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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

    107. The First Step

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter begins with a reflec­tion on the obscure his­to­ry of Ba-Ado-Mishram, sug­gest­ing that she either returned to Damna­tion or was destroyed dur­ing the events of Aha­ri­eti­am. This his­tor­i­cal ambi­gu­i­ty sets a tone of mys­tery and loss sur­round­ing ancient enti­ties and their sig­nif­i­cance. Dali­nar, the pro­tag­o­nist, awak­ens to a sur­pris­ing­ly peace­ful morn­ing, cared for metic­u­lous­ly by Navani, indi­cat­ing a moment of rel­a­tive sta­bil­i­ty in his tur­bu­lent life. His rou­tine of groom­ing and dress­ing reveals a rit­u­al­is­tic aspect of his char­ac­ter, empha­siz­ing his desire to main­tain a sense of order amid chaos. Mem­o­ries of his broth­er Gav­i­lar and the funer­al sur­face, hint­ing at unre­solved grief and the weight of past trau­mas that con­tin­ue to influ­ence his present.

    Dalinar’s inter­nal thoughts reveal a com­plex mix­ture of mem­o­ry, doubt, and hope. He ques­tions the ori­gins of recent visions and dreams, par­tic­u­lar­ly one involv­ing Nohadon, con­tem­plat­ing whether these are mere illu­sions or hold deep­er sig­nif­i­cance. His con­nec­tion to the Storm­fa­ther remains vital, pro­vid­ing reas­sur­ance and a sense of com­pan­ion­ship in moments of doubt. Dalinar’s reflec­tions on the first step—taking that ini­tial move toward change—highlight the chapter’s cen­tral theme: the impor­tance of begin­ning, even when the path ahead is unclear. His strug­gles with the Thrill and the temp­ta­tion of past excess­es under­score the ongo­ing bat­tle with­in him­self, empha­siz­ing that recov­ery is frag­ile and incom­plete.

    The nar­ra­tive shifts to a polit­i­cal scene, where Dali­nar encoun­ters Tar­a­van­gian, the aging king, in a moment of unex­pect­ed cama­raderie. Their con­ver­sa­tion reveals the ongo­ing polit­i­cal ten­sions and strate­gic con­sid­er­a­tions, such as the deploy­ment of troops and ques­tions about the fate of key fig­ures like Adolin, Elhokar, and the Radi­ants. Taravangian’s phys­i­cal decline con­trasts with his sharp mind, and Dalinar’s con­cern for his friend’s health adds a lay­er of per­son­al con­nec­tion to the broad­er polit­i­cal land­scape. The men­tion of a pos­si­ble storm-relat­ed sign and hope reflects the chapter’s recur­ring motif of faith amid uncer­tain­ty, empha­siz­ing that hope remains a vital force.

    Final­ly, the chap­ter cul­mi­nates in a strate­gic meet­ing with­in the Tower’s “Gallery of Maps,” where mil­i­tary plans and polit­i­cal alliances are dis­cussed. Dalinar’s lead­er­ship is chal­lenged sub­tly by polit­i­cal rivals like Ialai and Ruthar, whose silences and oppo­si­tion hint at under­ly­ing ten­sions. The detailed descrip­tions of the set­ting and char­ac­ters under­score the grav­i­ty of the situation—preparing for upcom­ing con­flicts and nav­i­gat­ing polit­i­cal intrigue. Through­out, the chap­ter under­scores the impor­tance of resilience, mem­o­ry, and hope in the face of adver­si­ty, illus­trat­ing that the first step toward change is often the most dif­fi­cult but also the most essen­tial.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What significance does Dalinar place on the act of shaving, and how does it reflect his character or mindset?
      Answer:
      Dalinar’s choice to shave is more than a matter of fashion; it is a ritual that symbolizes self-preparation and authenticity. He finds value in the act of removing the “nightly chaff” to reveal his true self—marked by scars, furrows, and harsh features—indicating a desire for honesty and self-awareness. This ritual reflects his disciplined nature and his effort to maintain a sense of order amid chaos. It also signifies a connection to his past, as Gavilar taught him to shave, linking him to his family and heritage. Overall, the act embodies his striving for clarity and integrity, crucial qualities for a leader burdened by internal struggles and responsibilities.

      2. Question 2

      How does Dalinar’s interaction with the Stormfather reveal his internal struggles and hopes?
      Answer:
      Dalinar’s dialogue with the Stormfather illustrates his ongoing internal conflict and desire for reassurance. When he admits to hurting the Stormfather during the activation of the Oathgate and fears abandonment, it shows his guilt and anxiety about his actions and their consequences. His concern about the Stormfather leaving reflects a deep fear of losing a vital spiritual connection that offers him guidance and hope. Despite this, Dalinar’s hopeful comment—“You have hope”—indicates his longing for reassurance and his willingness to cling to hope amid uncertainty. This interaction underscores his vulnerability, the weight of his past deeds, and his persistent hope for redemption and divine support in his leadership journey.

      3. Question 3

      What does Taravangian’s presence and behavior during the scene suggest about his role and state of mind?
      Answer:
      Taravangian’s presence in the scene, despite his physical frailty and wobbling legs, underscores his importance as a strategic thinker and leader. His willingness to walk and participate in discussions shows resilience and dedication. His comments about feeling stronger and having remembered something significant suggest he is experiencing a mental breakthrough, possibly related to the larger political or spiritual conflicts. His acknowledgment of his aging and deterioration reveals self-awareness and humility. Taravangian’s role as an advisor and his contemplative demeanor indicate he is a key figure in the political landscape, and his mental state hints at a complex internal process—possibly a turning point—that could influence decisions ahead.

      4. Question 4

      In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of hope, particularly in relation to the characters’ circumstances?
      Answer:
      The chapter emphasizes hope through Dalinar’s interactions with the Stormfather and Taravangian’s reflections. Dalinar’s acknowledgment of feeling hope when the Stormfather hints at the possibility of the Stormblessed being alive demonstrates the importance of faith amid uncertainty. Similarly, Taravangian’s statement about not having news from Kholinar but choosing to maintain hope reflects the necessity of optimism in dire situations. Despite the weight of their responsibilities, both characters cling to hope as a vital source of strength. This theme highlights that hope is an essential element for resilience, guiding characters through internal doubts and external chaos, and underscores a core message that even in darkness, hope remains a crucial guiding light.

      5. Question 5

      How does the chapter depict the contrast between personal vulnerability and leadership, and what can this tell us about the nature of true leadership?
      Answer:
      The chapter portrays Dalinar’s vulnerability—his internal struggles, guilt, and physical frailty—alongside his role as a leader making strategic decisions. His honest conversations with the Stormfather, his discomfort with aging, and his internal doubts reveal a human side often hidden behind the image of a commanding figure. Yet, despite these vulnerabilities, he takes action—helping Taravangian, preparing for meetings, and seeking hope. This contrast suggests that true leadership involves acknowledging one’s weaknesses and fears while continuing to serve and make difficult decisions. Leadership rooted in vulnerability can foster authenticity, trust, and resilience, demonstrating that strength is not the absence of vulnerability but the courage to face it openly.

    Quotes

    • 1. “There is very little information about Ba-Ado-Mishram in more modern times. I can only assume she, unlike many of them, returned to Damnation or was destroyed during Aharietiam.”

      This quote highlights the mysterious fate of Ba-Ado-Mishram and underscores the gaps in historical knowledge, setting a tone of uncertainty and lost history that pervades the chapter.

      2. “The chance to prepare, to cut away the nightly chaff and reveal the real person underneath—furrows, scars, and harsh features included.”

      Dalinar finds meaning in the ritual of shaving, viewing it as a metaphor for self-examination and the stripping away of superficial layers to confront one’s true self.

      3. “What was the most important step a man could take? The first, obviously. But what did it mean?”

      This reflection encapsulates the chapter’s central theme: the significance of taking the initial step toward change or redemption, even amid uncertainty about its true meaning.

      4. “I hurt you,” Dalinar said. “When I activated the Oathgate. I was afraid you would leave me.”

      This candid admission reveals Dalinar’s vulnerability and fear of losing connection with the Stormfather, emphasizing themes of guilt and the importance of trust in his journey.

      5. “The most vital step is the one you take when you decide to step away from the darkness and face the light.”

      This implied insight ties together the chapter’s exploration of personal redemption, hope, and the necessity of conscious choice in overcoming past mistakes.

    Quotes

    1. “There is very little information about Ba-Ado-Mishram in more modern times. I can only assume she, unlike many of them, returned to Damnation or was destroyed during Aharietiam.”

    This quote highlights the mysterious fate of Ba-Ado-Mishram and underscores the gaps in historical knowledge, setting a tone of uncertainty and lost history that pervades the chapter.

    2. “The chance to prepare, to cut away the nightly chaff and reveal the real person underneath—furrows, scars, and harsh features included.”

    Dalinar finds meaning in the ritual of shaving, viewing it as a metaphor for self-examination and the stripping away of superficial layers to confront one’s true self.

    3. “What was the most important step a man could take? The first, obviously. But what did it mean?”

    This reflection encapsulates the chapter’s central theme: the significance of taking the initial step toward change or redemption, even amid uncertainty about its true meaning.

    4. “I hurt you,” Dalinar said. “When I activated the Oathgate. I was afraid you would leave me.”

    This candid admission reveals Dalinar’s vulnerability and fear of losing connection with the Stormfather, emphasizing themes of guilt and the importance of trust in his journey.

    5. “The most vital step is the one you take when you decide to step away from the darkness and face the light.”

    This implied insight ties together the chapter’s exploration of personal redemption, hope, and the necessity of conscious choice in overcoming past mistakes.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What significance does Dalinar place on the act of shaving, and how does it reflect his character or mindset?
    Answer:
    Dalinar’s choice to shave is more than a matter of fashion; it is a ritual that symbolizes self-preparation and authenticity. He finds value in the act of removing the “nightly chaff” to reveal his true self—marked by scars, furrows, and harsh features—indicating a desire for honesty and self-awareness. This ritual reflects his disciplined nature and his effort to maintain a sense of order amid chaos. It also signifies a connection to his past, as Gavilar taught him to shave, linking him to his family and heritage. Overall, the act embodies his striving for clarity and integrity, crucial qualities for a leader burdened by internal struggles and responsibilities.

    2. Question 2

    How does Dalinar’s interaction with the Stormfather reveal his internal struggles and hopes?
    Answer:
    Dalinar’s dialogue with the Stormfather illustrates his ongoing internal conflict and desire for reassurance. When he admits to hurting the Stormfather during the activation of the Oathgate and fears abandonment, it shows his guilt and anxiety about his actions and their consequences. His concern about the Stormfather leaving reflects a deep fear of losing a vital spiritual connection that offers him guidance and hope. Despite this, Dalinar’s hopeful comment—“You have hope”—indicates his longing for reassurance and his willingness to cling to hope amid uncertainty. This interaction underscores his vulnerability, the weight of his past deeds, and his persistent hope for redemption and divine support in his leadership journey.

    3. Question 3

    What does Taravangian’s presence and behavior during the scene suggest about his role and state of mind?
    Answer:
    Taravangian’s presence in the scene, despite his physical frailty and wobbling legs, underscores his importance as a strategic thinker and leader. His willingness to walk and participate in discussions shows resilience and dedication. His comments about feeling stronger and having remembered something significant suggest he is experiencing a mental breakthrough, possibly related to the larger political or spiritual conflicts. His acknowledgment of his aging and deterioration reveals self-awareness and humility. Taravangian’s role as an advisor and his contemplative demeanor indicate he is a key figure in the political landscape, and his mental state hints at a complex internal process—possibly a turning point—that could influence decisions ahead.

    4. Question 4

    In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of hope, particularly in relation to the characters’ circumstances?
    Answer:
    The chapter emphasizes hope through Dalinar’s interactions with the Stormfather and Taravangian’s reflections. Dalinar’s acknowledgment of feeling hope when the Stormfather hints at the possibility of the Stormblessed being alive demonstrates the importance of faith amid uncertainty. Similarly, Taravangian’s statement about not having news from Kholinar but choosing to maintain hope reflects the necessity of optimism in dire situations. Despite the weight of their responsibilities, both characters cling to hope as a vital source of strength. This theme highlights that hope is an essential element for resilience, guiding characters through internal doubts and external chaos, and underscores a core message that even in darkness, hope remains a crucial guiding light.

    5. Question 5

    How does the chapter depict the contrast between personal vulnerability and leadership, and what can this tell us about the nature of true leadership?
    Answer:
    The chapter portrays Dalinar’s vulnerability—his internal struggles, guilt, and physical frailty—alongside his role as a leader making strategic decisions. His honest conversations with the Stormfather, his discomfort with aging, and his internal doubts reveal a human side often hidden behind the image of a commanding figure. Yet, despite these vulnerabilities, he takes action—helping Taravangian, preparing for meetings, and seeking hope. This contrast suggests that true leadership involves acknowledging one’s weaknesses and fears while continuing to serve and make difficult decisions. Leadership rooted in vulnerability can foster authenticity, trust, and resilience, demonstrating that strength is not the absence of vulnerability but the courage to face it openly.

    Note