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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

    22. The Darkness Within

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with a vivid depic­tion of Mraize, a scarred sol­dier dressed in Sadeas’s uni­form, accom­pa­nied by an unusu­al pet chick­en that appears more preda­to­ry than typ­i­cal farm­yard fowl. This scene sets a tone of intrigue and sub­tle men­ace, empha­siz­ing the strange and lay­ered nature of Mraize’s char­ac­ter. The set­ting is tense, as Shal­lan and Adolin observe Mraize’s demeanor and the envi­ron­ment, hint­ing at under­ly­ing polit­i­cal and mil­i­tary ten­sions. The pres­ence of the chick­en and Mraize’s appear­ance sug­gest a deep­er sym­bol­ism, pos­si­bly reflect­ing hid­den threats or the preda­to­ry nature of the char­ac­ters involved.

    The dia­logue shifts to a polit­i­cal con­fronta­tion, where Ialai dis­cuss­es the behav­ior of white­spines and the dan­gers they pose, metaphor­i­cal­ly link­ing this to the ongo­ing polit­i­cal machi­na­tions. Adolin and Ialai exchange veiled accu­sa­tions and accu­sa­tions, reveal­ing the frag­ile alliances and mis­trust among the high­princes. Adolin’s earnest dec­la­ra­tion that he does not believe his father is respon­si­ble for a recent mur­der under­scores the chapter’s focus on loy­al­ty, sus­pi­cion, and the high stakes of court intrigue. Shal­lan observes these exchanges, rec­og­niz­ing the com­plex web of decep­tion and truth that under­pins their inter­ac­tions.

    Shallan’s inter­ac­tion with Mraize in the side room expos­es the clan­des­tine nature of their rela­tion­ship and the larg­er con­spir­a­cy at play. Mraize’s calm, cal­cu­lat­ing man­ner and his rev­e­la­tions about the inter­est in Shallan’s actions high­light the covert oper­a­tions and the pres­ence of pow­er­ful, secre­tive fac­tions. Mraize’s asser­tion that moral­i­ty is irrel­e­vant com­pared to loy­al­ty and pow­er under­scores the ruth­less phi­los­o­phy guid­ing these char­ac­ters. Shallan’s defi­ance and her insis­tence that she is not one of them reveal her inter­nal con­flict and her resis­tance to being ful­ly drawn into their schemes.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Mraize issu­ing a clan­des­tine task: to secure Urithiru and inves­ti­gate the source of the dark­ness with­in it. This mis­sion is pre­sent­ed as vital for con­trol­ling the emerg­ing threat of the Void­bringers, with Mraize offer­ing infor­ma­tion about Helaran as a reward. His depar­ture, marked by a seem­ing­ly bum­bling gait, leaves the read­er with a sense of fore­bod­ing and the under­stand­ing that the char­ac­ters’ actions are inter­twined with larg­er, omi­nous forces. The chap­ter empha­sizes themes of loy­al­ty, secre­cy, and the strug­gle for pow­er amid loom­ing chaos.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What is the significance of Mraize’s appearance and his pet chicken in the context of the chapter?

      Answer:
      Mraize’s appearance, with his scars and his choice to wear a Sadeas uniform, signifies his role as a soldier and possibly as someone involved in covert or morally ambiguous activities. The scars suggest a history of violence or conflict, adding to his ominous presence. The chicken, which appears unusual and predatory rather than typical, symbolizes the unpredictable and dangerous nature of Mraize and his associates. It also emphasizes his eccentricity and perhaps his strategic mindset—an animal that looks harmless but is actually fierce. Overall, his appearance and pet serve to underscore his complex character, blending deception, danger, and authority, which are central themes in his interactions with Shallan and others.

      2. How does the dialogue between Adolin and Ialai reflect the political tension surrounding the murder of the highprince?

      Answer:
      The dialogue reveals underlying political tensions and accusations of manipulation and fear among the highprinces. Ialai’s remark that the other highprinces are too afraid to oppose Adolin indicates a shift in power dynamics, suggesting that Adolin’s faction may be consolidating influence through the murder investigation. Adolin’s insistence that his father was not involved and his blunt statement that claiming otherwise is idiocy demonstrate his desire to clear his family’s name and assert the truth. This exchange highlights the fragile political landscape, where accusations, loyalty, and fear influence decisions. It also shows Adolin’s attempt to maintain integrity amid a web of intrigue, and Ialai’s vengeful tone hints at ongoing rivalries and mistrust.

      3. What is the purpose of Mraize’s task for Shallan, and how does it relate to the broader conflict in the story?

      Answer:
      Mraize tasks Shallan with securing Urithiru and investigating the darkness within it, which is crucial to the broader conflict involving the Voidbringers and the impending threat they pose. This mission aligns with the chapter’s themes of hidden darkness and the need for strategic control of powerful locations. Mraize emphasizes that Urithiru must remain strong and that she should hunt and eliminate the source of the darkness, which could be a dangerous, corrupting influence. This task is also tied to political and mystical stakes, as controlling Urithiru could influence the balance of power. The mention of “using” the Voidbringers indicates a complex plan to harness or manipulate the emerging threats, reflecting the chapter’s overarching themes of power, loyalty, and the moral ambiguity of their actions.

      4. How does Mraize’s view on morality versus loyalty and power influence his character and the actions he advocates?

      Answer:
      Mraize’s statement that morality is ephemeral and irrelevant compared to loyalty and power reveals his pragmatic, ruthless worldview. He dismisses moral considerations as transient and dependent on perspective, emphasizing that in their world, actions are judged by their utility and allegiance rather than ethics. This outlook influences his character as someone who prioritizes strategic advantage and loyalty above all else, willing to justify morally questionable actions if they serve their goals. It also explains his willingness to manipulate, deceive, and even kill without moral hesitation. This attitude makes him a complex, morally flexible character, advocating for actions driven by power dynamics and loyalty rather than moral righteousness, which shapes the chapter’s themes of moral ambiguity and political intrigue.

      5. In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of darkness—both literal and metaphorical—and its significance to the characters’ missions?

      Answer:
      The chapter intertwines literal darkness—such as the flickering lights and the “wrongness” in Urithiru—with metaphorical darkness representing moral ambiguity, hidden threats, and internal corruption. Mraize’s description of the darkness they seek to expunge signifies a corrupting influence that could threaten the stability of Urithiru and the broader world. Shallan’s sensing of this darkness underscores her role as a seeker of truth amid moral and physical shadows. The chapter suggests that darkness is not just an external force but also an internal one, tied to secrets, lies, and the unknown. The characters’ missions to secure and purge the darkness highlight their struggle to confront and control these forces, emphasizing themes of knowledge, power, and the perilous nature of the unseen threats lurking within their world.

    Quotes

    • 1. “I am no philosopher, to intrigue you with piercing questions.”

      This opening quote highlights the chapter’s focus on straightforward, pragmatic themes rather than abstract philosophy. It sets a tone of directness and honesty in the narrative, emphasizing the importance of clarity over complexity.

      2. “Morality is an axis that doesn’t interest us—only loyalty and power are relevant, for morality is as ephemeral as the changing weather.”

      This statement encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of moral relativism within the chapter’s secretive and manipulative context, illustrating the characters’ pragmatic and often ruthless worldview.

      3. “Your task is to secure this location. Urithiru must remain strong if we are to properly use the advent of the Voidbringers.”

      This quote reveals the central mission imposed upon Shallan, framing her as a key player in the larger strategic conflict involving Urithiru and the Voidbringers. It underscores the theme of control and manipulation of power.

      4. “And the chicken on his shoulder. It was one of the stranger varieties, pure green and sleek, with a wicked beak. It looked much more like a predator than the bumbling things she’d seen sold in cages at markets.”

      This vivid description underscores the mysterious and unsettling atmosphere of the chapter, symbolizing the strange alliances and unpredictable elements at play.

      5. “The implication of the conversation seemed clear to Shallan. Why have you returned to the scene of the kill, Kholin?”

      This line hints at underlying secrets and motives, emphasizing the chapter’s theme of investigation and suspicion, and setting up the tension surrounding the murder and its broader implications.

    Quotes

    1. “I am no philosopher, to intrigue you with piercing questions.”

    This opening quote highlights the chapter’s focus on straightforward, pragmatic themes rather than abstract philosophy. It sets a tone of directness and honesty in the narrative, emphasizing the importance of clarity over complexity.

    2. “Morality is an axis that doesn’t interest us—only loyalty and power are relevant, for morality is as ephemeral as the changing weather.”

    This statement encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of moral relativism within the chapter’s secretive and manipulative context, illustrating the characters’ pragmatic and often ruthless worldview.

    3. “Your task is to secure this location. Urithiru must remain strong if we are to properly use the advent of the Voidbringers.”

    This quote reveals the central mission imposed upon Shallan, framing her as a key player in the larger strategic conflict involving Urithiru and the Voidbringers. It underscores the theme of control and manipulation of power.

    4. “And the chicken on his shoulder. It was one of the stranger varieties, pure green and sleek, with a wicked beak. It looked much more like a predator than the bumbling things she’d seen sold in cages at markets.”

    This vivid description underscores the mysterious and unsettling atmosphere of the chapter, symbolizing the strange alliances and unpredictable elements at play.

    5. “The implication of the conversation seemed clear to Shallan. Why have you returned to the scene of the kill, Kholin?”

    This line hints at underlying secrets and motives, emphasizing the chapter’s theme of investigation and suspicion, and setting up the tension surrounding the murder and its broader implications.

    FAQs

    1. What is the significance of Mraize’s appearance and his pet chicken in the context of the chapter?

    Answer:
    Mraize’s appearance, with his scars and his choice to wear a Sadeas uniform, signifies his role as a soldier and possibly as someone involved in covert or morally ambiguous activities. The scars suggest a history of violence or conflict, adding to his ominous presence. The chicken, which appears unusual and predatory rather than typical, symbolizes the unpredictable and dangerous nature of Mraize and his associates. It also emphasizes his eccentricity and perhaps his strategic mindset—an animal that looks harmless but is actually fierce. Overall, his appearance and pet serve to underscore his complex character, blending deception, danger, and authority, which are central themes in his interactions with Shallan and others.

    2. How does the dialogue between Adolin and Ialai reflect the political tension surrounding the murder of the highprince?

    Answer:
    The dialogue reveals underlying political tensions and accusations of manipulation and fear among the highprinces. Ialai’s remark that the other highprinces are too afraid to oppose Adolin indicates a shift in power dynamics, suggesting that Adolin’s faction may be consolidating influence through the murder investigation. Adolin’s insistence that his father was not involved and his blunt statement that claiming otherwise is idiocy demonstrate his desire to clear his family’s name and assert the truth. This exchange highlights the fragile political landscape, where accusations, loyalty, and fear influence decisions. It also shows Adolin’s attempt to maintain integrity amid a web of intrigue, and Ialai’s vengeful tone hints at ongoing rivalries and mistrust.

    3. What is the purpose of Mraize’s task for Shallan, and how does it relate to the broader conflict in the story?

    Answer:
    Mraize tasks Shallan with securing Urithiru and investigating the darkness within it, which is crucial to the broader conflict involving the Voidbringers and the impending threat they pose. This mission aligns with the chapter’s themes of hidden darkness and the need for strategic control of powerful locations. Mraize emphasizes that Urithiru must remain strong and that she should hunt and eliminate the source of the darkness, which could be a dangerous, corrupting influence. This task is also tied to political and mystical stakes, as controlling Urithiru could influence the balance of power. The mention of “using” the Voidbringers indicates a complex plan to harness or manipulate the emerging threats, reflecting the chapter’s overarching themes of power, loyalty, and the moral ambiguity of their actions.

    4. How does Mraize’s view on morality versus loyalty and power influence his character and the actions he advocates?

    Answer:
    Mraize’s statement that morality is ephemeral and irrelevant compared to loyalty and power reveals his pragmatic, ruthless worldview. He dismisses moral considerations as transient and dependent on perspective, emphasizing that in their world, actions are judged by their utility and allegiance rather than ethics. This outlook influences his character as someone who prioritizes strategic advantage and loyalty above all else, willing to justify morally questionable actions if they serve their goals. It also explains his willingness to manipulate, deceive, and even kill without moral hesitation. This attitude makes him a complex, morally flexible character, advocating for actions driven by power dynamics and loyalty rather than moral righteousness, which shapes the chapter’s themes of moral ambiguity and political intrigue.

    5. In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of darkness—both literal and metaphorical—and its significance to the characters’ missions?

    Answer:
    The chapter intertwines literal darkness—such as the flickering lights and the “wrongness” in Urithiru—with metaphorical darkness representing moral ambiguity, hidden threats, and internal corruption. Mraize’s description of the darkness they seek to expunge signifies a corrupting influence that could threaten the stability of Urithiru and the broader world. Shallan’s sensing of this darkness underscores her role as a seeker of truth amid moral and physical shadows. The chapter suggests that darkness is not just an external force but also an internal one, tied to secrets, lies, and the unknown. The characters’ missions to secure and purge the darkness highlight their struggle to confront and control these forces, emphasizing themes of knowledge, power, and the perilous nature of the unseen threats lurking within their world.

    Note