Oathbringer
100. An Old Friend
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter begins with Dalinar reflecting on the lingering influence of Nergaoul, the ancient and malevolent force on Roshar, which aligns with historical accounts of the Alethi “Thrill” of battle. This connection underscores the persistent presence of old, dark powers that continue to shape the current conflicts and memories. Hessi’s mythica references serve to deepen the sense of an ongoing struggle between ancient evil and the present, hinting at the unseen forces that influence the world’s history and the characters’ destinies.
Dalinar’s internal struggle becomes more evident as he recalls his encounter with the Nightwatcher, revealing the profound psychological scars inflicted during that meeting. His memories have been altered and fractured, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable. This loss of mental wholeness symbolizes the emotional toll of his past decisions and the ongoing burden of guilt, especially as he tours Vedenar, a city scarred by war and catastrophe, reflecting the physical and emotional devastation wrought by conflict.
The narrative then shifts to Dalinar’s observations of Vedenar’s battered state, emphasizing the city’s destruction and the remnants of its former splendor. As he surveys the ruins and the ocean beyond, Dalinar’s thoughts turn to his fears for his loved ones—Adolin and Elhokar—whose fate remains uncertain. The memories of Evi’s death and the persistent smoke evoke feelings of despair and helplessness, illustrating his deep internal conflict and the recurring trauma from past losses and failures.
Finally, Dalinar’s interaction with Taravangian introduces a philosophical dimension about the nature of power, sacrifice, and moral choices. Their discussion about fabrials, spren, and the remnants of ancient legends highlights the complex interplay of technology, magic, and morality in their world. Dalinar’s introspection about his own decisions and his critique of his ancestor, the Sunmaker, reveal his ongoing struggle with his identity and legacy. Despite the outward calm, he grapples with the profound weight of his past and the uncertain future, seeking clarity amidst chaos.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What are Dalinar’s feelings and thoughts about his memories and the past, especially concerning his encounter with the Nightwatcher?
Answer:
Dalinar is overwhelmed by the resurfacing of his memories, which he previously thought were mostly healed. The encounter with the Nightwatcher has left him with a sense of loss and pain, as it tore apart his memories like an old blanket and replaced them with new, scarred versions. His thoughts reveal a deep internal struggle, as he grapples with the trauma and the realization of how much of his past remains fractured. Despite his efforts to suppress these feelings, the memories threaten to overwhelm him, illustrating his ongoing emotional turmoil and the lasting impact of his past decisions and experiences.2. Question 2
How does the city of Vedenar reflect the effects of war and disaster, and what does Dalinar’s perspective reveal about his state of mind?
Answer:
Vedenar is depicted as a city scarred by civil war and the subsequent Everstorm, with broken walls, rubble, and burned areas. Dalinar observes the devastation firsthand, which triggers memories of his own actions, such as the destruction of Rathalas. His perspective reveals a mixture of sorrow, guilt, and frustration. The ruined city symbolizes the toll of conflict and loss, mirroring Dalinar’s internal struggles. His focus on the city’s martial capabilities, despite the devastation, shows his attempt to understand resilience and strength amid chaos. His emotional response—thinking of the dead and the destruction—exposes his deep sense of responsibility and remorse.3. Question 3
What is the significance of the discussion about fabrials and spren, and how does Taravangian’s explanation deepen the philosophical themes in the chapter?
Answer:
Taravangian’s explanation about fabrials and spren highlights the complex relationship between magic, technology, and morality in the world of Roshar. He describes how fabrials imprison spren to give form and function, which raises ethical questions about control and enslavement. The gemstone that holds a spren capable of blessing a Radiant suggests a potential for good but also hints at the danger of manipulating these entities. The philosophical theme is deepened through the idea that such power is fraught with moral ambiguity—imprisoning a spren that could be a blessing can also be seen as a form of enslavement. This discussion prompts reflection on the nature of power, control, and the ethical considerations of using magical artifacts.4. Question 4
In what ways does Dalinar’s internal dialogue and reactions to his surroundings reveal his ongoing struggle with guilt and identity?
Answer:
Dalinar’s internal dialogue exposes a man haunted by his past actions, guilt, and the weight of leadership. His thoughts about the destruction of Rathalas and the cries of dying children reveal his remorse and sense of responsibility. His efforts to stand tall and appear strong are contrasted with his inner emotional turmoil. His reflections on changing himself, erasing past mistakes, and the question of whether he would make different choices illustrate his ongoing struggle with identity—trying to reconcile the person he is with the person he wishes to be. His interactions, such as accepting the shield from Taravangian and contemplating the Sunmaker, further underscore his internal conflict between his past and his desire for redemption.5. Question 5
How does the chapter explore the theme of leadership and moral ambiguity through Dalinar’s reflections and observations?
Answer:
The chapter explores leadership as a burden laden with moral ambiguity through Dalinar’s reflections on his past and his current role. His thoughts about the destruction he has caused, coupled with his desire to understand the resilience of Vedenar, show that leadership involves difficult choices and accepting responsibility. His critique of his ancestor, the Sunmaker, as a tyrant, and his own feelings of regret suggest that true leadership requires moral humility and acknowledgment of one’s flaws. The philosophical discussion with Taravangian about making the best choices with limited information emphasizes that leadership often involves imperfect decisions. Overall, the chapter portrays leadership as a complex, morally nuanced endeavor that demands introspection and accountability.
Quotes
1. “I am convinced that Nergaoul is still active on Roshar. The accounts of the Alethi “Thrill” of battle align too well with ancient records—including the visions of red mist and dying creatures.”
This quote highlights the lingering influence of Nergaoul, the Thrill, suggesting its continued presence and impact on Roshar’s history and battles. It sets a tone of underlying, persistent forces shaping the world’s events.
2. “He tried to put all of that out of his mind as he toured Vedenar, one of the great cities of the world, known for its amazing gardens and lush atmosphere. Unfortunately, the city had been devastated by the Veden civil war, then the subsequent arrival of the Everstorm. Even along the sanitized path he walked for the tour, they passed scorched buildings, piles of rubble.”
This passage underscores the devastating consequences of war and natural disasters, emphasizing Dalinar’s internal struggle with guilt and grief over the destruction caused by his actions and the chaos engulfing Roshar.
3. “Mixing with those emotions was a growing fear for Adolin and Elhokar. Why hadn’t they sent word? If they’d escaped, wouldn’t they have flown to safety—or at the very least, found a spanreed? It seemed ridiculous to assume multiple Radiants and Shardbearers were trapped in the city, unable to flee. But the alternative was to worry that they hadn’t survived. That he’d sent them to die.”
This quote captures Dalinar’s deep anxiety and the weight of responsibility he feels for his loved ones, illustrating his internal conflict and the emotional toll of leadership amid chaos.
4. “That gemstone,” Taravangian said, “imprisons the kind of spren that gives things substance, the kind that holds the world together. We have entrapped in that shield something that, at another time, might have blessed a Knight Radiant.”
This statement introduces the concept of fabrials and the ethical dilemmas surrounding their creation, highlighting the tension between their usefulness and the potential for misuse or moral compromise.
5. “I did change them, I erased them. And I did become a different person.”
This powerful reflection reveals Dalinar’s acknowledgment of his past decisions and how he perceives personal transformation—whether through deliberate choice or subconscious alteration—underscoring a central theme of change and identity throughout the chapter.