Chapter Index
    Cover of Oathbringer
    Adventure FictionFantasyFantasyFiction

    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.

    The chap­ter opens with a depic­tion of a tumul­tuous scene in a city square, where the envi­ron­ment is affect­ed by unnat­ur­al phe­nom­e­na like wilt­ing plants and a cool­ing atmos­phere, yet some func­tions of the tow­er per­sist, such as increased pres­sure. Kaladin, amidst this chaos, inter­nal­ly grap­ples with a storm of emo­tions and pow­er, draw­ing Storm­light to con­tain a tem­pest with­in him­self. His use of Storm­light is sub­tle but sig­nif­i­cant, enough to influ­ence his sur­round­ings with­out attract­ing atten­tion. This inter­nal strug­gle high­lights the ongo­ing bat­tle between his desire to con­trol his abil­i­ties and the dan­ger of reveal­ing them in a tense, unsta­ble envi­ron­ment.

    As the scene unfolds, chaos erupts with screams from twist­ing spren and the appear­ance of a Void­bringer descend­ing from the sky. The spren, con­fused and crack­ling with ener­gy, scream like wound­ed ani­mals, illus­trat­ing the chaos and super­nat­ur­al ten­sion of the moment. Kaladin observes the Void­bringer, not­ing its weapon—a long, spear-like lance—and its dark ener­gy, which sig­nals a for­mi­da­ble foe. The pres­ence of the Void­bringer and the spren’s dis­ori­en­ta­tion under­score the volatile nature of the ongo­ing con­flict and the del­i­cate bal­ance Kaladin must main­tain to avoid detec­tion and fur­ther chaos.

    The nar­ra­tive then shifts to a more per­son­al tone as char­ac­ters dis­cuss their strate­gies and social inter­ac­tions amid the tur­moil. Kaladin com­ments on the irony of their situation—fighting a city in chaos while also attend­ing a party—highlighting the stark con­trast between their dan­ger­ous cir­cum­stances and the super­fi­cial social gath­er­ings. Adolin’s attempt to blend in with a new, fash­ion­able wardrobe under­scores themes of appear­ance ver­sus real­i­ty. The scene also reveals social hier­ar­chies and the use of dis­guis­es, with char­ac­ters adopt­ing dif­fer­ent per­sonas to nav­i­gate the com­plex polit­i­cal land­scape, empha­siz­ing the impor­tance of appear­ances in their world.

    In the final sec­tion, the focus is on the prepa­ra­tions for an upcom­ing social event, with char­ac­ters dress­ing in elab­o­rate cloth­ing and engag­ing in light­heart­ed ban­ter. Adolin’s efforts to look the part for the par­ty con­trast with Kaladin’s more prag­mat­ic out­look. The scene pro­vides a glimpse into the cul­tur­al norms and leisure activ­i­ties of their soci­ety, where even amidst chaos, social rit­u­als and enter­tain­ment per­sist. The chap­ter ends with play­ful exchanges about food and fash­ion, illus­trat­ing the resilience of social bonds and the human need for nor­mal­cy, even in the face of loom­ing threats and ongo­ing con­flicts.

    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      How does Kaladin’s use of Stormlight during the marketplace incident demonstrate the limitations and risks associated with its use in this chapter?
      Answer:
      Kaladin’s use of Stormlight in the marketplace illustrates that even a small amount can have noticeable effects, such as making his eyes glow and causing internal storms. While he can infuse a stone to create a tempest, doing so triggers chaos—people panic, spren screech, and enemies like the Voidbringer become aware of his presence. The chapter highlights that Stormlight is inherently powerful and volatile; using it, even minimally, can attract attention, especially if it is used in a way that interacts with the environment or enemies. This demonstrates the risk Kaladin faces—his abilities can reveal his location and intentions, making subtlety difficult and increasing danger in tense situations.

      2. Question 2

      What does the interaction between Kaladin, Shallan, and Adolin reveal about their strategies for blending into their environment and avoiding detection?
      Answer:
      Their interaction shows that they rely on disguises and subtle use of their abilities to avoid detection. Adolin’s illusion mimics Captainlord Meleran Khal, which helps him blend into the crowd, while Kaladin’s minimal Stormlight use keeps him under the radar. Shallan’s comment that they are “quieter than him” suggests they are aware of the importance of remaining inconspicuous. This strategic concealment indicates that their abilities can be dangerous if revealed, and they prefer to operate covertly to gather intelligence or avoid conflict. It also highlights their understanding that in a hostile environment, subtlety and disguise are crucial tools for survival.

      3. Question 3

      In what ways does the chapter use humor and social commentary to critique the societal priorities of the lighteyed class?
      Answer:
      The chapter humorously depicts the lighteyed class engaging in frivolous activities like parties and fashion, even amidst chaos and danger. Kaladin’s sarcastic remark about the city “burning” while people throw parties underscores the disconnect between the lighteyes’ leisurely pursuits and the reality of the crisis. The dialogue about clothing styles, with Adolin’s fashionable but outdated attire and Yokska’s critique, satirizes the superficiality of social status and appearance. This social commentary critiques how the lighteyes often focus on maintaining appearances and social rituals rather than addressing pressing problems, highlighting a disparity in priorities between the ruling class and the realities faced by others.

      4. Question 4

      How does Adolin’s choice of clothing and his attitude toward fashion reflect his character and possibly his approach to leadership or social situations?
      Answer:
      Adolin’s decision to wear a fashionable, elaborate outfit, despite the chaos outside, suggests he values appearances and understands the importance of social perception. His confident attitude and desire to “look the part” imply that he recognizes the power of presentation in social and political contexts. His lighthearted remarks and willingness to poke fun at himself and others show a relaxed, charismatic personality that can adapt to social situations. This approach hints that Adolin might see leadership as partly rooted in charm and appearance, using his style and demeanor to influence others and navigate complex social dynamics effectively.

      5. Question 5

      What does the chapter suggest about the differing attitudes toward leisure and work among various social classes, particularly through the characters’ dialogues about parties, food, and entertainment?
      Answer:
      The chapter contrasts the work-focused lives of darkeyed people like Skar and Drehy with the leisure-oriented lifestyle of the lighteyed class. Kaladin’s sarcastic comment about the lighteyes “making up things to do” with their ample free time emphasizes the disparity. Skar and Drehy describe their community’s regular dances and social gatherings, even during wartime, implying a value placed on community and leisure despite hardship. Conversely, the lighteyes indulge in parties and fashion, often disconnected from the struggles of others. This difference underscores societal divides—while some see leisure as a vital part of life and social cohesion, others view it as frivolous or disconnected from the realities of survival and duty.

    Quotes

    • 1. “The wilting of plants and the general cooling of the air is disagreeable, yes, but some of the tower’s functions remain in place. The increased pressure, for example, persists.”

      This quote highlights how, despite the physical decline and chaos, certain fundamental systems and pressures remain operational, illustrating resilience amid deterioration.

      2. “Kaladin drew in a small amount of Stormlight and stoked the tempest within. That little storm raged inside him, rising from his skin, haunting the space behind his eyes and making them glow. Fortunately—though he stood in a busy market square—this tiny amount of Stormlight wouldn’t be enough for people to see in the bright sunlight.”

      This passage underscores the internal struggle and power of Stormlight within Kaladin, emphasizing the tension between his inner abilities and external concealment.

      3. “People squeezed into buildings or slipped out onto other streets. The slow ones simply huddled down beside the walls, hands over their heads. The spren arrived as two lines of bright yellow-white, twisting about one another above the plaza. Their inhuman screeches were awful. Like… like the sound of a wounded animal, dying alone in the wilderness.”

      This vivid description captures the chaos and fear during the attack, illustrating the terrifying presence of spren and the emotional turmoil of the scene.

      4. “That spear, Long, with a slender point for puncturing armor, it was like a horseman’s lance. He found himself nodding. That would be an excellent weapon for using in flight, where you’d need extra reach to attack men on the ground, or even enemies soaring around you.”

      This reflects the strategic importance of weapon design in the context of aerial combat, revealing the tactical considerations of the Voidbringer.

      5. “A party,” Kaladin said, pacing back and forth in the tailor shop’s showroom. “This is what they’re like. Your city is practically burning. What should you do? Throw a party, obviously.”

      This cynical remark highlights the disconnect between the chaos of war and the superficial social rituals, emphasizing the absurdity and irony of the elite’s priorities.

    Quotes

    1. “The wilting of plants and the general cooling of the air is disagreeable, yes, but some of the tower’s functions remain in place. The increased pressure, for example, persists.”

    This quote highlights how, despite the physical decline and chaos, certain fundamental systems and pressures remain operational, illustrating resilience amid deterioration.

    2. “Kaladin drew in a small amount of Stormlight and stoked the tempest within. That little storm raged inside him, rising from his skin, haunting the space behind his eyes and making them glow. Fortunately—though he stood in a busy market square—this tiny amount of Stormlight wouldn’t be enough for people to see in the bright sunlight.”

    This passage underscores the internal struggle and power of Stormlight within Kaladin, emphasizing the tension between his inner abilities and external concealment.

    3. “People squeezed into buildings or slipped out onto other streets. The slow ones simply huddled down beside the walls, hands over their heads. The spren arrived as two lines of bright yellow-white, twisting about one another above the plaza. Their inhuman screeches were awful. Like… like the sound of a wounded animal, dying alone in the wilderness.”

    This vivid description captures the chaos and fear during the attack, illustrating the terrifying presence of spren and the emotional turmoil of the scene.

    4. “That spear, Long, with a slender point for puncturing armor, it was like a horseman’s lance. He found himself nodding. That would be an excellent weapon for using in flight, where you’d need extra reach to attack men on the ground, or even enemies soaring around you.”

    This reflects the strategic importance of weapon design in the context of aerial combat, revealing the tactical considerations of the Voidbringer.

    5. “A party,” Kaladin said, pacing back and forth in the tailor shop’s showroom. “This is what they’re like. Your city is practically burning. What should you do? Throw a party, obviously.”

    This cynical remark highlights the disconnect between the chaos of war and the superficial social rituals, emphasizing the absurdity and irony of the elite’s priorities.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    How does Kaladin’s use of Stormlight during the marketplace incident demonstrate the limitations and risks associated with its use in this chapter?
    Answer:
    Kaladin’s use of Stormlight in the marketplace illustrates that even a small amount can have noticeable effects, such as making his eyes glow and causing internal storms. While he can infuse a stone to create a tempest, doing so triggers chaos—people panic, spren screech, and enemies like the Voidbringer become aware of his presence. The chapter highlights that Stormlight is inherently powerful and volatile; using it, even minimally, can attract attention, especially if it is used in a way that interacts with the environment or enemies. This demonstrates the risk Kaladin faces—his abilities can reveal his location and intentions, making subtlety difficult and increasing danger in tense situations.

    2. Question 2

    What does the interaction between Kaladin, Shallan, and Adolin reveal about their strategies for blending into their environment and avoiding detection?
    Answer:
    Their interaction shows that they rely on disguises and subtle use of their abilities to avoid detection. Adolin’s illusion mimics Captainlord Meleran Khal, which helps him blend into the crowd, while Kaladin’s minimal Stormlight use keeps him under the radar. Shallan’s comment that they are “quieter than him” suggests they are aware of the importance of remaining inconspicuous. This strategic concealment indicates that their abilities can be dangerous if revealed, and they prefer to operate covertly to gather intelligence or avoid conflict. It also highlights their understanding that in a hostile environment, subtlety and disguise are crucial tools for survival.

    3. Question 3

    In what ways does the chapter use humor and social commentary to critique the societal priorities of the lighteyed class?
    Answer:
    The chapter humorously depicts the lighteyed class engaging in frivolous activities like parties and fashion, even amidst chaos and danger. Kaladin’s sarcastic remark about the city “burning” while people throw parties underscores the disconnect between the lighteyes’ leisurely pursuits and the reality of the crisis. The dialogue about clothing styles, with Adolin’s fashionable but outdated attire and Yokska’s critique, satirizes the superficiality of social status and appearance. This social commentary critiques how the lighteyes often focus on maintaining appearances and social rituals rather than addressing pressing problems, highlighting a disparity in priorities between the ruling class and the realities faced by others.

    4. Question 4

    How does Adolin’s choice of clothing and his attitude toward fashion reflect his character and possibly his approach to leadership or social situations?
    Answer:
    Adolin’s decision to wear a fashionable, elaborate outfit, despite the chaos outside, suggests he values appearances and understands the importance of social perception. His confident attitude and desire to “look the part” imply that he recognizes the power of presentation in social and political contexts. His lighthearted remarks and willingness to poke fun at himself and others show a relaxed, charismatic personality that can adapt to social situations. This approach hints that Adolin might see leadership as partly rooted in charm and appearance, using his style and demeanor to influence others and navigate complex social dynamics effectively.

    5. Question 5

    What does the chapter suggest about the differing attitudes toward leisure and work among various social classes, particularly through the characters’ dialogues about parties, food, and entertainment?
    Answer:
    The chapter contrasts the work-focused lives of darkeyed people like Skar and Drehy with the leisure-oriented lifestyle of the lighteyed class. Kaladin’s sarcastic comment about the lighteyes “making up things to do” with their ample free time emphasizes the disparity. Skar and Drehy describe their community’s regular dances and social gatherings, even during wartime, implying a value placed on community and leisure despite hardship. Conversely, the lighteyes indulge in parties and fashion, often disconnected from the struggles of others. This difference underscores societal divides—while some see leisure as a vital part of life and social cohesion, others view it as frivolous or disconnected from the realities of survival and duty.

    Note