Oathbringer
57. Passion
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter explores a tense confrontation between Dalinar and Odium, a powerful and ancient entity embodying passion and emotion. Odium’s presence is overwhelming, and his words reveal a complex understanding of the nature of emotions, bonds, and the destructive potential of passion. He advocates that emotion is the core of humanity, contrasting himself with other divine figures like Honor and Cultivation, who prioritize bonds and growth respectively. Odium’s perspective suggests that passion, though often leading to chaos and loss, also fuels greatness and the human spirit. The chapter emphasizes the duality of passion as both a source of strength and a catalyst for destruction.
Dalinar’s reaction to Odium’s presence reflects his internal conflict and unpreparedness for the revelations he faces. Odium’s calm demeanor and paternal tone mask his true nature as a force of chaos and destruction. The dialogue reveals Odium’s belief that he embodies the true essence of emotion, and that his influence is vital to understanding human nature. Odium hints at the destructive consequences of releasing him, including the death of Cultivation and upheaval across Roshar. Dalinar’s discomfort underscores his struggle to comprehend and confront the profound implications of Odium’s ideology and power.
The conversation delves into the divine relationships among the gods—Odium, Honor, and Cultivation—and their differing philosophies. Odium claims to be misunderstood, asserting that he represents passion in its purest form, which he believes is essential for vitality and progress. He criticizes Honor’s focus on bonds and Cultivation’s emphasis on transformation, positioning himself as the true embodiment of emotion. Odium’s words suggest that the divine conflicts on Roshar are rooted in contrasting visions of what drives and sustains life, with Odium asserting his role as a necessary, if tumultuous, force.
In the closing moments, Dalinar challenges Odium to a duel, symbolizing his rejection of Odium’s nihilistic view and his desire to protect Roshar from chaos. Odium’s parting words imply that he has robbed Dalinar of memories and that his influence is deeper than it appears. The chapter ends with a sense of unresolved tension, as Dalinar considers the stakes involved in confronting Odium’s passion-driven chaos. This confrontation underscores the ongoing struggle between order and emotion, highlighting the core themes of passion’s power and peril in shaping the fate of Roshar.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is Odium’s perspective on the fall of the Radiants, and how does it contrast with Dalinar’s understanding?
Answer:
Odium claims that the Radiants’ fall was driven by passion and emotion, not solely by infighting or dishonesty. He suggests that their unity was based on genuine desire to do good, but their passion ultimately led to chaos and destruction. This contrasts with Dalinar’s previous understanding, which attributed the fall to infighting among honest men and differing views. Odium emphasizes that passion—emotion—is a fundamental aspect of humanity and that it is both glorious and dangerous. He sees passion as a core element that defines men and believes it was the true cause of the Radiants’ downfall, framing it as an intrinsic and vital force rather than a flaw.2. Question 2
How does Odium describe himself, and what does this reveal about his nature and his role among the Shardic gods?
Answer:
Odium describes himself as emotion incarnate, embodying lust, joy, hatred, anger, exultation, glory, and vice. He states that he is the soul of both men and spren, representing the full spectrum of human passions and feelings. This reveals that Odium’s nature is fundamentally tied to raw, unfiltered emotion—both positive and negative—and that he sees himself as a vital, essential force that drives human experience. His role among the Shardic gods is to embody passion and emotion, contrasting with Honor’s focus on bonds and Cultivation’s focus on growth and transformation. Odium’s self-description emphasizes his belief that emotion is a powerful, necessary force that shapes humanity and the world.3. Question 3
What is the significance of Odium’s statement that he has been “shackled” and his mention of the Splinters of Honor?
Answer:
Odium’s mention of being “shackled” indicates that he is bound or limited in some way, which affects his ability to act freely in the current realm. The Splinters of Honor are fragments of the god Honor’s power, which Odium intends to eventually claim or destroy. This signifies that Odium’s influence and plans are intertwined with Honor’s remnants, and that his eventual goal involves transforming or conquering the realm by gaining more power from these Splinters. It also underscores the ongoing conflict between Odium and the other divine forces, highlighting that Odium’s ultimate ambitions threaten the stability of the world and its spiritual fabric.4. Question 4
How does Odium’s view of passion challenge traditional notions of good and evil, and what implications does this have for understanding his character?
Answer:
Odium’s view of passion as a fundamental and glorious force challenges the simplistic dichotomy of good versus evil. He sees passion as a vital aspect of human nature that can lead to both creation and destruction. By equating himself with emotion and asserting that he embodies what makes men “men,” Odium suggests that passion itself is neither inherently evil nor good but a powerful force that must be understood and embraced. This complicates his character, portraying him not merely as a villain but as a force of nature that believes it is necessary for genuine human experience and growth. It invites a deeper reflection on whether passion, in its raw form, should be suppressed or accepted as an essential part of life.5. Question 5
What is the significance of Dalinar’s challenge of a duel to Odium, and what does it reveal about Dalinar’s character and his understanding of the conflict?
Answer:
Dalinar’s challenge of a duel to Odium signifies his willingness to confront the embodiment of passion and chaos directly, symbolizing a desire to face the forces that threaten his world. It reveals his courage and sense of responsibility, as he is willing to stand against a god-like being to protect Roshar. This act also demonstrates Dalinar’s growth in understanding the nature of the conflict—recognizing that true strength involves not just physical might but moral resolve and willingness to engage with complex, even uncomfortable truths. It underscores his role as a leader who seeks to find a way to resolve or contain the chaos represented by Odium, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding his people and his understanding that the battle involves confronting fundamental aspects of human nature.
Quotes
1. “Honor cared only for bonds. Not the meaning of bonds and oaths, merely that they were kept. Cultivation only wants to see transformation. Growth. It can be good or bad, for all she cares. The pain of men is nothing to her. Only I understand it. Only I care, Dalinar.”
This quote encapsulates Odium’s self-described role as the embodiment of raw emotion, contrasting with Honor and Cultivation’s more specific domains. It highlights the chapter’s exploration of passion, emotion, and their fundamental place in human experience and conflict.
2. “Passion, son. Glorious, wondrous passion. Emotion. It is what defines men—though ironically you are poor vessels for it. It fills you up and breaks you, unless you find someone to share the burden.”
This statement underscores the central theme of passion as both a vital and destructive force, emphasizing that emotion is the core of human nature and that sharing it is essential to managing its power.
3. “Ask that of Cultivation, next time you see her. Ask what she’d want for Roshar. I think you’ll find me to be the better choice.”
Here, Odium provocatively suggests that passion and emotion are the driving forces behind growth and change, positioning himself as the necessary catalyst for true vitality, contrasting with Cultivation’s emphasis on measured transformation.
4. “You are deeply connected to the remnants of a god. Whom you killed.”
This stark revelation highlights Dalinar’s complex relationship with divine power and the consequences of his actions, setting a tone of moral and existential conflict that runs through the chapter.
5. “If you could see the result of Honor’s influence, you would not be so quick to name me a god of anger. Separate the emotion from men, and you have creatures like Nale and his Skybreakers.”
This quote points to the idea that the divine influences are intertwined with human passions, and that what is often perceived as anger or hatred is rooted in the deeper, vital force of emotion—an essential insight into the chapter’s discussion of divine and human nature.
Quotes
1. “Honor cared only for bonds. Not the meaning of bonds and oaths, merely that they were kept. Cultivation only wants to see transformation. Growth. It can be good or bad, for all she cares. The pain of men is nothing to her. Only I understand it. Only I care, Dalinar.”
This quote encapsulates Odium’s self-described role as the embodiment of raw emotion, contrasting with Honor and Cultivation’s more specific domains. It highlights the chapter’s exploration of passion, emotion, and their fundamental place in human experience and conflict.
2. “Passion, son. Glorious, wondrous passion. Emotion. It is what defines men — though ironically you are poor vessels for it. It fills you up and breaks you, unless you find someone to share the burden.”
This statement underscores the central theme of passion as both a vital and destructive force, emphasizing that emotion is the core of human nature and that sharing it is essential to managing its power.
3. “Ask that of Cultivation, next time you see her. Ask what she’d want for Roshar. I think you’ll find me to be the better choice.”
Here, Odium provocatively suggests that passion and emotion are the driving forces behind growth and change, positioning himself as the necessary catalyst for true vitality, contrasting with Cultivation’s emphasis on measured transformation.
4. “You are deeply connected to the remnants of a god. Whom you killed.”
This stark revelation highlights Dalinar’s complex relationship with divine power and the consequences of his actions, setting a tone of moral and existential conflict that runs through the chapter.
5. “If you could see the result of Honor’s influence, you would not be so quick to name me a god of anger. Separate the emotion from men, and you have creatures like Nale and his Skybreakers.”
This quote points to the idea that the divine influences are intertwined with human passions, and that what is often perceived as anger or hatred is rooted in the deeper, vital force of emotion—an essential insight into the chapter’s discussion of divine and human nature.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is Odium’s perspective on the fall of the Radiants, and how does it contrast with Dalinar’s understanding?
Answer:
Odium claims that the Radiants’ fall was driven by passion and emotion, not solely by infighting or dishonesty. He suggests that their unity was based on genuine desire to do good, but their passion ultimately led to chaos and destruction. This contrasts with Dalinar’s previous understanding, which attributed the fall to infighting among honest men and differing views. Odium emphasizes that passion—emotion—is a fundamental aspect of humanity and that it is both glorious and dangerous. He sees passion as a core element that defines men and believes it was the true cause of the Radiants’ downfall, framing it as an intrinsic and vital force rather than a flaw.
2. Question 2
How does Odium describe himself, and what does this reveal about his nature and his role among the Shardic gods?
Answer:
Odium describes himself as emotion incarnate, embodying lust, joy, hatred, anger, exultation, glory, and vice. He states that he is the soul of both men and spren, representing the full spectrum of human passions and feelings. This reveals that Odium’s nature is fundamentally tied to raw, unfiltered emotion—both positive and negative—and that he sees himself as a vital, essential force that drives human experience. His role among the Shardic gods is to embody passion and emotion, contrasting with Honor’s focus on bonds and Cultivation’s focus on growth and transformation. Odium’s self-description emphasizes his belief that emotion is a powerful, necessary force that shapes humanity and the world.
3. Question 3
What is the significance of Odium’s statement that he has been “shackled” and his mention of the Splinters of Honor?
Answer:
Odium’s mention of being “shackled” indicates that he is bound or limited in some way, which affects his ability to act freely in the current realm. The Splinters of Honor are fragments of the god Honor’s power, which Odium intends to eventually claim or destroy. This signifies that Odium’s influence and plans are intertwined with Honor’s remnants, and that his eventual goal involves transforming or conquering the realm by gaining more power from these Splinters. It also underscores the ongoing conflict between Odium and the other divine forces, highlighting that Odium’s ultimate ambitions threaten the stability of the world and its spiritual fabric.
4. Question 4
How does Odium’s view of passion challenge traditional notions of good and evil, and what implications does this have for understanding his character?
Answer:
Odium’s view of passion as a fundamental and glorious force challenges the simplistic dichotomy of good versus evil. He sees passion as a vital aspect of human nature that can lead to both creation and destruction. By equating himself with emotion and asserting that he embodies what makes men “men,” Odium suggests that passion itself is neither inherently evil nor good but a powerful force that must be understood and embraced. This complicates his character, portraying him not merely as a villain but as a force of nature that believes it is necessary for genuine human experience and growth. It invites a deeper reflection on whether passion, in its raw form, should be suppressed or accepted as an essential part of life.
5. Question 5
What is the significance of Dalinar’s challenge of a duel to Odium, and what does it reveal about Dalinar’s character and his understanding of the conflict?
Answer:
Dalinar’s challenge of a duel to Odium signifies his willingness to confront the embodiment of passion and chaos directly, symbolizing a desire to face the forces that threaten his world. It reveals his courage and sense of responsibility, as he is willing to stand against a god-like being to protect Roshar. This act also demonstrates Dalinar’s growth in understanding the nature of the conflict—recognizing that true strength involves not just physical might but moral resolve and willingness to engage with complex, even uncomfortable truths. It underscores his role as a leader who seeks to find a way to resolve or contain the chaos represented by Odium, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding his people and his understanding that the battle involves confronting fundamental aspects of human nature.
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