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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

    109. Neshua Kadal

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter begins with a reflec­tion on the myth­ic fig­ure Re-Shep­hir, the Mid­night Moth­er, who is believed to have been destroyed at Aha­ri­eti­am, high­light­ing the ongo­ing theme of loss and the rem­nants of ancient pow­er. Dali­nar and Navani explore the mys­te­ri­ous struc­ture of Urithiru, focus­ing on a vein of red crys­tal embed­ded with­in the walls that sug­gests the tow­er might be alive or at least con­nect­ed to some form of ancient, pos­si­bly sen­tient, pow­er. Their inves­ti­ga­tion into the tower’s strange fea­tures hints at deep­er, unre­solved mys­ter­ies about its ori­gins and pur­pose, empha­siz­ing the impor­tance of under­stand­ing the tow­er’s true nature to har­ness its poten­tial or awak­en it.

    The nar­ra­tive then shifts to Dalinar’s sci­en­tif­ic and the­o­log­i­cal inquiries, where he and Navani dis­cuss the sig­nif­i­cance of var­i­ous gem­stones used in Soul­cast­ing and oth­er mag­i­cal process­es. Navani explains that gar­nets, which are asso­ci­at­ed with blood and the liq­ue­fac­tion of water-sol­u­ble sub­stances, are not cur­rent­ly used in Soul­cast­ers. Their con­ver­sa­tion reveals a broad­er quest for knowl­edge about the ancient tech­nolo­gies and the under­ly­ing prin­ci­ples of the mag­ic sys­tems, sug­gest­ing that unlock­ing these secrets could be piv­otal in their ongo­ing con­flict and in under­stand­ing the tower’s full capa­bil­i­ties. This sci­en­tif­ic curios­i­ty under­scores the chapter’s theme of dis­cov­ery amid uncer­tain­ty.

    As the sto­ry pro­gress­es, Dali­nar pre­pares for an immi­nent storm and war, receiv­ing urgent mes­sages about ene­my move­ments and poten­tial inva­sions. The strate­gic impor­tance of the upcom­ing stormwall and the impend­ing naval buildup by the ene­my under­score the urgency of their mil­i­tary prepa­ra­tions. Dalinar’s inter­nal con­flict about whether to pro­ceed with a dan­ger­ous plan reflects his aware­ness of the stakes involved. His reliance on both ancient wis­dom and mod­ern tech­nol­o­gy, such as his arm device, illus­trates his mul­ti­fac­eted approach to lead­er­ship in the face of chaos, empha­siz­ing the del­i­cate bal­ance between knowl­edge, intu­ition, and action in wartime.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Dalinar’s visions and his con­fronta­tion with the enemy’s greater pow­er. He wit­ness­es a scene with Nohadon, which sym­bol­izes wis­dom and lead­er­ship, but also faces the over­whelm­ing force of Odi­um, the malev­o­lent god. The Stormfather’s inabil­i­ty to ful­ly assist Dali­nar sig­ni­fies the lim­its of divine aid and the enor­mi­ty of the threat. Dalinar’s deci­sion to con­front this dan­ger head-on, despite uncer­tain­ty and dan­ger, high­lights the cen­tral theme of courage and the relent­less pur­suit of under­stand­ing and defeat­ing the ene­my. The scene under­scores the grav­i­ty of the war and the impor­tance of strate­gic fore­sight, even when clar­i­ty is elu­sive.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What is the significance of the red crystal embedded in the stone wall near Dalinar, and what does its pattern suggest about the nature of the tower?
      Answer:
      The red crystal embedded in the wall signifies a mysterious and potentially vital aspect of the tower’s structure. Dalinar notices it runs from the ceiling to the floor, with veins that ripple outward, suggesting it may be part of the tower’s “living” essence. Navani interprets the pattern as indicative of the tower being a living entity with a heart of emerald and ruby, and veins of garnet. The pattern implies that the tower might be a complex, possibly organic or mystical construct, whose health and function could be linked to these crystalline veins. The discovery raises questions about the tower’s true nature—whether it is alive, dormant, or something else entirely—and hints at deeper magical or technological systems at work.

      2. Question 2

      How does Navani describe the function of garnets in Soulcasters, and what scientific explanation does she provide for their use?
      Answer:
      Navani explains that garnets in Soulcasters are associated with making blood or liquids soluble in water. She states that scientifically, garnets were believed to enable Soulcasters to produce any liquid that was water-soluble, as opposed to oil-based substances. This suggests that garnets play a role in manipulating liquids, particularly blood, which could be significant for various magical or practical applications. She also notes that there are no Soulcasters using garnets currently, implying that their full potential or purpose remains a mystery. This explanation links the magical function of the gemstones to a scientific-like understanding of their properties, blending magic and science within the world’s lore.

      3. Question 3

      What does Dalinar’s reflection on the tower being “alive” or “sleeping” reveal about his understanding of the structure, and what efforts have been made to awaken it?
      Answer:
      Dalinar’s contemplation that the tower might be “alive” or “sleeping” demonstrates his view of the structure as a potentially sentient or living entity, emphasizing its mysterious, possibly organic nature. His statement that it is “dead” suggests he perceives the tower as having once been alive but now inert. Efforts to awaken it include infusing the heart of the tower like a fabrial and attempting to push Stormlight into it, including Renarin’s efforts. Despite these attempts, nothing has worked, highlighting the tower’s enigmatic resistance and the limits of current understanding. This reveals Dalinar’s desire to uncover and possibly harness the tower’s power, while also acknowledging the profound mystery surrounding its true nature.

      4. Question 4

      Analyze Dalinar’s reference to the “first rule of war” in the context of his decision to approach the storm and the visions. What does this reveal about his leadership and strategic mindset?
      Answer:
      Dalinar’s reference to the “first rule of war”—“Know your enemy”—reflects his strategic focus on understanding his opponent before engaging in battle. Approaching the storm and entering the visions signifies a willingness to confront the unknown and gather critical intelligence, even at personal risk. It shows his leadership style as cautious yet courageous, valuing knowledge as a weapon. Dalinar recognizes that without understanding the enemy’s motives and plans, victory is uncertain. His willingness to face the storm and the visions demonstrates his commitment to strategic awareness and preparation, essential qualities for effective leadership in a complex, unpredictable war.

      5. Question 5

      What does the scene with Nohadon and the Parshendi woman reveal about the historical or cultural context of the world, and how does it connect to Dalinar’s current situation?
      Answer:
      The scene with Nohadon and the Parshendi woman, set in an ancient palace, provides insight into the deep history and complex relationships between different races and leaders in the world. The Parshendi woman’s marbled skin and her role as an advisor suggest a culture with rich symbolism and possibly different perceptions of power and communication. Nohadon’s concern indicates ongoing struggles and diplomatic complexities. This historical scene connects to Dalinar’s current situation by emphasizing themes of leadership, understanding, and the importance of wisdom in navigating conflicts. It also hints at the cyclical nature of history and the enduring relevance of past lessons for present challenges.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Re-Shephir, the Midnight Mother, is another Unmade who appears to have been destroyed at Aharietiam.”

      This opening quote highlights the chapter’s connection to mythic and cosmic entities, setting a tone of mystery and the layered history of the Unmade, which are central to the chapter’s exploration of divine and unmade forces.

      2. “If this tower was alive, then it’s dead now.”

      Dalinar’s reflection encapsulates the chapter’s theme of ancient, possibly living structures and the idea that the tower might have once been a living entity, emphasizing the mystery and the potential consciousness of old-world constructs.

      3. “The first rule of war. Know your enemy.”

      A succinct and powerful statement that underscores the chapter’s focus on strategy, perception, and the importance of understanding one’s adversaries—an essential insight in Dalinar’s ongoing military and spiritual struggles.

      4. “Odium sees that a vision has begun. The enemy is focusing on us. He comes.”

      This quote conveys the imminent threat posed by Odium, illustrating the chapter’s tension between divine visions and the looming presence of a formidable enemy, emphasizing the stakes of Dalinar’s spiritual and physical battles.

      5. “Good enough. Unfortunately, it meant that Dalinar didn’t have time to let this Parshendi woman experience the vision in full.”

      This line reflects the urgency and the sacrifices made in moments of crisis, highlighting the tension between divine intervention and human action, and the unpredictable nature of divine communication in the chapter’s narrative.

    Quotes

    1. “Re-Shephir, the Midnight Mother, is another Unmade who appears to have been destroyed at Aharietiam.”

    This opening quote highlights the chapter’s connection to mythic and cosmic entities, setting a tone of mystery and the layered history of the Unmade, which are central to the chapter’s exploration of divine and unmade forces.

    2. “If this tower was alive, then it’s dead now.”

    Dalinar’s reflection encapsulates the chapter’s theme of ancient, possibly living structures and the idea that the tower might have once been a living entity, emphasizing the mystery and the potential consciousness of old-world constructs.

    3. “The first rule of war. Know your enemy.”

    A succinct and powerful statement that underscores the chapter’s focus on strategy, perception, and the importance of understanding one’s adversaries—an essential insight in Dalinar’s ongoing military and spiritual struggles.

    4. “Odium sees that a vision has begun. The enemy is focusing on us. He comes.”

    This quote conveys the imminent threat posed by Odium, illustrating the chapter’s tension between divine visions and the looming presence of a formidable enemy, emphasizing the stakes of Dalinar’s spiritual and physical battles.

    5. “Good enough. Unfortunately, it meant that Dalinar didn’t have time to let this Parshendi woman experience the vision in full.”

    This line reflects the urgency and the sacrifices made in moments of crisis, highlighting the tension between divine intervention and human action, and the unpredictable nature of divine communication in the chapter’s narrative.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What is the significance of the red crystal embedded in the stone wall near Dalinar, and what does its pattern suggest about the nature of the tower?
    Answer:
    The red crystal embedded in the wall signifies a mysterious and potentially vital aspect of the tower’s structure. Dalinar notices it runs from the ceiling to the floor, with veins that ripple outward, suggesting it may be part of the tower’s “living” essence. Navani interprets the pattern as indicative of the tower being a living entity with a heart of emerald and ruby, and veins of garnet. The pattern implies that the tower might be a complex, possibly organic or mystical construct, whose health and function could be linked to these crystalline veins. The discovery raises questions about the tower’s true nature—whether it is alive, dormant, or something else entirely—and hints at deeper magical or technological systems at work.

    2. Question 2

    How does Navani describe the function of garnets in Soulcasters, and what scientific explanation does she provide for their use?
    Answer:
    Navani explains that garnets in Soulcasters are associated with making blood or liquids soluble in water. She states that scientifically, garnets were believed to enable Soulcasters to produce any liquid that was water-soluble, as opposed to oil-based substances. This suggests that garnets play a role in manipulating liquids, particularly blood, which could be significant for various magical or practical applications. She also notes that there are no Soulcasters using garnets currently, implying that their full potential or purpose remains a mystery. This explanation links the magical function of the gemstones to a scientific-like understanding of their properties, blending magic and science within the world’s lore.

    3. Question 3

    What does Dalinar’s reflection on the tower being “alive” or “sleeping” reveal about his understanding of the structure, and what efforts have been made to awaken it?
    Answer:
    Dalinar’s contemplation that the tower might be “alive” or “sleeping” demonstrates his view of the structure as a potentially sentient or living entity, emphasizing its mysterious, possibly organic nature. His statement that it is “dead” suggests he perceives the tower as having once been alive but now inert. Efforts to awaken it include infusing the heart of the tower like a fabrial and attempting to push Stormlight into it, including Renarin’s efforts. Despite these attempts, nothing has worked, highlighting the tower’s enigmatic resistance and the limits of current understanding. This reveals Dalinar’s desire to uncover and possibly harness the tower’s power, while also acknowledging the profound mystery surrounding its true nature.

    4. Question 4

    Analyze Dalinar’s reference to the “first rule of war” in the context of his decision to approach the storm and the visions. What does this reveal about his leadership and strategic mindset?
    Answer:
    Dalinar’s reference to the “first rule of war”—“Know your enemy”—reflects his strategic focus on understanding his opponent before engaging in battle. Approaching the storm and entering the visions signifies a willingness to confront the unknown and gather critical intelligence, even at personal risk. It shows his leadership style as cautious yet courageous, valuing knowledge as a weapon. Dalinar recognizes that without understanding the enemy’s motives and plans, victory is uncertain. His willingness to face the storm and the visions demonstrates his commitment to strategic awareness and preparation, essential qualities for effective leadership in a complex, unpredictable war.

    5. Question 5

    What does the scene with Nohadon and the Parshendi woman reveal about the historical or cultural context of the world, and how does it connect to Dalinar’s current situation?
    Answer:
    The scene with Nohadon and the Parshendi woman, set in an ancient palace, provides insight into the deep history and complex relationships between different races and leaders in the world. The Parshendi woman’s marbled skin and her role as an advisor suggest a culture with rich symbolism and possibly different perceptions of power and communication. Nohadon’s concern indicates ongoing struggles and diplomatic complexities. This historical scene connects to Dalinar’s current situation by emphasizing themes of leadership, understanding, and the importance of wisdom in navigating conflicts. It also hints at the cyclical nature of history and the enduring relevance of past lessons for present challenges.

    Note