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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

    90. Reborn

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter begins with Szeth, a for­mer assas­sin known as the White, who has been mirac­u­lous­ly reborn through the inter­ven­tion of Nin, a Her­ald of Jus­tice. His res­ur­rec­tion involved the use of a fab­r­i­al, which healed his body but left lin­ger­ing signs of his spirit’s improp­er reat­tach­ment, such as a glow­ing after­im­age. Szeth’s iden­ti­ty and past deeds weigh heav­i­ly on him as he pre­pares to join the Sky­break­er order, a group ded­i­cat­ed to jus­tice and law. The nar­ra­tive explores the blur­ry line between myth and real­i­ty regard­ing the Unmade and Void­bringers, empha­siz­ing the dif­fi­cul­ty in dis­tin­guish­ing fact from fic­tion in their myth­ic uni­verse.

    Szeth’s inner con­flict is pal­pa­ble as he nav­i­gates the train­ing grounds, observ­ing the oth­er hope­fuls and con­tem­plat­ing his own readi­ness. His con­nec­tion to the spir­i­tu­al realm is strained, haunt­ed by voic­es of the dead he has slain, which he fears still have pow­er over him. The black sword he car­ries, gift­ed by Nin, sym­bol­izes his ongo­ing strug­gle with his past and his new role. Despite the phys­i­cal and spir­i­tu­al scars, Szeth is deter­mined to prove him­self, dri­ven by a desire for jus­tice and a need to restore his hon­or, even as doubts linger about his trust­wor­thi­ness and the true nature of his pow­ers.

    The chap­ter also delves into the for­mal ini­ti­a­tion process of the Sky­break­er order, high­light­ing the sig­nif­i­cance of the Ideals—moral and spir­i­tu­al vows that define a Skybreaker’s path. Szeth is instruct­ed on the pro­gres­sion from ini­tial vows to full mem­ber­ship, includ­ing the impor­tance of bond­ing with a high­spren. The process is rig­or­ous, requir­ing him to speak the first three Ideals, with the promise of fur­ther ideals like Cru­sade and Divi­sion. The nar­ra­tive empha­sizes the grav­i­ty of these vows, which serve as both spir­i­tu­al com­mit­ments and tests of ded­i­ca­tion, shap­ing Szeth’s jour­ney toward becom­ing a full Sky­break­er and seek­ing jus­tice for his past deeds.

    Through­out the chap­ter, the tone remains intro­spec­tive and focused on Szeth’s inter­nal strug­gles and the dis­ci­plined, almost rit­u­al­is­tic, nature of the Sky­break­er train­ing. Szeth’s ques­tions about the hid­den nature of the Ideals and the sig­nif­i­cance of his vows reveal his desire for clar­i­ty and pur­pose. The chap­ter under­scores the themes of redemp­tion, trust, and the pur­suit of jus­tice, as Szeth’s path is marked by both spir­i­tu­al growth and the lin­ger­ing shad­ows of his pre­vi­ous life. The nar­ra­tive sets the stage for his ongo­ing trans­for­ma­tion and the chal­lenges he must face to ful­fill his des­tiny.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does Szeth’s rebirth and the use of the fabrial by Nin the Herald influence his physical and spiritual state, and what does this suggest about the nature of death and resurrection in the story?

      Answer:
      Szeth’s rebirth, facilitated by Nin using a fabrial, demonstrates that death in this world is not necessarily final. The fact that Nin could heal Szeth’s body before his spirit properly reattached indicates that death can be reversed or manipulated through advanced magical technology. Szeth’s body was restored, but his spirit’s improper reattachment left visible signs, like the glowing afterimage, showing that his spiritual state was still unstable. This suggests that in this universe, death involves both physical and spiritual components, and resurrection requires careful spiritual reattachment. It raises questions about the permanence of death and the extent to which magic can alter or bypass natural life cycles.

      2. What is the significance of the Ideals in the Skybreaker order, and how do they shape Szeth’s journey toward becoming a full Skybreaker?

      Answer:
      The Ideals serve as fundamental vows or principles that define the Skybreaker order and guide its members’ moral and spiritual development. Each Ideal represents a step in their oath of dedication, starting with the First Ideal of Radiance and progressing through Justice, Dedication, Crusade, and potentially beyond. For Szeth, speaking these Ideals signifies his commitment to a greater purpose and aligns him with the order’s code. The process of learning and speaking the Ideals, along with bonding a highspren, is essential for his progression to become a full Skybreaker. These vows not only formalize his dedication but also unlock new powers and responsibilities, shaping his path from a conflicted assassin to a dedicated enforcer of justice.

      3. How does Szeth’s internal conflict and his connection to the Voices and madness reflect larger themes of trust, redemption, and self-identity in the chapter?

      Answer:
      Szeth’s struggle with the Voices and madness highlights a central theme of trust—both in himself and in the spiritual realm. His fears of the voices and whether they still hold power over him reveal his internal battle with guilt and shame over past deeds. His death and rebirth have not fully healed his psyche, leading to moments of terror and self-doubt. The chapter explores his desire for redemption through his commitment to the Skybreaker ideals, seeking to bring justice to those who wronged him and his homeland. His internal conflict underscores the complex journey of self-identity, where he must reconcile his past actions, his spiritual afflictions, and his new purpose as he strives for moral clarity and acceptance.

      4. In what ways does the chapter depict the importance of discipline and training within the Skybreaker order, and what does this imply about the nature of their pursuit of justice?

      Answer:
      The chapter emphasizes rigorous evaluation, formal vows, and structured progression through the Ideals as core aspects of the Skybreaker order. Szeth’s participation in tests, the requirement to bond a highspren, and the need for a master to guide him demonstrate that their pursuit of justice is not casual but highly disciplined. This structured approach implies that true justice, in their view, requires dedication, moral rigor, and mastery of both spiritual and physical powers. The emphasis on ideals and formal vows underscores that their pursuit is rooted in a moral code that demands discipline, self-control, and unwavering commitment—qualities necessary for wielding their power responsibly.

      5. How might Szeth’s understanding and mastery of the Ideals influence his actions and decisions in future conflicts?

      Answer:
      Szeth’s grasp of the Ideals will serve as moral and spiritual guidelines that shape his behavior and decisions. As he progresses through the Ideals, especially the Dedication and Crusade, he will likely develop a stronger sense of purpose and ethical clarity. This understanding can help him resist temptation or corruption, ensuring he acts in accordance with the higher truths he vows to uphold. Conversely, it could also create internal conflicts if his personal sense of justice clashes with the orders’ expectations. Ultimately, mastery of the Ideals will influence Szeth to act with greater conviction, focus his efforts on meaningful justice, and possibly lead him to become a more effective and morally grounded agent of change in the story.

    Quotes

    • 1. “I have done my best to separate fact from fiction, but the two blend like mixing paint when the Voidbringers are involved. Each of the Unmade has a dozen names, and the powers ascribed to them range from the fanciful to the terrifying.”

      This quote underscores the difficulty in distinguishing truth from myth when it comes to the Voidbringers and their mysterious Unmade, highlighting the chapter’s exploration of myth, reality, and the unknown.

      2. “Szeth, Truthless… Szeth. Just Szeth.”

      This line signifies Szeth’s complex identity and his struggle with his past and reputation, emphasizing his desire for simplicity amid chaos, which is central to his character arc.

      3. “He had died and been forced to return. He had failed to join the voices, and now they… they had no power over him, right?”

      This quote reveals Szeth’s internal conflict with his madness and the spiritual realm, illustrating his ongoing battle with guilt, trauma, and the lingering influence of death and the supernatural voices.

      4. “You swear to dedicate yourself to a greater truth—a code to follow. Upon achieving this, you will be taught Division, the second—and more dangerous—of the Surges we practice.”

      This passage explains the progression within the Skybreaker order, emphasizing the importance of dedication, bonds with highspren, and the pursuit of greater truths as part of their training and spiritual journey.

      5. “The First Ideal is the Ideal of Radiance. You have spoken it. The second is the Ideal of Justice, an oath to seek and administer justice.”

      This statement clarifies the foundational ideals that define the Skybreaker order, framing their moral and spiritual commitments that Szeth is beginning to undertake.

    Quotes

    1. “I have done my best to separate fact from fiction, but the two blend like mixing paint when the Voidbringers are involved. Each of the Unmade has a dozen names, and the powers ascribed to them range from the fanciful to the terrifying.”

    This quote underscores the difficulty in distinguishing truth from myth when it comes to the Voidbringers and their mysterious Unmade, highlighting the chapter’s exploration of myth, reality, and the unknown.

    2. “Szeth, Truthless… Szeth. Just Szeth.”

    This line signifies Szeth’s complex identity and his struggle with his past and reputation, emphasizing his desire for simplicity amid chaos, which is central to his character arc.

    3. “He had died and been forced to return. He had failed to join the voices, and now they… they had no power over him, right?”

    This quote reveals Szeth’s internal conflict with his madness and the spiritual realm, illustrating his ongoing battle with guilt, trauma, and the lingering influence of death and the supernatural voices.

    4. “You swear to dedicate yourself to a greater truth—a code to follow. Upon achieving this, you will be taught Division, the second—and more dangerous—of the Surges we practice.”

    This passage explains the progression within the Skybreaker order, emphasizing the importance of dedication, bonds with highspren, and the pursuit of greater truths as part of their training and spiritual journey.

    5. “The First Ideal is the Ideal of Radiance. You have spoken it. The second is the Ideal of Justice, an oath to seek and administer justice.”

    This statement clarifies the foundational ideals that define the Skybreaker order, framing their moral and spiritual commitments that Szeth is beginning to undertake.

    FAQs

    1. How does Szeth’s rebirth and the use of the fabrial by Nin the Herald influence his physical and spiritual state, and what does this suggest about the nature of death and resurrection in the story?

    Answer:
    Szeth’s rebirth, facilitated by Nin using a fabrial, demonstrates that death in this world is not necessarily final. The fact that Nin could heal Szeth’s body before his spirit properly reattached indicates that death can be reversed or manipulated through advanced magical technology. Szeth’s body was restored, but his spirit’s improper reattachment left visible signs, like the glowing afterimage, showing that his spiritual state was still unstable. This suggests that in this universe, death involves both physical and spiritual components, and resurrection requires careful spiritual reattachment. It raises questions about the permanence of death and the extent to which magic can alter or bypass natural life cycles.

    2. What is the significance of the Ideals in the Skybreaker order, and how do they shape Szeth’s journey toward becoming a full Skybreaker?

    Answer:
    The Ideals serve as fundamental vows or principles that define the Skybreaker order and guide its members’ moral and spiritual development. Each Ideal represents a step in their oath of dedication, starting with the First Ideal of Radiance and progressing through Justice, Dedication, Crusade, and potentially beyond. For Szeth, speaking these Ideals signifies his commitment to a greater purpose and aligns him with the order’s code. The process of learning and speaking the Ideals, along with bonding a highspren, is essential for his progression to become a full Skybreaker. These vows not only formalize his dedication but also unlock new powers and responsibilities, shaping his path from a conflicted assassin to a dedicated enforcer of justice.

    3. How does Szeth’s internal conflict and his connection to the Voices and madness reflect larger themes of trust, redemption, and self-identity in the chapter?

    Answer:
    Szeth’s struggle with the Voices and madness highlights a central theme of trust—both in himself and in the spiritual realm. His fears of the voices and whether they still hold power over him reveal his internal battle with guilt and shame over past deeds. His death and rebirth have not fully healed his psyche, leading to moments of terror and self-doubt. The chapter explores his desire for redemption through his commitment to the Skybreaker ideals, seeking to bring justice to those who wronged him and his homeland. His internal conflict underscores the complex journey of self-identity, where he must reconcile his past actions, his spiritual afflictions, and his new purpose as he strives for moral clarity and acceptance.

    4. In what ways does the chapter depict the importance of discipline and training within the Skybreaker order, and what does this imply about the nature of their pursuit of justice?

    Answer:
    The chapter emphasizes rigorous evaluation, formal vows, and structured progression through the Ideals as core aspects of the Skybreaker order. Szeth’s participation in tests, the requirement to bond a highspren, and the need for a master to guide him demonstrate that their pursuit of justice is not casual but highly disciplined. This structured approach implies that true justice, in their view, requires dedication, moral rigor, and mastery of both spiritual and physical powers. The emphasis on ideals and formal vows underscores that their pursuit is rooted in a moral code that demands discipline, self-control, and unwavering commitment—qualities necessary for wielding their power responsibly.

    5. How might Szeth’s understanding and mastery of the Ideals influence his actions and decisions in future conflicts?

    Answer:
    Szeth’s grasp of the Ideals will serve as moral and spiritual guidelines that shape his behavior and decisions. As he progresses through the Ideals, especially the Dedication and Crusade, he will likely develop a stronger sense of purpose and ethical clarity. This understanding can help him resist temptation or corruption, ensuring he acts in accordance with the higher truths he vows to uphold. Conversely, it could also create internal conflicts if his personal sense of justice clashes with the orders’ expectations. Ultimately, mastery of the Ideals will influence Szeth to act with greater conviction, focus his efforts on meaningful justice, and possibly lead him to become a more effective and morally grounded agent of change in the story.

    Note