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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

    1. Broken and Divided

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with a provoca­tive quote from the pref­ace of *Oath­bringer*, hint­ing at the con­tentious and trans­for­ma­tive nature of the rev­e­la­tions to come. Dali­nar Kholin, a cen­tral fig­ure, finds him­self in a vision stand­ing beside the mem­o­ry of a dead god, Hon­or, amidst the ruins of Kholi­nar, his home city. This vision occurs short­ly after Dalinar’s forces arrive at Urithiru, seek­ing refuge from a dev­as­tat­ing storm. Despite their escape, Dali­nar feels over­whelmed and uncer­tain, strug­gling to com­pre­hend the forces at play, includ­ing the storm’s sig­nif­i­cance and the return of the ancient ene­mies known as the Void­bringers. His quest for under­stand­ing dri­ves him to seek divine insight through visions.

    Dalinar’s visions serve as a cryp­tic form of divine com­mu­ni­ca­tion, offer­ing frag­ment­ed insights into the past, present, and pos­si­ble futures. In this par­tic­u­lar vision, he wit­ness­es Kholi­nar in ruins, destroyed by an unknown destruc­tive force. Dali­nar, bond­ed with the Stormfather—an immense­ly pow­er­ful spren—uses his abil­i­ty to tra­verse these visions at will to inves­ti­gate the after­math of the city’s destruc­tion. He per­ceives the chaos of shat­tered build­ings, smashed storm for­ma­tions, and claw marks sug­gest­ing a mon­strous force. Despite the divine mono­logue he receives, Dali­nar seeks con­crete details, espe­cial­ly about the impend­ing threats, and ques­tions the nature of the destruc­tion, which is linked to the return of the Void­bringers and the omi­nous Ever­storm.

    The nar­ra­tive empha­sizes the urgency of Dalinar’s warn­ings about the approach­ing storm and the impend­ing cat­a­stro­phe. Though he has shared his con­cerns with lead­ers across Roshar, most dis­miss his warn­ings, under­es­ti­mat­ing the stor­m’s destruc­tive poten­tial. Dali­nar rec­og­nizes that the Ever­storm, which appeared sud­den­ly and with unprece­dent­ed pow­er, will return and dev­as­tate the land fur­ther, awak­en­ing the Parshen­di and trans­form­ing them into Void­bringers. The storm’s destruc­tive cycle and the fail­ure of polit­i­cal lead­ers to heed his warn­ings leave Dali­nar feel­ing iso­lat­ed and des­per­ate, as he attempts to piece togeth­er divine clues to pre­vent cat­a­stro­phe while con­fronting the real­i­ty that tra­di­tion­al defens­es and alliances are fal­ter­ing.

    In the final analy­sis, Dali­nar reflects on the broad­er impli­ca­tions of the visions and the impend­ing con­flict. The ruined Kholi­nar sym­bol­izes the com­ing destruc­tion, not only of cities but of the entire world order. He per­ceives signs of a mon­strous force capa­ble of tear­ing through stone and flesh, hint­ing at the chaos that will ensue. The divine mes­sage sug­gests that the storm is mere­ly a pre­cur­sor to even greater calamities—an apoc­a­lyp­tic con­flict dri­ven by inscrutable ene­mies and ancient pow­ers long thought dead. With the gods silent and the Knights Radi­ant dimin­ished, Dali­nar faces the over­whelm­ing bur­den of pre­vent­ing the ulti­mate des­o­la­tion, know­ing that hope hinges on frag­ile divine guid­ance and his own resolve to con­front the encroach­ing dark­ness.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What is the significance of Dalinar’s vision of Kholinar, and what does it reveal about his understanding of the impending threat?
      Answer:
      Dalinar’s vision of Kholinar is highly significant because it provides a glimpse into the future destruction of his home city, which symbolizes the broader impending catastrophe. Through this vision, he observes the ruins and the signs of violent destruction, such as claw marks and shattered structures, which suggest an attack by monstrous creatures or forces. It reveals that Dalinar recognizes the threat is not just natural storms but something more sinister—possibly the Voidbringers or other destructive entities. His desire to understand these visions indicates his attempt to decipher the true nature of the enemy and prepare for the coming war, even as others dismiss his warnings. The vision underscores his role as a seeker of knowledge in a time of chaos and his growing awareness of the scale of the threat.

      2. Question 2

      How does Dalinar’s interaction with the Stormfather and his use of visions illustrate the role of divine guidance in his leadership?
      Answer:
      Dalinar’s interaction with the Stormfather highlights the importance of divine guidance in his decision-making and leadership. The Stormfather, a powerful spren connected to the highstorm and the dead god Honor, acts as a conduit for divine messages, helping Dalinar access visions that reveal crucial information about the past, present, and future threats. Dalinar’s ability to summon these visions at will demonstrates his close bond with the divine, which empowers him to seek hidden truths and understand the larger cosmic battle. However, the visions are constructed as a form of divine communication designed to draw him toward certain realizations, such as the impending destruction or the need to seek Honor. This relationship underscores the theme that leadership in this world is intertwined with divine insight, and Dalinar’s faith and connection to the gods are central to his role as a leader.

      3. Question 3

      In what ways does the chapter portray the tension between Dalinar’s warnings and the skepticism of the other leaders?
      Answer:
      The chapter portrays a clear tension between Dalinar’s urgent warnings about the impending storm and Voidbringer threat, and the skepticism of the other leaders. Despite Dalinar’s detailed visions and warnings about the return of the Everstorm and its devastating effects, the monarchs and highprinces dismiss or ignore his concerns. For example, they acknowledge the appearance of the storm but refuse to believe it will return or cause the destruction he predicts. This skepticism stems from their disbelief in the severity of the threat, a reluctance to accept the reality of the Voidbringers, or perhaps political reasons to downplay the danger. The chapter emphasizes the tragic disconnect between Dalinar’s divine insights and the political or cultural resistance to acting on them, which heightens the impending sense of catastrophe and underscores the theme of ignored warnings in leadership.

      4. Question 4

      Critically evaluate the symbolic significance of Kholinar’s destruction in the vision and its implications for the story’s overarching conflict.
      Answer:
      Kholinar’s destruction in Dalinar’s vision symbolizes the inevitable collapse and chaos that will engulf the world if the threat is ignored. As a once-impervious city trusting in its walls, its ruin signifies that even the strongest defenses are futile against the destructive forces approaching—be they natural or supernatural. The imagery of claw marks and shattered structures emphasizes the brutality and uncontrollable nature of the coming devastation. This destruction acts as a metaphor for the larger conflict: the clash between order and chaos, faith and skepticism, and the old world versus the new threat. It foreshadows that the coming war will reshape the world fundamentally, and highlights the urgency for Dalinar and others to unite and confront the true enemy before it’s too late. The vision underscores that reliance on human defenses alone is insufficient; divine insight and unity are crucial.

      5. Question 5

      How does the chapter explore the theme of divine absence and the challenge of leadership in a world where divine guidance seems diminished?
      Answer:
      The chapter explores the theme of divine absence through the depiction of the Almighty, Honor, who appears to have left the world, leaving Dalinar and others without direct divine guidance. Dalinar’s visions are remnants or echoes of divine messages, but the gods themselves are no longer present in a tangible way. This absence creates a crisis of faith and forces Dalinar to rely on fragmented divine insights and his own judgment. It underscores the difficulty of leadership when divine authority is diminished, as leaders must interpret signs and visions without clear guidance, often facing skepticism and political resistance. The chapter highlights the burden of responsibility placed on Dalinar—he must act decisively despite the lack of direct divine support, illustrating that true leadership involves navigating uncertainty and trusting one’s convictions in a world where the divine’s presence is waning.

    Quotes

    • 1. “I’m certain some will feel threatened by this record. Some few may feel liberated. Most will simply feel that it should not exist.”

      This opening quote sets the tone for the chapter, highlighting the controversial and profound nature of confronting difficult truths, which Dalinar seeks through visions. It underscores the chapter’s exploration of uncomfortable knowledge and its varied reception.

      2. “In this vision, something had destroyed it anyway. Dalinar crested the detritus and surveyed the area, trying to imagine how it had felt to settle here so many millennia ago. Back when there had been no walls. It had been a hardy, stubborn lot who had grown this place.”

      This passage emphasizes the resilience and history of Kholinar, and how even the strongest defenses are vulnerable to forces beyond understanding. It reflects the chapter’s focus on the destructive power of unseen enemies and the importance of understanding history.

      3. “Dalinar had become a Knight Radiant by bonding the Stormfather himself—soul of the highstorm, most powerful spren on Roshar—and Dalinar had discovered he could now have these visions replayed for him at will. He’d already heard this monologue three times, and had repeated it word for word to Navani for transcription.”

      This quote reveals Dalinar’s unique connection to divine forces and his ability to access and control visions, illustrating the chapter’s theme of seeking divine guidance amid chaos and uncertainty.

      4. “Somehow, Dalinar was supposed to save the world anyway.”

      This succinct statement captures the chapter’s central tension: the burden placed on Dalinar to prevent catastrophe despite overwhelming odds and the apparent absence of divine support. It underscores the theme of duty and perseverance.

      5. “The storm will be a catastrophe, but not nearly on the scale of what follows. You can find refuge from storms, Son of Honor. Not so with our enemies.”

      This insight from the Stormfather highlights the true threat—the Voidbringers and the coming Desolation—and emphasizes the chapter’s focus on the existential danger and the limited safety in the face of divine and worldly chaos.

    Quotes

    1. “I’m certain some will feel threatened by this record. Some few may feel liberated. Most will simply feel that it should not exist.”

    This opening quote sets the tone for the chapter, highlighting the controversial and profound nature of confronting difficult truths, which Dalinar seeks through visions. It underscores the chapter’s exploration of uncomfortable knowledge and its varied reception.

    2. “In this vision, something had destroyed it anyway. Dalinar crested the detritus and surveyed the area, trying to imagine how it had felt to settle here so many millennia ago. Back when there had been no walls. It had been a hardy, stubborn lot who had grown this place.”

    This passage emphasizes the resilience and history of Kholinar, and how even the strongest defenses are vulnerable to forces beyond understanding. It reflects the chapter’s focus on the destructive power of unseen enemies and the importance of understanding history.

    3. “Dalinar had become a Knight Radiant by bonding the Stormfather himself—soul of the highstorm, most powerful spren on Roshar—and Dalinar had discovered he could now have these visions replayed for him at will. He’d already heard this monologue three times, and had repeated it word for word to Navani for transcription.”

    This quote reveals Dalinar’s unique connection to divine forces and his ability to access and control visions, illustrating the chapter’s theme of seeking divine guidance amid chaos and uncertainty.

    4. “Somehow, Dalinar was supposed to save the world anyway.”

    This succinct statement captures the chapter’s central tension: the burden placed on Dalinar to prevent catastrophe despite overwhelming odds and the apparent absence of divine support. It underscores the theme of duty and perseverance.

    5. “The storm will be a catastrophe, but not nearly on the scale of what follows. You can find refuge from storms, Son of Honor. Not so with our enemies.”

    This insight from the Stormfather highlights the true threat—the Voidbringers and the coming Desolation—and emphasizes the chapter’s focus on the existential danger and the limited safety in the face of divine and worldly chaos.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What is the significance of Dalinar’s vision of Kholinar, and what does it reveal about his understanding of the impending threat?
    Answer:
    Dalinar’s vision of Kholinar is highly significant because it provides a glimpse into the future destruction of his home city, which symbolizes the broader impending catastrophe. Through this vision, he observes the ruins and the signs of violent destruction, such as claw marks and shattered structures, which suggest an attack by monstrous creatures or forces. It reveals that Dalinar recognizes the threat is not just natural storms but something more sinister—possibly the Voidbringers or other destructive entities. His desire to understand these visions indicates his attempt to decipher the true nature of the enemy and prepare for the coming war, even as others dismiss his warnings. The vision underscores his role as a seeker of knowledge in a time of chaos and his growing awareness of the scale of the threat.

    2. Question 2

    How does Dalinar’s interaction with the Stormfather and his use of visions illustrate the role of divine guidance in his leadership?
    Answer:
    Dalinar’s interaction with the Stormfather highlights the importance of divine guidance in his decision-making and leadership. The Stormfather, a powerful spren connected to the highstorm and the dead god Honor, acts as a conduit for divine messages, helping Dalinar access visions that reveal crucial information about the past, present, and future threats. Dalinar’s ability to summon these visions at will demonstrates his close bond with the divine, which empowers him to seek hidden truths and understand the larger cosmic battle. However, the visions are constructed as a form of divine communication designed to draw him toward certain realizations, such as the impending destruction or the need to seek Honor. This relationship underscores the theme that leadership in this world is intertwined with divine insight, and Dalinar’s faith and connection to the gods are central to his role as a leader.

    3. Question 3

    In what ways does the chapter portray the tension between Dalinar’s warnings and the skepticism of the other leaders?
    Answer:
    The chapter portrays a clear tension between Dalinar’s urgent warnings about the impending storm and Voidbringer threat, and the skepticism of the other leaders. Despite Dalinar’s detailed visions and warnings about the return of the Everstorm and its devastating effects, the monarchs and highprinces dismiss or ignore his concerns. For example, they acknowledge the appearance of the storm but refuse to believe it will return or cause the destruction he predicts. This skepticism stems from their disbelief in the severity of the threat, a reluctance to accept the reality of the Voidbringers, or perhaps political reasons to downplay the danger. The chapter emphasizes the tragic disconnect between Dalinar’s divine insights and the political or cultural resistance to acting on them, which heightens the impending sense of catastrophe and underscores the theme of ignored warnings in leadership.

    4. Question 4

    Critically evaluate the symbolic significance of Kholinar’s destruction in the vision and its implications for the story’s overarching conflict.
    Answer:
    Kholinar’s destruction in Dalinar’s vision symbolizes the inevitable collapse and chaos that will engulf the world if the threat is ignored. As a once-impervious city trusting in its walls, its ruin signifies that even the strongest defenses are futile against the destructive forces approaching—be they natural or supernatural. The imagery of claw marks and shattered structures emphasizes the brutality and uncontrollable nature of the coming devastation. This destruction acts as a metaphor for the larger conflict: the clash between order and chaos, faith and skepticism, and the old world versus the new threat. It foreshadows that the coming war will reshape the world fundamentally, and highlights the urgency for Dalinar and others to unite and confront the true enemy before it’s too late. The vision underscores that reliance on human defenses alone is insufficient; divine insight and unity are crucial.

    5. Question 5

    How does the chapter explore the theme of divine absence and the challenge of leadership in a world where divine guidance seems diminished?
    Answer:
    The chapter explores the theme of divine absence through the depiction of the Almighty, Honor, who appears to have left the world, leaving Dalinar and others without direct divine guidance. Dalinar’s visions are remnants or echoes of divine messages, but the gods themselves are no longer present in a tangible way. This absence creates a crisis of faith and forces Dalinar to rely on fragmented divine insights and his own judgment. It underscores the difficulty of leadership when divine authority is diminished, as leaders must interpret signs and visions without clear guidance, often facing skepticism and political resistance. The chapter highlights the burden of responsibility placed on Dalinar—he must act decisively despite the lack of direct divine support, illustrating that true leadership involves navigating uncertainty and trusting one’s convictions in a world where the divine’s presence is waning.

    Note