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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

    114. The Cost

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    In this chap­ter, Dali­nar awak­ens sud­den­ly in a stormwag­on cab­in, dis­ori­ent­ed and ques­tion­ing the nature of his recent drunk­en­ness and the mem­o­ries he can­not recall. His mind is trou­bled by the strange expe­ri­ence, and he is deter­mined to seek out the Night­watch­er, a mys­te­ri­ous enti­ty, despite the risks involved. As he pre­pares to leave, his sol­diers under­stand his intent, and Felt, a loy­al com­pan­ion, accom­pa­nies him. Dalinar’s deci­sion to ven­ture into the unknown reflects his inter­nal strug­gle, bal­anc­ing duty, per­son­al beliefs, and a desire for guid­ance from super­nat­ur­al forces, even amid the chaos of his cir­cum­stances.

    Dali­nar and Felt trav­el through a stark, unfa­mil­iar land­scape that sharply con­trasts with his home­land. The ter­rain is char­ac­ter­ized by wrin­kled, crusty ground, sparse and bent trees, and a raw, blast­ed moun­tain­side. The land’s harsh­ness sym­bol­izes the inter­nal tur­moil Dali­nar faces, as he con­tem­plates the spir­i­tu­al and phys­i­cal chal­lenges ahead. Despite the dis­com­fort, Dali­nar remains res­olute, deter­mined to reach the place where he hopes to encounter the Night­watch­er, aware that this jour­ney is as much about con­fronting his fears as it is about seek­ing answers.

    As they approach the val­ley, Dali­nar observes the lush, over­grown nature of the ter­rain, which is teem­ing with life and tan­gled veg­e­ta­tion. The dense, tan­gled flo­ra resem­bles a bat­tle­field, sym­bol­iz­ing the ongo­ing con­flict with­in him and the larg­er strug­gles of his world. Felt explains that entry into the val­ley requires nav­i­gat­ing hid­den trails and that the envi­ron­ment itself seems alive, almost resist­ing out­siders. Dalinar’s curios­i­ty and resolve push him to enter the dense, humid val­ley alone, despite Felt’s warn­ings about the risks and the poten­tial cost of sum­mon­ing the super­nat­ur­al enti­ty.

    In the dark­ness of the val­ley, Dali­nar ven­tures deep­er, dri­ven by a mix­ture of antic­i­pa­tion and skep­ti­cism. The nat­ur­al sounds and the oppres­sive atmos­phere rein­force the sense of an oth­er­world­ly chal­lenge. He hopes for a spir­i­tu­al thrill or divine sign but is met with empti­ness, leav­ing him to ques­tion the pur­pose of his quest. The chap­ter ends with Dali­nar reflect­ing on his actions, con­tem­plat­ing whether his pur­suit of the Night­watch­er is a dis­trac­tion from the urgent polit­i­cal and per­son­al crises he faces, high­light­ing the ten­sion between faith and duty in his jour­ney.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What is the significance of Dalinar’s visit to the Nightwatcher, and how does it reflect his internal struggles?
      Answer:
      Dalinar’s decision to seek out the Nightwatcher signifies a moment of vulnerability and a desire for guidance or salvation beyond traditional authority. His internal struggle revolves around guilt, loss, and a sense of responsibility, as seen in his reluctance and hesitation before entering the valley. The act of seeking supernatural aid highlights his desperation to find clarity or strength to confront his burdens, especially in the context of recent violence and political unrest. This journey also symbolizes his internal conflict between duty and personal desire for peace or redemption, illustrating a key theme of seeking help outside oneself to face profound internal and external conflicts.

      2. Question 2

      Describe the environment of Hexi as depicted in the chapter and analyze how it contrasts with Dalinar’s homeland.
      Answer:
      Hexi’s environment is harsh, barren, and overgrown, with wrinkled, crusty ground covered in lichen, sparse and hunched trees, and blasted mountain sides. The landscape appears wild, almost chaotic, with dense, tangled vegetation and a sense of raw, untouched nature. In contrast, Dalinar’s homeland, Alethkar, is characterized by lush plains and farming villages, indicating a more cultivated and orderly environment. The stark difference emphasizes Hexi’s hostile, alien nature, which reflects the difficulty and danger Dalinar faces in his spiritual quest. It also underscores the theme of venturing into the unknown and the idea that true understanding or change often requires confronting unfamiliar and challenging surroundings.

      3. Question 3

      How does Felt’s perspective on the Nightwatcher’s visit and the nature of the challenge reflect broader themes of faith and uncertainty in the chapter?
      Answer:
      Felt’s description of the Nightwatcher’s selective visits and her apparent dislike for foreigners highlight the unpredictable and mysterious nature of the supernatural entity. His advice to Dalinar—to go alone and accept the cost—underscores a theme of faith in the unknown, emphasizing that such encounters are inherently uncertain and can come with unforeseen consequences. Felt’s pragmatic attitude illustrates a recognition that trust must be placed in something beyond logic or experience, reinforcing the chapter’s exploration of faith, risk, and the acceptance of ambiguity when pursuing spiritual or personal growth. It also hints at the idea that true insight or change often involves embracing uncertainty and the possibility of a high cost.

      4. Question 4

      What does Dalinar’s reaction to entering the valley and his feelings about the challenge reveal about his character and leadership?
      Answer:
      Dalinar’s hesitation and self-doubt upon entering the valley reveal his vulnerability and internal conflict. Despite his reputation as a strong leader and warrior, he experiences moments of doubt and questions his purpose—highlighted by his thoughts about chasing pagan superstition while others pursue political justice. His willingness to enter the dangerous, overgrown terrain alone shows his determination and sense of responsibility, but also his internal struggle with faith, fear, and the desire for guidance. This moment humanizes him, illustrating that even powerful leaders grapple with uncertainty and fear, and that true strength involves confronting one’s doubts and taking risks for a greater purpose.

      5. Question 5

      In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of sacrifice, and how might this apply to Dalinar’s personal journey?
      Answer:
      The chapter emphasizes sacrifice through Dalinar’s willingness to venture into the unknown alone, risking physical danger and personal doubt. Felt’s warning about being in the Nightwatcher’s power and the mention of “the cost” highlight that such spiritual quests often require giving up something valuable. For Dalinar, this journey symbolizes a willingness to confront his inner demons, guilt, and the burdens of leadership—potentially at great personal expense. It suggests that growth, redemption, and understanding often demand sacrifice, whether of comfort, safety, or certainty. Dalinar’s willingness to face these challenges reflects his deeper desire for clarity and strength to fulfill his duties, reinforcing the idea that true leadership involves personal sacrifice and inner struggle.

    Quotes

    • 1. “What in the Almighty’s tenth name had that been? One moment, he’d been lying in his bunk. The next, he had been… Well, he didn’t rightly remember.”

      This opening line captures Dalinar’s disorientation and hints at the mysterious, possibly supernatural, experience he has just endured. It sets the tone for the chapter’s exploration of memory, perception, and the unknown forces at play.

      2. “There are some trails,” Felt said. “If you look hard enough. Shall we camp here, sir? You can scout out a path tomorrow, and make your final decision?”

      This quote emphasizes the theme of navigating uncertainty and the importance of patience and exploration when confronting the unknown, both physically in the wilderness and metaphorically in Dalinar’s spiritual journey.

      3. “He had enjoyed his recent sense of purpose. Simultaneously, his decision had given him excuses. If he was going to the Nightwatcher anyway, then why fight the drink?”

      This reflection reveals Dalinar’s internal struggle with addiction and purpose, illustrating the chapter’s deeper exploration of personal cost, temptation, and the search for meaning amid chaos.

      4. “He stepped into the musty, damp valley, vines brushing his head. He could barely see in the darkness, but Felt had been right—trails revealed themselves as vines and branches bent away from him, allowing Dalinar entrance with the same reluctance as guards allowing an unfamiliar man into the presence of their king.”

      This passage highlights the theme of confronting nature’s mysteries and the idea that understanding often requires patience and subtlety, mirroring Dalinar’s spiritual quest and the chapter’s focus on entering the unknown.

      5. “He felt nothing, not even a hint. He trudged through the darkness, and suddenly felt stupid. What was he doing here? Chasing a pagan superstition while the rest of the highprinces gathered to punish Gavilar’s killers?”

      This introspective moment underscores Dalinar’s internal conflict—between faith and skepticism, action and doubt—and reflects the chapter’s overarching tension between belief, duty, and personal cost.

    Quotes

    1. “What in the Almighty’s tenth name had that been? One moment, he’d been lying in his bunk. The next, he had been… Well, he didn’t rightly remember.”

    This opening line captures Dalinar’s disorientation and hints at the mysterious, possibly supernatural, experience he has just endured. It sets the tone for the chapter’s exploration of memory, perception, and the unknown forces at play.

    2. “There are some trails,” Felt said. “If you look hard enough. Shall we camp here, sir? You can scout out a path tomorrow, and make your final decision?”

    This quote emphasizes the theme of navigating uncertainty and the importance of patience and exploration when confronting the unknown, both physically in the wilderness and metaphorically in Dalinar’s spiritual journey.

    3. “He had enjoyed his recent sense of purpose. Simultaneously, his decision had given him excuses. If he was going to the Nightwatcher anyway, then why fight the drink?”

    This reflection reveals Dalinar’s internal struggle with addiction and purpose, illustrating the chapter’s deeper exploration of personal cost, temptation, and the search for meaning amid chaos.

    4. “He stepped into the musty, damp valley, vines brushing his head. He could barely see in the darkness, but Felt had been right—trails revealed themselves as vines and branches bent away from him, allowing Dalinar entrance with the same reluctance as guards allowing an unfamiliar man into the presence of their king.”

    This passage highlights the theme of confronting nature’s mysteries and the idea that understanding often requires patience and subtlety, mirroring Dalinar’s spiritual quest and the chapter’s focus on entering the unknown.

    5. “He felt nothing, not even a hint. He trudged through the darkness, and suddenly felt stupid. What was he doing here? Chasing a pagan superstition while the rest of the highprinces gathered to punish Gavilar’s killers?”

    This introspective moment underscores Dalinar’s internal conflict—between faith and skepticism, action and doubt—and reflects the chapter’s overarching tension between belief, duty, and personal cost.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What is the significance of Dalinar’s visit to the Nightwatcher, and how does it reflect his internal struggles?
    Answer:
    Dalinar’s decision to seek out the Nightwatcher signifies a moment of vulnerability and a desire for guidance or salvation beyond traditional authority. His internal struggle revolves around guilt, loss, and a sense of responsibility, as seen in his reluctance and hesitation before entering the valley. The act of seeking supernatural aid highlights his desperation to find clarity or strength to confront his burdens, especially in the context of recent violence and political unrest. This journey also symbolizes his internal conflict between duty and personal desire for peace or redemption, illustrating a key theme of seeking help outside oneself to face profound internal and external conflicts.

    2. Question 2

    Describe the environment of Hexi as depicted in the chapter and analyze how it contrasts with Dalinar’s homeland.
    Answer:
    Hexi’s environment is harsh, barren, and overgrown, with wrinkled, crusty ground covered in lichen, sparse and hunched trees, and blasted mountain sides. The landscape appears wild, almost chaotic, with dense, tangled vegetation and a sense of raw, untouched nature. In contrast, Dalinar’s homeland, Alethkar, is characterized by lush plains and farming villages, indicating a more cultivated and orderly environment. The stark difference emphasizes Hexi’s hostile, alien nature, which reflects the difficulty and danger Dalinar faces in his spiritual quest. It also underscores the theme of venturing into the unknown and the idea that true understanding or change often requires confronting unfamiliar and challenging surroundings.

    3. Question 3

    How does Felt’s perspective on the Nightwatcher’s visit and the nature of the challenge reflect broader themes of faith and uncertainty in the chapter?
    Answer:
    Felt’s description of the Nightwatcher’s selective visits and her apparent dislike for foreigners highlight the unpredictable and mysterious nature of the supernatural entity. His advice to Dalinar—to go alone and accept the cost—underscores a theme of faith in the unknown, emphasizing that such encounters are inherently uncertain and can come with unforeseen consequences. Felt’s pragmatic attitude illustrates a recognition that trust must be placed in something beyond logic or experience, reinforcing the chapter’s exploration of faith, risk, and the acceptance of ambiguity when pursuing spiritual or personal growth. It also hints at the idea that true insight or change often involves embracing uncertainty and the possibility of a high cost.

    4. Question 4

    What does Dalinar’s reaction to entering the valley and his feelings about the challenge reveal about his character and leadership?
    Answer:
    Dalinar’s hesitation and self-doubt upon entering the valley reveal his vulnerability and internal conflict. Despite his reputation as a strong leader and warrior, he experiences moments of doubt and questions his purpose—highlighted by his thoughts about chasing pagan superstition while others pursue political justice. His willingness to enter the dangerous, overgrown terrain alone shows his determination and sense of responsibility, but also his internal struggle with faith, fear, and the desire for guidance. This moment humanizes him, illustrating that even powerful leaders grapple with uncertainty and fear, and that true strength involves confronting one’s doubts and taking risks for a greater purpose.

    5. Question 5

    In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of sacrifice, and how might this apply to Dalinar’s personal journey?
    Answer:
    The chapter emphasizes sacrifice through Dalinar’s willingness to venture into the unknown alone, risking physical danger and personal doubt. Felt’s warning about being in the Nightwatcher’s power and the mention of “the cost” highlight that such spiritual quests often require giving up something valuable. For Dalinar, this journey symbolizes a willingness to confront his inner demons, guilt, and the burdens of leadership—potentially at great personal expense. It suggests that growth, redemption, and understanding often demand sacrifice, whether of comfort, safety, or certainty. Dalinar’s willingness to face these challenges reflects his deeper desire for clarity and strength to fulfill his duties, reinforcing the idea that true leadership involves personal sacrifice and inner struggle.

    Note