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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

    111. Eila Stele

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter begins with a reflec­tion on the myth­ic sig­nif­i­cance of the Unmade, high­light­ing the num­ber nine as an omi­nous and ene­my-asso­ci­at­ed fig­ure, con­trast­ing with the eight known ones. This sets a tone of under­ly­ing mys­tery and dan­ger that per­me­ates the sto­ry. The nar­ra­tive then shifts to Dalinar’s arrival in Thaylen City, where he encoun­ters Meri­das Amaram—a fig­ure embody­ing mil­i­tary dis­ci­pline and polit­i­cal com­plex­i­ty. Their inter­ac­tion reveals ten­sions root­ed in past deeds and cur­rent ambi­tions, as Ama­ram reports on the city’s recon­struc­tion efforts and empha­sizes the impor­tance of rebuild­ing trust with the Thaylen peo­ple, even as under­ly­ing dis­cord sim­mers beneath the sur­face.

    Dalinar’s con­ver­sa­tion with Ama­ram under­scores polit­i­cal and mil­i­tary ten­sions in Roshar. Amaram’s pride in the city’s rebuild­ing efforts is pal­pa­ble, but his remarks reveal lin­ger­ing frus­tra­tions and a desire for recog­ni­tion and author­i­ty. Dali­nar, mean­while, remains cau­tious, aware of Amaram’s ambi­tions and the del­i­cate bal­ance of alliances. The dia­logue also hints at deep­er con­flicts, such as the strained rela­tions between Kholin troops and the local pop­u­lace, and the unspo­ken dis­trust sur­round­ing Amaram’s past. Dali­nar’s restraint in response to Amaram’s over­tures empha­sizes the ongo­ing strug­gle to main­tain uni­ty amid com­pet­ing loy­al­ties and the threat of inter­nal dis­cord.

    The scene shifts to a more per­son­al tone as Dali­nar inter­acts with his men, who are eager to engage in minor acts of rebel­lion, like jok­ing about stab­bing Ama­ram. Dalinar’s lead­er­ship is exem­pli­fied through his dis­ci­pline and cama­raderie, as he pre­pares for an upcom­ing strate­gic meet­ing. His inter­ac­tions with Jas­nah, Navani, and Renar­in show a moment of respite and reflec­tion amid the chaos of war prepa­ra­tions. The nar­ra­tive explores Dalinar’s lead­er­ship style, empha­siz­ing his focus on punc­tu­al­i­ty, order, and the impor­tance of uni­ty. The scene also intro­duces the logis­ti­cal chal­lenges of war, as Dalinar’s group pre­pares to meet and strate­gize for the com­ing con­flict.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with a glimpse into the broad­er geopo­lit­i­cal land­scape, as Thaylen mer­chants arrive, bring­ing news of eco­nom­ic insta­bil­i­ty and logis­ti­cal dif­fi­cul­ties. The col­lapse of bank­ing and the with­draw­al of mer­chants threat­en the finan­cial sta­bil­i­ty of the cities, com­pli­cat­ing war efforts and resource man­age­ment. Jasnah’s analy­sis high­lights the frag­ile state of Roshar’s econ­o­my, empha­siz­ing how polit­i­cal and eco­nom­ic insta­bil­i­ty could influ­ence mil­i­tary strate­gies and alliances. Dalinar’s con­cern about the mer­chants’ depar­ture under­scores the inter­con­nect­ed­ness of com­merce and war­fare, illus­trat­ing the broad­er chal­lenges faced by the king­doms in main­tain­ing sta­bil­i­ty dur­ing a time of esca­lat­ing con­flict.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What does the chapter reveal about Dalinar’s attitude toward Amaram’s performance in Thaylen City, and how does this reflect Dalinar’s leadership style?

      Answer:
      The chapter shows that Dalinar recognizes and appreciates Amaram’s efforts in rebuilding Thaylen City, stating, “The city looks far better,” and complimenting the work done. However, Dalinar maintains a cautious attitude toward Amaram’s motivations, emphasizing that “Follow your orders. That is how you’ll prove yourself to me.” This indicates Dalinar’s leadership style—focused on discipline, accountability, and ensuring subordinates act within the boundaries of their duties rather than seeking personal validation. He values results but remains wary of potential hidden agendas or unchecked ambition, as seen in his response to Amaram’s overtures and the lingering tension beneath the surface.

      2. How does the chapter depict the political and military landscape of Roshar, particularly in relation to the economic and strategic challenges faced by its cities?

      Answer:
      The chapter highlights a complex political and military landscape, with ongoing reconstruction efforts and economic instability. Dalinar observes that the Thaylen merchants are pulling out of cities, signaling a “quiet economic collapse,” which poses logistical challenges for local governments needing to finance troops. The mention of the Thaylen Gemstone Reserve and the difficulty in maintaining city defenses indicates strained resources and shifting alliances. Strategically, the focus on rebuilding Thaylen City and the presence of Oathgates suggest a reliance on rapid transportation for military and diplomatic purposes. The economic decline and the movement of wealth emphasize the fragile state of stability on Roshar, complicating warfare and governance.

      3. What significance does the chapter place on the Oathgate system, and how does its frequent use impact the narrative’s depiction of technological or magical infrastructure?

      Answer:
      The chapter underscores the importance of the Oathgate system as a critical infrastructure for transportation, diplomacy, and military logistics. Dalinar observes a flash surrounding the Oathgate, indicating its active use, and mentions that it’s “almost perpetual,” highlighting its central role in the current state of Roshar. The frequent use of the Oathgates signifies their reliability and strategic value, enabling rapid deployment of armies and officials across distant locations. This infrastructure blurs the line between magical and technological systems, emphasizing their vital role in maintaining stability and facilitating coordination in a fractured world. It also suggests an evolving reliance on these devices, making them a focal point in the chapter’s depiction of societal resilience.

      4. How do the interactions between Dalinar and other characters, such as Amaram and Jasnah, illustrate the themes of leadership, trust, and political diplomacy?

      Answer:
      Dalinar’s interactions reveal a nuanced approach to leadership—balancing authority with diplomacy. His cautious yet respectful exchange with Amaram shows he values competence but remains wary of underlying motives, reflecting themes of trust and suspicion. His firm reminder to Amaram to follow orders underscores his emphasis on discipline and accountability. Conversely, his interaction with Jasnah, where she offers to pull records and he remains curious, demonstrates openness to knowledge and strategic planning. These interactions highlight Dalinar’s role as a leader who seeks to build trust through careful oversight and values intelligence and diplomacy in navigating political complexities, reinforcing the overarching themes of leadership rooted in wisdom and vigilance.

      5. In what ways does the chapter hint at larger political or economic shifts occurring on Roshar, and what implications might these shifts have for the ongoing war effort?

      Answer:
      The chapter hints at significant political and economic shifts, such as the withdrawal of bankers from cities and the collapse of local economies, exemplified by the depleting reserves like the Thaylen Gemstone Reserve. These developments suggest a weakening of financial stability, which could hinder military logistics and supply chains. The mention that local governments will struggle to finance troops indicates potential vulnerability and a possible decline in military readiness. Such shifts could undermine the war effort by limiting resources, complicating troop deployment, and destabilizing alliances. These signs of economic decline foreshadow increased difficulties in sustaining prolonged conflict and may prompt strategic reevaluations for all involved parties on Roshar.

    Quotes

    • 1. “It will not take a careful reader to ascertain I have listed only eight of the Unmade here. Lore is confident there were nine, an unholy number, asymmetrical and often associated with the enemy.”

      This quote highlights the significance of the Unmade in the mythos, emphasizing their mysterious and ominous nature. It sets the tone for the chapter’s exploration of lore and the deep-rooted fears surrounding these entities.

      2. “Dalinar stepped out of the Oathgate control building into Thaylen City and was met by the man he most wanted to punch in all Roshar.”

      This opening line introduces the central conflict with Amaram, framing their tense relationship and hinting at underlying political and personal tensions that drive the chapter’s narrative.

      3. “Your work here was important, soldier. You didn’t only rebuild a city; you built the trust of the Thaylen people.”

      This remark underscores the theme of reconstruction not just as physical rebuilding but as a means of restoring trust and political alliances, emphasizing the broader strategic importance of Dalinar’s efforts.

      4. “The Thaylens are not our enemies.”

      This statement challenges assumptions about enemies and allies, hinting at the complex diplomatic landscape on Roshar and suggesting that perceptions can be misleading in wartime.

      5. “Storms, Dalinar! I’m your best frontline general, and you know it. Torol was a liability to this nation.”

      This quote reveals Amaram’s ambition and desire for recognition, as well as his attempt to align himself with Dalinar’s reputation, illustrating the chapter’s themes of loyalty, reputation, and political maneuvering.

    Quotes

    1. “It will not take a careful reader to ascertain I have listed only eight of the Unmade here. Lore is confident there were nine, an unholy number, asymmetrical and often associated with the enemy.”

    This quote highlights the significance of the Unmade in the mythos, emphasizing their mysterious and ominous nature. It sets the tone for the chapter’s exploration of lore and the deep-rooted fears surrounding these entities.

    2. “Dalinar stepped out of the Oathgate control building into Thaylen City and was met by the man he most wanted to punch in all Roshar.”

    This opening line introduces the central conflict with Amaram, framing their tense relationship and hinting at underlying political and personal tensions that drive the chapter’s narrative.

    3. “Your work here was important, soldier. You didn’t only rebuild a city; you built the trust of the Thaylen people.”

    This remark underscores the theme of reconstruction not just as physical rebuilding but as a means of restoring trust and political alliances, emphasizing the broader strategic importance of Dalinar’s efforts.

    4. “The Thaylens are not our enemies.”

    This statement challenges assumptions about enemies and allies, hinting at the complex diplomatic landscape on Roshar and suggesting that perceptions can be misleading in wartime.

    5. “Storms, Dalinar! I’m your best frontline general, and you know it. Torol was a liability to this nation.”

    This quote reveals Amaram’s ambition and desire for recognition, as well as his attempt to align himself with Dalinar’s reputation, illustrating the chapter’s themes of loyalty, reputation, and political maneuvering.

    FAQs

    1. What does the chapter reveal about Dalinar’s attitude toward Amaram’s performance in Thaylen City, and how does this reflect Dalinar’s leadership style?

    Answer:
    The chapter shows that Dalinar recognizes and appreciates Amaram’s efforts in rebuilding Thaylen City, stating, “The city looks far better,” and complimenting the work done. However, Dalinar maintains a cautious attitude toward Amaram’s motivations, emphasizing that “Follow your orders. That is how you’ll prove yourself to me.” This indicates Dalinar’s leadership style—focused on discipline, accountability, and ensuring subordinates act within the boundaries of their duties rather than seeking personal validation. He values results but remains wary of potential hidden agendas or unchecked ambition, as seen in his response to Amaram’s overtures and the lingering tension beneath the surface.

    2. How does the chapter depict the political and military landscape of Roshar, particularly in relation to the economic and strategic challenges faced by its cities?

    Answer:
    The chapter highlights a complex political and military landscape, with ongoing reconstruction efforts and economic instability. Dalinar observes that the Thaylen merchants are pulling out of cities, signaling a “quiet economic collapse,” which poses logistical challenges for local governments needing to finance troops. The mention of the Thaylen Gemstone Reserve and the difficulty in maintaining city defenses indicates strained resources and shifting alliances. Strategically, the focus on rebuilding Thaylen City and the presence of Oathgates suggest a reliance on rapid transportation for military and diplomatic purposes. The economic decline and the movement of wealth emphasize the fragile state of stability on Roshar, complicating warfare and governance.

    3. What significance does the chapter place on the Oathgate system, and how does its frequent use impact the narrative’s depiction of technological or magical infrastructure?

    Answer:
    The chapter underscores the importance of the Oathgate system as a critical infrastructure for transportation, diplomacy, and military logistics. Dalinar observes a flash surrounding the Oathgate, indicating its active use, and mentions that it’s “almost perpetual,” highlighting its central role in the current state of Roshar. The frequent use of the Oathgates signifies their reliability and strategic value, enabling rapid deployment of armies and officials across distant locations. This infrastructure blurs the line between magical and technological systems, emphasizing their vital role in maintaining stability and facilitating coordination in a fractured world. It also suggests an evolving reliance on these devices, making them a focal point in the chapter’s depiction of societal resilience.

    4. How do the interactions between Dalinar and other characters, such as Amaram and Jasnah, illustrate the themes of leadership, trust, and political diplomacy?

    Answer:
    Dalinar’s interactions reveal a nuanced approach to leadership—balancing authority with diplomacy. His cautious yet respectful exchange with Amaram shows he values competence but remains wary of underlying motives, reflecting themes of trust and suspicion. His firm reminder to Amaram to follow orders underscores his emphasis on discipline and accountability. Conversely, his interaction with Jasnah, where she offers to pull records and he remains curious, demonstrates openness to knowledge and strategic planning. These interactions highlight Dalinar’s role as a leader who seeks to build trust through careful oversight and values intelligence and diplomacy in navigating political complexities, reinforcing the overarching themes of leadership rooted in wisdom and vigilance.

    5. In what ways does the chapter hint at larger political or economic shifts occurring on Roshar, and what implications might these shifts have for the ongoing war effort?

    Answer:
    The chapter hints at significant political and economic shifts, such as the withdrawal of bankers from cities and the collapse of local economies, exemplified by the depleting reserves like the Thaylen Gemstone Reserve. These developments suggest a weakening of financial stability, which could hinder military logistics and supply chains. The mention that local governments will struggle to finance troops indicates potential vulnerability and a possible decline in military readiness. Such shifts could undermine the war effort by limiting resources, complicating troop deployment, and destabilizing alliances. These signs of economic decline foreshadow increased difficulties in sustaining prolonged conflict and may prompt strategic reevaluations for all involved parties on Roshar.

    Note