong leaders are vulnerable and need moments to process their emotional burdens.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Finally, I will confess my humanity. I have been named a monster, and do not deny those claims. I am the monster that I fear we all can become.”

      This poignant quote from the preface of Oathbringer encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of self-identity, fear, and the universal potential for darkness within. It sets a reflective tone on the nature of monstrosity and human fallibility.

      2. “‘The decision has been made,’ … ‘to seal off this Oathgate until we can destroy it. We realize this is not the path you wished for us to take, Dalinar Kholin. Know that the Prime of Azir considers you fondly, and looks forward to the mutual benefit of trade agreements and new treaties between our nations.”

      This passage highlights the political tensions and difficult decisions faced by Dalinar, illustrating the theme of diplomatic conflict and the sacrifices made in pursuit of larger goals.

      3. “It was nearly enough to make him pull out of the place. But where would they go? Abandon the Oathgates? For now, he’d quadrupled patrols and sent Navani’s researchers searching for a possible explanation.”

      This quote emphasizes Dalinar’s determination to face the mysterious threats within Urithiru despite the uncertainty, reflecting his leadership resolve and the chapter’s focus on confronting unseen dangers.

      4. “Miles upon miles of even smaller tunnels threaded through the walls and ceilings of an already daunting system. And hiding in them somewhere, the thing that Shallan had drawn…”

      This description underscores the chapter’s exploration of hidden dangers and the mysterious, possibly malevolent forces lurking beneath the surface of Urithiru, heightening the tension and sense of mystery.

      5. “I’m fine,” he lied. “I just need time to think.”

      This simple yet powerful line captures Dalinar’s internal struggle and the emotional toll of leadership, illustrating the chapter’s theme of personal sacrifice and the burden of command.

    Quotes

    1. “Finally, I will confess my humanity. I have been named a monster, and do not deny those claims. I am the monster that I fear we all can become.”

    This poignant quote from the preface of Oathbringer encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of self-identity, fear, and the universal potential for darkness within. It sets a reflective tone on the nature of monstrosity and human fallibility.

    2. “‘The decision has been made,’ … ‘to seal off this Oathgate until we can destroy it. We realize this is not the path you wished for us to take, Dalinar Kholin. Know that the Prime of Azir considers you fondly, and looks forward to the mutual benefit of trade agreements and new treaties between our nations.”

    This passage highlights the political tensions and difficult decisions faced by Dalinar, illustrating the theme of diplomatic conflict and the sacrifices made in pursuit of larger goals.

    3. “It was nearly enough to make him pull out of the place. But where would they go? Abandon the Oathgates? For now, he’d quadrupled patrols and sent Navani’s researchers searching for a possible explanation.”

    This quote emphasizes Dalinar’s determination to face the mysterious threats within Urithiru despite the uncertainty, reflecting his leadership resolve and the chapter’s focus on confronting unseen dangers.

    4. “Miles upon miles of even smaller tunnels threaded through the walls and ceilings of an already daunting system. And hiding in them somewhere, the thing that Shallan had drawn…”

    This description underscores the chapter’s exploration of hidden dangers and the mysterious, possibly malevolent forces lurking beneath the surface of Urithiru, heightening the tension and sense of mystery.

    5. “I’m fine,” he lied. “I just need time to think.”

    This simple yet powerful line captures Dalinar’s internal struggle and the emotional toll of leadership, illustrating the chapter’s theme of personal sacrifice and the burden of command.

    FAQs

    1. What emotional or philosophical confession does the narrator make in the preface of Oathbringer, and what does it reveal about their perspective on humanity?

    Answer:
    The narrator admits to being called a monster and openly confesses their own humanity, stating, “I am the monster that I fear we all can become.” This confession reveals a deep self-awareness and acknowledgment of human flaws, suggesting that the narrator sees the capacity for monstrosity—whether through actions or internal struggles—as intrinsic to human nature. It highlights a theme of shared fallibility and the idea that the line between heroism and monstrosity is thin, emphasizing the complexity of moral judgment and the importance of understanding one’s own imperfections.

    2. How does the political situation in the chapter—specifically Azir’s decision—impact Dalinar’s strategic options, and what does this reveal about the larger conflict?

    Answer:
    Azir’s decision to seal off the Oathgate and refuse to open it, citing the danger of a magical portal, effectively cuts off Azir from Dalinar’s alliance-building efforts. This decision signifies a setback for Dalinar’s plans to unite the Eastern states and forge a coalition that could challenge external threats. It underscores the fragility of political alliances and highlights the challenges Dalinar faces in diplomacy, especially when dealing with nations that prioritize their own sovereignty and security. This moment reveals the broader conflict as one of mounting resistance to Dalinar’s efforts for unity, illustrating how political mistrust and fear can impede collective action against common enemies.

    3. Analyze Dalinar’s approach to investigating the mysterious tunnels and holes within Urithiru. What does his method reveal about his leadership style and problem-solving approach?

    Answer:
    Dalinar’s decision to personally investigate the tunnels by using Stormlight to levitate a chair and examine the hole demonstrates his proactive and hands-on leadership style. Rather than relying solely on reports or subordinates’ assessments, he seeks direct evidence, showing a willingness to confront unknown threats head-on. His use of Stormlight to climb and explore indicates resourcefulness and a practical mindset, valuing empirical investigation. This approach reflects a leader who is deeply involved in understanding the issues affecting his people and demonstrates a blend of courage, curiosity, and determination to find solutions, even in the face of uncertainty and potential danger.

    4. What does the chapter suggest about the complexities of communication and diplomacy, especially in the exchange with Queen Fen of Thaylenah?

    Answer:
    The chapter highlights the difficulties of diplomacy through the tense and ultimately unsuccessful communication with Queen Fen. Dalinar’s repeated efforts to forge alliances are met with stubbornness and finality from Fen, who explicitly states she will not allow Thaylenah to fall into Dalinar’s hands and dismisses his offers as naive or desperate. The written exchanges underscore the importance of personal dialogue—something that Dalinar recognizes might be more effective if he could speak with her directly. The chapter illustrates how political negotiations are complicated by mistrust, differing priorities, and the risk of miscommunication, emphasizing that diplomacy often involves patience, understanding, and the challenge of overcoming entrenched positions.

    5. Consider Dalinar’s reflections at the end of the chapter, where he feels ignored and frustrated. What does this reveal about the emotional toll of leadership in times of crisis?

    Answer:
    Dalinar’s feelings of being ignored and his desire for open skies and fresh air reveal the emotional strain that leadership entails, especially during crises. Despite his efforts and strategic thinking, he faces indifference from those around him, which can foster feelings of isolation and frustration. His internal struggle shows that leadership is not only about making decisions but also about managing personal emotions and the loneliness that can accompany responsibility. It underscores the human side of leadership—the desire for connection, acknowledgment, and a moment of respite amidst relentless pressure—highlighting that even strong leaders are vulnerable and need moments to process their emotional burdens.

    Note