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 reflec­tion on the cul­tur­al phe­nom­e­non of Death Rat­tles, which some tra­di­tions attribute to divine influ­ence, but the nar­ra­tor sug­gests they may be linked to the effects of Moelach, the Unmade, man­i­fest­ing region­al­ly across Roshar. This per­spec­tive intro­duces a theme of inter­pret­ing phe­nom­e­na through a mys­ti­cal lens, hint­ing at deep­er, unseen forces at play in the world. The narrator’s con­tention chal­lenges tra­di­tion­al beliefs and sets a tone of ques­tion­ing accept­ed expla­na­tions, empha­siz­ing the com­plex rela­tion­ship between myth, prophe­cy, and real­i­ty in the story’s uni­verse.

    Dali­nar awak­ens in an unfa­mil­iar room, dis­ori­ent­ed and recall­ing recent tumul­tuous events, includ­ing his excom­mu­ni­ca­tion from the Vorin church and his strug­gles with grief, frus­tra­tion, and alco­hol. His phys­i­cal state reflects inner tur­moil, and his mem­o­ries hint at a peri­od of intense suf­fer­ing and self-med­ica­tion. The scene under­scores his vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty and the emo­tion­al toll of his recent expe­ri­ences, estab­lish­ing a back­drop of inter­nal con­flict that influ­ences his per­cep­tions and deci­sions. The environment’s details, such as the sun­light and the mur­al, hint at a place of significance—possibly a vision or a memory—integrating his spir­i­tu­al and psy­cho­log­i­cal strug­gles.

    As Dali­nar explores the room, he rec­og­nizes its con­nec­tion to a vision involv­ing Nohadon, the leg­endary fig­ure who authored *The Way of Kings*. The vision’s sur­re­al nature reveals Dalinar’s ongo­ing strug­gle to inter­pret divine mes­sages, as he ques­tions why the Stormfather’s warn­ings are man­i­fest­ing in unpre­dictable ways. Encoun­ter­ing Nohadon in a youth­ful and aged state, Dali­nar wit­ness­es a scene that blurs the line between past and present, sug­gest­ing a deep­er con­nec­tion between his visions and the his­tor­i­cal figure’s life. This inter­ac­tion rais­es ques­tions about fate, divine guid­ance, and Dalinar’s role in the unfold­ing des­tiny of Roshar.

    The scene shifts to a vivid depic­tion of a bustling ancient city, con­trast­ing sharply with Dalinar’s pre­vi­ous per­cep­tions of his­to­ry as dull and weath­ered. Nohadon, now por­trayed as live­ly and ener­getic, takes Dali­nar on a jour­ney through the city, empha­siz­ing themes of vital­i­ty, move­ment, and the impor­tance of expe­ri­enc­ing life’s sim­ple joys. Dali­nar observes the vibrant cloth­ing, archi­tec­ture, and cus­toms, rec­og­niz­ing ele­ments of his own past and the sig­nif­i­cance of under­stand­ing his­to­ry not just as sta­t­ic relics, but as liv­ing, breath­ing parts of the world. The chap­ter con­cludes with Nohadon’s con­fi­dent inde­pen­dence, rein­forc­ing the idea that true strength lies in resilience and embrac­ing life despite hard­ships.

    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What is Dalinar’s initial emotional state upon waking in the chapter, and how does his environment reflect or influence this state?
      Answer:
      Dalinar begins the chapter feeling disoriented and stiff, indicating physical and possibly mental fatigue. His environment—a room of cut stone, with sunlight streaming through an open balcony—serves as a stark contrast to his internal turmoil. The bright, unfamiliar setting and the dust motes in the sunlight create a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere that mirrors his confusion and the haziness of his recent memories, such as his days of frustration, sorrow, and alcohol use. The environment’s tranquility and the sunlight’s intensity highlight his vulnerability and the sense that he is in a liminal space between his past struggles and the potential for new insights or revelations.

      2. Question 2

      How does Dalinar’s perception of the visions he experiences relate to his understanding of the Stormfather’s role, and what significance does the setting of his visions hold?
      Answer:
      Dalinar perceives his visions as both a source of guidance and danger, as evidenced by his concern that they are too risky—highlighted when he questions the Stormfather about sending him visions. The visions are significant because they serve as a connection to the past, specifically to Nohadon and the history of the world, which Dalinar seeks to understand better. The setting of his visions—initially a familiar room, then a bustling city—symbolizes a bridge between his internal struggles and the external history of his civilization. The vividness and clarity of these visions suggest they are more than mere dreams; they are a divine or mystical link that offers insights into leadership, morality, and the past, which Dalinar must interpret carefully.

      3. Question 3

      Analyze the significance of Nohadon’s character in the chapter. What does his portrayal reveal about his role in Dalinar’s understanding of leadership and history?
      Answer:
      Nohadon appears as a wise, approachable figure—an older man with a playful, relatable personality, evidenced by his joke about cooking Shin loaf bread and his carefree leap off the balcony. His portrayal as a king who enjoys simple pleasures and engages in everyday activities like shopping underscores his humility and wisdom. Nohadon’s presence in the visions emphasizes his importance as a moral and historical authority, especially given his association with “The Way of Kings,” a foundational text. His actions and demeanor suggest that true leadership involves humility, connection to the common people, and a focus on moral virtues. This portrayal encourages Dalinar to reconsider what it means to be a leader and how historical figures like Nohadon embody the qualities necessary for guiding others.

      4. Question 4

      In what ways do the visions of the past challenge or reinforce Dalinar’s current understanding of his identity and responsibilities?
      Answer:
      The visions challenge Dalinar by presenting a version of Nohadon—older, lively, and engaged in everyday life—that contrasts with his own struggles with grief, guilt, and perceived failures as a leader. Seeing Nohadon in such a relatable, humanized form may inspire Dalinar to reconsider his self-image and his approach to leadership. The visions reinforce the idea that true authority is rooted in humility, service, and moral integrity, rather than solely in martial prowess or titles. These insights prompt Dalinar to reflect on his responsibilities, encouraging him to adopt a more compassionate and principled approach, aligning his actions with the virtues exemplified by Nohadon.

      5. Question 5

      How does the chapter use the setting of the market and the cityscape to symbolize the themes of connection and cultural history?
      Answer:
      The vibrant market and bustling cityscape serve as a vivid backdrop that symbolizes life, community, and cultural continuity. The colorful clothing, lively sounds, and the old-fashioned style of dress evoke a sense of historical richness and the enduring nature of human society. Dalinar’s observation of the attire and the energetic scene underscores the theme that history and culture are living, dynamic forces that influence the present. The setting also emphasizes the importance of understanding the past—represented by the visions of Nohadon’s time—to inform current leadership and moral choices. This lively environment reinforces the idea that history is not static but woven into everyday life, offering lessons and inspiration.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Many cultures speak of the so-called Death Rattles that sometimes overtake people as they die. Tradition ascribes them to the Almighty, but I find too many to be seemingly prophetic. This will be my most contentious assertion I am sure, but I think these are the effects of Moelach persisting in our current times. Proof is easy to provide: the effect is regionalized, and tends to move across Roshar. This is the roving of the Unmade.”

      This quote highlights the chapter’s exploration of supernatural phenomena, suggesting that what is often dismissed as divine or coincidental may have a tangible, malevolent origin—specifically the influence of the Unmade, framing a key thematic element about unseen forces.

      2. “Dalinar started awake in an unfamiliar place, lying on a floor of cut stone, his back stiff. He blinked sleepily, trying to orient himself. Storms… where was he?”

      This opening scene introduces Dalinar’s disoriented state, setting the tone for the chapter’s focus on visions and the mysterious, often confusing nature of his experiences, emphasizing themes of perception and reality.

      3. “I know this room, I saw it in one of my visions. A highstorm must have come while he was passed out.”

      This moment underscores the blending of Dalinar’s waking life with his visions, illustrating how his prophetic experiences are intertwined with real-world events, and hinting at the significance of these visions.

      4. “It’s a shopping list. I’ll be cooking Shin loaf bread today, if I can get the ingredients. It always breaks people’s brains. Grain was not meant to be so fluffy.”

      This humorous yet profound line from Nohadon reveals a stark contrast to the grandeur often associated with kingship, emphasizing humility and the everyday joys that ground even the most powerful figures, and serving as a reminder of the human side of leadership.

      5. “Dalinar walked back to the writing chamber and with a thump beside the king. Nohadon clapped. ‘I thought you wouldn’t do it.’ ‘I have practice following fools in their reckless pursuits.’”

      This exchange illustrates Nohadon’s wisdom and confidence, symbolizing the chapter’s underlying theme that even leaders must sometimes embrace risk and uncertainty, and that wisdom often lies in understanding and patience.

    Quotes

    1. “Many cultures speak of the so-called Death Rattles that sometimes overtake people as they die. Tradition ascribes them to the Almighty, but I find too many to be seemingly prophetic. This will be my most contentious assertion I am sure, but I think these are the effects of Moelach persisting in our current times. Proof is easy to provide: the effect is regionalized, and tends to move across Roshar. This is the roving of the Unmade.”

    This quote highlights the chapter’s exploration of supernatural phenomena, suggesting that what is often dismissed as divine or coincidental may have a tangible, malevolent origin—specifically the influence of the Unmade, framing a key thematic element about unseen forces.

    2. “Dalinar started awake in an unfamiliar place, lying on a floor of cut stone, his back stiff. He blinked sleepily, trying to orient himself. Storms… where was he?”

    This opening scene introduces Dalinar’s disoriented state, setting the tone for the chapter’s focus on visions and the mysterious, often confusing nature of his experiences, emphasizing themes of perception and reality.

    3. “I know this room, I saw it in one of my visions. A highstorm must have come while he was passed out.”

    This moment underscores the blending of Dalinar’s waking life with his visions, illustrating how his prophetic experiences are intertwined with real-world events, and hinting at the significance of these visions.

    4. “It’s a shopping list. I’ll be cooking Shin loaf bread today, if I can get the ingredients. It always breaks people’s brains. Grain was not meant to be so fluffy.”

    This humorous yet profound line from Nohadon reveals a stark contrast to the grandeur often associated with kingship, emphasizing humility and the everyday joys that ground even the most powerful figures, and serving as a reminder of the human side of leadership.

    5. “Dalinar walked back to the writing chamber and with a thump beside the king. Nohadon clapped. ‘I thought you wouldn’t do it.’ ‘I have practice following fools in their reckless pursuits.’”

    This exchange illustrates Nohadon’s wisdom and confidence, symbolizing the chapter’s underlying theme that even leaders must sometimes embrace risk and uncertainty, and that wisdom often lies in understanding and patience.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What is Dalinar’s initial emotional state upon waking in the chapter, and how does his environment reflect or influence this state?
    Answer:
    Dalinar begins the chapter feeling disoriented and stiff, indicating physical and possibly mental fatigue. His environment—a room of cut stone, with sunlight streaming through an open balcony—serves as a stark contrast to his internal turmoil. The bright, unfamiliar setting and the dust motes in the sunlight create a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere that mirrors his confusion and the haziness of his recent memories, such as his days of frustration, sorrow, and alcohol use. The environment’s tranquility and the sunlight’s intensity highlight his vulnerability and the sense that he is in a liminal space between his past struggles and the potential for new insights or revelations.

    2. Question 2

    How does Dalinar’s perception of the visions he experiences relate to his understanding of the Stormfather’s role, and what significance does the setting of his visions hold?
    Answer:
    Dalinar perceives his visions as both a source of guidance and danger, as evidenced by his concern that they are too risky—highlighted when he questions the Stormfather about sending him visions. The visions are significant because they serve as a connection to the past, specifically to Nohadon and the history of the world, which Dalinar seeks to understand better. The setting of his visions—initially a familiar room, then a bustling city—symbolizes a bridge between his internal struggles and the external history of his civilization. The vividness and clarity of these visions suggest they are more than mere dreams; they are a divine or mystical link that offers insights into leadership, morality, and the past, which Dalinar must interpret carefully.

    3. Question 3

    Analyze the significance of Nohadon’s character in the chapter. What does his portrayal reveal about his role in Dalinar’s understanding of leadership and history?
    Answer:
    Nohadon appears as a wise, approachable figure—an older man with a playful, relatable personality, evidenced by his joke about cooking Shin loaf bread and his carefree leap off the balcony. His portrayal as a king who enjoys simple pleasures and engages in everyday activities like shopping underscores his humility and wisdom. Nohadon’s presence in the visions emphasizes his importance as a moral and historical authority, especially given his association with “The Way of Kings,” a foundational text. His actions and demeanor suggest that true leadership involves humility, connection to the common people, and a focus on moral virtues. This portrayal encourages Dalinar to reconsider what it means to be a leader and how historical figures like Nohadon embody the qualities necessary for guiding others.

    4. Question 4

    In what ways do the visions of the past challenge or reinforce Dalinar’s current understanding of his identity and responsibilities?
    Answer:
    The visions challenge Dalinar by presenting a version of Nohadon—older, lively, and engaged in everyday life—that contrasts with his own struggles with grief, guilt, and perceived failures as a leader. Seeing Nohadon in such a relatable, humanized form may inspire Dalinar to reconsider his self-image and his approach to leadership. The visions reinforce the idea that true authority is rooted in humility, service, and moral integrity, rather than solely in martial prowess or titles. These insights prompt Dalinar to reflect on his responsibilities, encouraging him to adopt a more compassionate and principled approach, aligning his actions with the virtues exemplified by Nohadon.

    5. Question 5

    How does the chapter use the setting of the market and the cityscape to symbolize the themes of connection and cultural history?
    Answer:
    The vibrant market and bustling cityscape serve as a vivid backdrop that symbolizes life, community, and cultural continuity. The colorful clothing, lively sounds, and the old-fashioned style of dress evoke a sense of historical richness and the enduring nature of human society. Dalinar’s observation of the attire and the energetic scene underscores the theme that history and culture are living, dynamic forces that influence the present. The setting also emphasizes the importance of understanding the past—represented by the visions of Nohadon’s time—to inform current leadership and moral choices. This lively environment reinforces the idea that history is not static but woven into everyday life, offering lessons and inspiration.

    Note