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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

    66. Strategist

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with a reflec­tive scene set eleven years pri­or, where Dali­nar Kholin observes a strate­gic train­ing exer­cise with his son Adolin. Through a demon­stra­tion of a retractable ledge, Dali­nar empha­sizes the impor­tance of defen­sive archi­tec­ture in war­fare, high­light­ing how such struc­tures could be used against for­mi­da­ble oppo­nents like Shard­bear­ers. The scene under­scores Dalinar’s tac­ti­cal mind­set and his inter­est in for­ti­fi­ca­tions, reveal­ing his fore­sight in mil­i­tary strat­e­gy and his desire to pre­pare for future con­flicts. It also por­trays a moment of bond­ing between Dali­nar and Adolin, illus­trat­ing Dalinar’s role as a men­tor and pro­tec­tor.

    As the scene shifts to a lat­er peri­od, Dalinar’s focus broad­ens from bat­tle­field tac­tics to polit­i­cal diplo­ma­cy. He reflects on recent mil­i­tary suc­cess­es, includ­ing the reclaim­ing of ter­ri­to­ry from the Vedens and the secur­ing of trade treaties. Dali­nar rec­og­nizes that the true vic­to­ry extends beyond land con­quest; it lies in gain­ing legit­i­ma­cy and polit­i­cal recog­ni­tion for Gavilar’s rule. This diplo­mat­ic achieve­ment, acknowl­edged by the Vedens, helps pre­vent a larg­er war and con­sol­i­dates Dalinar’s strate­gic influ­ence. His sat­is­fac­tion with these accom­plish­ments reveals his under­stand­ing of war­fare as both a phys­i­cal and polit­i­cal endeav­or.

    The chap­ter then explores Dalinar’s per­son­al life and ongo­ing respon­si­bil­i­ties. His inter­ac­tions with his fam­i­ly, par­tic­u­lar­ly his son Adolin, demon­strate his efforts to bal­ance mar­tial train­ing with polit­i­cal duties. Dali­nar con­tem­plates the impor­tance of for­mal edu­ca­tion for Adolin, who is soon to leave for spe­cial­ized train­ing in Kholi­nar. The scene empha­sizes Dalinar’s ded­i­ca­tion to shap­ing his son into a capa­ble leader, as well as his own desire to avoid the friv­o­lous life of Kholinar’s social scene. This per­son­al dimen­sion adds depth to Dalinar’s char­ac­ter, show­ing his com­mit­ment to duty and fam­i­ly amidst the demands of lead­er­ship.

    In the con­clud­ing seg­ment, Dali­nar receives and begins to process a mes­sage from the king via span­reed, sig­nal­ing ongo­ing mil­i­tary and polit­i­cal devel­op­ments. His wife Evi’s pres­ence high­lights the domes­tic side of his life, and her obser­va­tions about the cold cli­mate reflect the harsh envi­ron­ment they inhab­it. Dalinar’s strate­gic con­sid­er­a­tions become more appar­ent as he plans poten­tial mil­i­tary routes, con­tem­plat­ing an amphibi­ous assault and the need for ships. The chap­ter ends with the for­mal seal­ing of a treaty, illus­trat­ing Dalinar’s con­tin­u­ous efforts to secure peace and sta­bil­i­ty through both mil­i­tary might and diplo­mat­ic nego­ti­a­tions, empha­siz­ing his role as a con­sum­mate strate­gist.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What strategic advantage does Dalinar demonstrate through the design and purpose of the retractable ledge in the fortress, and how does this reflect his approach to warfare and defense?

      Answer:
      Dalinar’s use of the retractable ledge showcases his strategic emphasis on defense and tactical ingenuity. The ledge can be extended to allow soldiers to climb or escape, and retracted to prevent enemies from gaining easy access or to trap attackers. This design reflects Dalinar’s understanding that terrain and fortifications can be manipulated to create advantages on the battlefield. It also highlights his preference for defensive, clever solutions rather than brute force alone. His focus on such features indicates a mindset that values preparedness, adaptability, and the importance of fortifications in warfare, aligning with his broader approach of strategic planning and resilience.

      2. How does Dalinar’s interaction with Adolin during the tactics meeting illustrate the importance of political legitimacy and diplomacy in warfare?

      Answer:
      Dalinar’s discussion with Adolin emphasizes that victory in war extends beyond battlefield tactics to include political legitimacy and diplomatic recognition. By winning the right to trade and, more significantly, securing the recognition of Gavilar as the rightful king, Dalinar demonstrates that political alliances and legitimacy can prevent larger conflicts. This approach underscores that warfare is interconnected with diplomacy; winning land and treaties can forestall future wars and stabilize rule. Dalinar’s focus on legitimacy shows his recognition that lasting peace and security depend on both military strength and political recognition, making diplomacy a vital component of strategic warfare.

      3. In what ways does Dalinar’s reflection on his past and his current role reveal his personal growth and shifting priorities?

      Answer:
      Dalinar’s reflection reveals a transition from a life of warfare and personal indulgence—such as drinking and partying—to one focused on leadership, strategy, and political stability. His previous experiences of war and camaraderie have given way to a sense of purpose in defending and unifying his land through diplomacy and strategic planning. His satisfaction in explaining his choices to Adolin and his aversion to a “useless life” in Kholinar highlight his evolving priorities: from personal pleasure to responsibility and legacy. This growth underscores a deepening sense of duty, where he values the stability and future of his people over personal indulgences, marking a significant shift in his character.

      4. How does the chapter illustrate the importance of understanding one’s environment and terrain in military planning?

      Answer:
      The chapter emphasizes the significance of terrain in Dalinar’s strategic considerations. His discussion of the fortress’s design, the challenge of scaling the walls, and the potential for an amphibious assault across the lake all demonstrate how terrain influences military decisions. Dalinar’s plan to approach from the south along the lake’s coast shows his awareness that geography can be leveraged to gain advantages or mitigate threats. The chapter highlights that effective military strategy involves detailed knowledge of the environment, using natural features to bolster defenses or facilitate surprise attacks, which is a core principle of warfare planning.

      5. Why is the concept of legitimacy, as discussed in the chapter, crucial for Dalinar’s strategy in maintaining peace and stability?

      Answer:
      Legitimacy is crucial because it solidifies political authority and discourages rebellion or invasion by establishing recognized sovereignty. Dalinar understands that winning the respect and acknowledgment of other powers, such as the Veden king’s recognition of Gavilar as the rightful king, helps maintain peace by reducing the likelihood of conflict. It also legitimizes Dalinar’s rule and the territorial gains, making them more durable. This strategic focus on legitimacy demonstrates that winning battles is not enough; securing political recognition ensures long-term stability and peace, preventing future conflicts rooted in disputes over rightful authority.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Who knew that such a gem had been hiding in the highlands between Alethkar and Jah Keved? This solitary keep would provide a nice barrier if true war ever did break out with the Vedens.”

      This quote highlights the strategic importance of terrain and fortifications, illustrating how Dalinar recognizes the value of overlooked strongholds in warfare and diplomacy.

      2. “It’s not merely land we’ve won. … But the most important thing we’ve won is legitimacy. In signing this new treaty, the Veden king has recognized Gavilar as the rightful king of Alethkar.”

      This statement underscores the chapter’s emphasis on political legitimacy and how military victories translate into diplomatic recognition, shaping the broader scope of power.

      3. “Incredibly good. He had no intention of ever returning to a useless life spent wasting away in Kholinar, going to parties and getting into tavern brawls.”

      This quote reveals Dalinar’s personal transformation and his renewed sense of purpose, contrasting his past frivolous life with his current commitment to leadership and strategy.

      4. “The coast is the expected route. What then? An amphibious assault across the lake? He’d need to see if he could get ships for that.”

      This line illustrates Dalinar’s strategic thinking and planning, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in military operations.

      5. “Her accent is fading, Dalinar noticed absently. When she sat down in a chair by the fire, she supported herself with her right hand, safehand tucked demurely against her waist. She kept her blonde hair in Alethi braids, rather than letting it tumble about her shoulders.”

      This detailed observation about Evi reflects the chapter’s focus on personal relationships and cultural identity, subtly emphasizing the human side of leadership amidst strategic concerns.

    Quotes

    1. “Who knew that such a gem had been hiding in the highlands between Alethkar and Jah Keved? This solitary keep would provide a nice barrier if true war ever did break out with the Vedens.”

    This quote highlights the strategic importance of terrain and fortifications, illustrating how Dalinar recognizes the value of overlooked strongholds in warfare and diplomacy.

    2. “It’s not merely land we’ve won. … But the most important thing we’ve won is legitimacy. In signing this new treaty, the Veden king has recognized Gavilar as the rightful king of Alethkar.”

    This statement underscores the chapter’s emphasis on political legitimacy and how military victories translate into diplomatic recognition, shaping the broader scope of power.

    3. “Incredibly good. He had no intention of ever returning to a useless life spent wasting away in Kholinar, going to parties and getting into tavern brawls.”

    This quote reveals Dalinar’s personal transformation and his renewed sense of purpose, contrasting his past frivolous life with his current commitment to leadership and strategy.

    4. “The coast is the expected route. What then? An amphibious assault across the lake? He’d need to see if he could get ships for that.”

    This line illustrates Dalinar’s strategic thinking and planning, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in military operations.

    5. “Her accent is fading, Dalinar noticed absently. When she sat down in a chair by the fire, she supported herself with her right hand, safehand tucked demurely against her waist. She kept her blonde hair in Alethi braids, rather than letting it tumble about her shoulders.”

    This detailed observation about Evi reflects the chapter’s focus on personal relationships and cultural identity, subtly emphasizing the human side of leadership amidst strategic concerns.

    FAQs

    1. What strategic advantage does Dalinar demonstrate through the design and purpose of the retractable ledge in the fortress, and how does this reflect his approach to warfare and defense?

    Answer:
    Dalinar’s use of the retractable ledge showcases his strategic emphasis on defense and tactical ingenuity. The ledge can be extended to allow soldiers to climb or escape, and retracted to prevent enemies from gaining easy access or to trap attackers. This design reflects Dalinar’s understanding that terrain and fortifications can be manipulated to create advantages on the battlefield. It also highlights his preference for defensive, clever solutions rather than brute force alone. His focus on such features indicates a mindset that values preparedness, adaptability, and the importance of fortifications in warfare, aligning with his broader approach of strategic planning and resilience.

    2. How does Dalinar’s interaction with Adolin during the tactics meeting illustrate the importance of political legitimacy and diplomacy in warfare?

    Answer:
    Dalinar’s discussion with Adolin emphasizes that victory in war extends beyond battlefield tactics to include political legitimacy and diplomatic recognition. By winning the right to trade and, more significantly, securing the recognition of Gavilar as the rightful king, Dalinar demonstrates that political alliances and legitimacy can prevent larger conflicts. This approach underscores that warfare is interconnected with diplomacy; winning land and treaties can forestall future wars and stabilize rule. Dalinar’s focus on legitimacy shows his recognition that lasting peace and security depend on both military strength and political recognition, making diplomacy a vital component of strategic warfare.

    3. In what ways does Dalinar’s reflection on his past and his current role reveal his personal growth and shifting priorities?

    Answer:
    Dalinar’s reflection reveals a transition from a life of warfare and personal indulgence—such as drinking and partying—to one focused on leadership, strategy, and political stability. His previous experiences of war and camaraderie have given way to a sense of purpose in defending and unifying his land through diplomacy and strategic planning. His satisfaction in explaining his choices to Adolin and his aversion to a “useless life” in Kholinar highlight his evolving priorities: from personal pleasure to responsibility and legacy. This growth underscores a deepening sense of duty, where he values the stability and future of his people over personal indulgences, marking a significant shift in his character.

    4. How does the chapter illustrate the importance of understanding one’s environment and terrain in military planning?

    Answer:
    The chapter emphasizes the significance of terrain in Dalinar’s strategic considerations. His discussion of the fortress’s design, the challenge of scaling the walls, and the potential for an amphibious assault across the lake all demonstrate how terrain influences military decisions. Dalinar’s plan to approach from the south along the lake’s coast shows his awareness that geography can be leveraged to gain advantages or mitigate threats. The chapter highlights that effective military strategy involves detailed knowledge of the environment, using natural features to bolster defenses or facilitate surprise attacks, which is a core principle of warfare planning.

    5. Why is the concept of legitimacy, as discussed in the chapter, crucial for Dalinar’s strategy in maintaining peace and stability?

    Answer:
    Legitimacy is crucial because it solidifies political authority and discourages rebellion or invasion by establishing recognized sovereignty. Dalinar understands that winning the respect and acknowledgment of other powers, such as the Veden king’s recognition of Gavilar as the rightful king, helps maintain peace by reducing the likelihood of conflict. It also legitimizes Dalinar’s rule and the territorial gains, making them more durable. This strategic focus on legitimacy demonstrates that winning battles is not enough; securing political recognition ensures long-term stability and peace, preventing future conflicts rooted in disputes over rightful authority.

    Note