Oathbringer
1. Broken and Divided
by Sanderson, BrandonThe 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.
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
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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.
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