Oathbringer
97. Riino
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a reference to Sja-anat, a feared entity among the Radiants, known for her ability to corrupt spren, especially the lesser ones, highlighting her dangerous and malevolent nature in the mythic landscape. This sets a tone of darkness and the looming threat of corruption within the world, emphasizing the mystique and peril surrounding certain powerful entities. The narrative then shifts to Kaladin’s memories of his past as a slave, vividly recounting a harrowing escape attempt that ends in tragedy when Nalma is caught in a trap and dies. This flashback underscores the brutal realities of slavery and Kaladin’s personal history of survival amidst violence and loss, shaping his character and motivations.
In the second part, the scene transitions to Kaladin in Shadesmar, the spiritual realm, where he employs his skills in stealth to scout a lighthouse. His cautious approach, aided by Lashings and his experience as a runaway, reveals his strategic mindset and familiarity with danger. The lighthouse, with its enormous bonfire and strange creatures like anticipationspren, symbolizes the mysterious and unpredictable nature of Shadesmar. Kaladin’s observations of the lighthouse’s interior and the old Shin man he glimpses through the window hint at deeper mysteries and potential threats, emphasizing his role as a vigilant scout navigating an unfamiliar and perilous landscape.
The narrative then shifts focus to Shallan and her companions, who are waiting in the shadows near an unusual, slow-moving growth that resembles a mushroom. She reflects on her feelings of vulnerability and the burden of her new role as Radiant, with her insecurities compounded by her recent trauma in Kholinar. The group’s quiet anticipation, combined with her artistic attempt to understand the spren around them, illustrates her ongoing struggle to find stability and purpose amidst chaos. Syl and Pattern contribute their perspectives, highlighting the surreal and uncanny nature of their environment, which blurs the line between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
The chapter concludes with a sense of cautious hope and introspection. Kaladin’s reconnaissance and the group’s observations underscore the theme of vigilance in the face of unknown dangers. Meanwhile, Shallan’s internal dialogue about pain, acceptance, and her role as Radiant reveal her ongoing emotional journey. The blend of mystical elements, personal memories, and strategic planning creates a layered narrative that explores both external threats and internal struggles, emphasizing the complexity of navigating a world filled with danger and uncertainty.
FAQs
1. What role does Sja-anat play in the mythos, and how is her ability perceived by the Radiants?
Answer:
Sja-anat is depicted as a feared figure among the Radiants, primarily because of her ability to corrupt spren, which are essential entities in their cosmology. The text mentions that she is associated with the “Unmade,” a group of powerful, malevolent spren, and that her ability to corrupt even “lesser” spren makes her particularly daunting. The Radiants’ fear indicates her influence and the dangerous nature of her powers. Her reputation underscores the theme of corruption and the threat of malevolent forces in the broader mythic landscape, illustrating how certain entities are feared for their capacity to distort the natural order.2. How does Kaladin’s past as a slave influence his actions and perceptions during the scene in Shadesmar?
Answer:
Kaladin’s past as a slave profoundly shapes his instincts and reactions in Shadesmar. His experience of hiding in the darkness, avoiding detection, and his familiarity with the dangers of pursuit inform his cautious approach as he scouts the lighthouse. His memory of being a runaway slave makes him adept at stealth and evasion, skills he applies instinctively during the reconnaissance. Moreover, his emotional response to Nalma’s death—feeling helpless and weeping—reflects the lingering trauma and guilt from his past. This history influences his worldview, making him more attuned to danger and the importance of survival, as well as highlighting themes of oppression and resilience.3. What is the significance of the lighthouse in the narrative, and what does Kaladin’s observation of it reveal about its function or symbolism?
Answer:
The lighthouse serves as a key location in the scene, symbolizing guidance, hope, and perhaps a vantage point for understanding the larger conflict. Kaladin’s detailed observation—particularly the unusual fuel source for the enormous bonfire—raises questions about the lighthouse’s true purpose and the nature of the power sustaining it. Its bright glow and the fact that it throws an orange light over the peninsula suggest it’s a beacon or a strategic point. The lighthouse also acts as a narrative device, drawing attention to the mysterious and potentially dangerous environment of Shadesmar. Its presence signifies a pivotal point in the story where understanding its function could be crucial to the characters’ mission.4. How do the interactions between the characters in Shadesmar reflect their internal struggles and relationships?
Answer:
The characters’ interactions reveal their individual internal struggles and evolving relationships. Shallan’s anxiety about sending Kaladin alone shows her concern for his safety and her own feelings of helplessness. Her decision to sketch spren indicates her attempt to process her experiences and find a sense of control. Syl’s playful question about how the world looks to them hints at her curiosity and her connection to the surreal nature of Shadesmar. Pattern’s comment that the world looks “weird” to everyone underscores the shared sense of disorientation. These interactions highlight themes of trust, vulnerability, and the need for connection amid uncertainty, reflecting their personal growth and the importance of teamwork.5. In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of perception versus reality, and how is this exemplified through the spren and the lighthouse?
Answer:
The chapter delves into perception versus reality by illustrating how characters’ understanding of their environment is limited or altered. The spren, such as anticipationspren, appear as simple, stable parts of the landscape, but Kaladin’s observation that their tongues are actually waving is a reminder that appearances can be deceptive. Similarly, the lighthouse’s fire and its fuel source challenge assumptions about its power and purpose—its warmth and glow seem straightforward but hint at deeper, possibly hidden, complexities. This theme emphasizes that reality in Shadesmar—and perhaps in the wider world—is often layered and requires careful observation and interpretation to uncover the truth beneath surface appearances.
Quotes
1. “Of the Unmade, Sja-anat was most feared by the Radiants. They spoke extensively of her ability to corrupt spren, though only ‘lesser’ spren—whatever that means.”
This quote highlights the mysterious and dangerous nature of Sja-anat, emphasizing the fear she instills among the Radiants and hinting at the complex nature of spren corruption, which is central to the chapter’s exploration of dark entities and their influence.
2. “Kaladin remembered holding a dying woman’s hand. It had been during his days as a slave. He remembered crouching in the darkness, thick forest underbrush scratching his skin, the night around him too quiet. The animals had fled; they knew something was wrong.”
This passage captures Kaladin’s traumatic memories and establishes the chapter’s theme of suffering and survival, illustrating his past experience with cruelty and the instinctual fear that accompanies it.
3. “Get away. Find freedom. Find honor again. It had to be out there somewhere.”
This line encapsulates Kaladin’s internal drive and hope for redemption, representing the overarching quest for freedom and dignity that motivates him amidst chaos and despair.
4. “Inside, he saw an old Shin man—with furrowed, wrinkled skin and a completely bald head—sitting in a chair, reading by spherelight. A human? Kaladin couldn’t decide if that was a good sign or not. The old man began to turn a page in his book, then froze, looking up.”
This moment introduces a mysterious figure in the lighthouse, raising questions about the nature of the environment and the potential allies or threats that Kaladin may encounter, emphasizing the chapter’s theme of uncertainty and discovery.
5. “‘Find the balance,’ Wit had said. ‘Accept the pain, but don’t accept that you deserved it…’”
This quote offers a philosophical insight into resilience and self-acceptance, serving as a guiding principle for the characters as they navigate their internal struggles and the external dangers they face.