Oathbringer
24. Men of Blood and Sorrow
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Dalinar reflecting on his past, specifically recalling his relationship with Evi, a woman of striking pale yellow hair whom he courted out of political necessity rather than love. These memories surface amidst the chaos of his current duties, prompting questions about why he is only now remembering her and the painful years after her death. Dalinar’s introspection hints at deeper, unresolved grief, and his dealings with the Nightwatcher, which he believes may have taken some of his memories as part of a bargain, leaving him haunted by fragmented recollections. This introspection sets a tone of internal conflict and the lingering impact of his past.
As Dalinar stands on the Urithiru plateau with his guards, he observes the ongoing efforts to harness Stormlight through technological devices and the unpredictable weather patterns that threaten their stability. The Weeping storm has disrupted centuries of record-keeping, complicating their understanding of climate and impacting vital aspects like agriculture and trade. Despite these challenges, the focus remains on maintaining the city’s defenses and technological advancements, emphasizing the precariousness of their situation amid the Everstorm and the Voidbringers’ threat.
The scene shifts to a diplomatic meeting at Urithiru, where Dalinar welcomes representatives from other kingdoms, notably Taravangian of Kharbranth and Adrotagia, the head scribe. The political dynamics are evident as Dalinar navigates alliances and reconfirms relationships. Taravangian’s appearance reveals a figure affected by illness, now more subdued and less sharp than before, while the introduction of a new Knight Radiant, Malata, signifies the ongoing evolution of their military and spiritual strength. The interactions highlight the fragile yet strategic alliances forming in the face of external threats.
In the final scene, Taravangian and Dalinar ascend the tower, with Taravangian expressing genuine curiosity about the technological marvels around him, such as the lifts powered by Stormlight. Their conversation exposes Taravangian’s admiration for the engineering and the mysteries behind it, contrasting with his usual political cunning. The chapter underscores the political complexity of their alliance, Taravangian’s personal struggles, and the technological innovations that symbolize hope and resilience. Overall, the chapter blends personal reflection, political diplomacy, and technological progress, illustrating the multifaceted efforts to confront impending calamities.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What are the key memories Dalinar reflects on in this chapter, and how do these memories influence his current state of mind?
Answer:
Dalinar recalls his wife Evi, describing her as tall, willowy, with pale yellow hair, and notes their political engagement rather than romantic love. These memories evoke feelings of attraction and nostalgia but are also intertwined with questions about why he is remembering her now and why his memories of their time together are incomplete. The chapter reveals that Dalinar’s memories of her death and the subsequent years of grief are clouded, possibly due to a bargain with the Nightwatcher. These reflections influence his current state by stirring internal conflict—he is grappling with past pain, loss, and the mysterious effects of his past dealings with the spren, which shape his emotional and mental landscape as he faces present responsibilities.2. Question 2
How does the chapter depict the political and military significance of Urithiru, and what does this suggest about Dalinar’s leadership?
Answer:
Urithiru is portrayed as a monumental, almost awe-inspiring structure—wide, tall, and equipped with advanced devices like fabrials—that signifies both the technological and strategic importance of the city. It is a central hub for alliances, as evidenced by the arrival of foreign monarchs like Taravangian and representatives from Kharbranth and Jah Keved. Dalinar’s leadership is depicted as pragmatic and diplomatic; he welcomes allies and manages complex political relationships, exemplified by his interactions with Taravangian and the other monarchs. The city’s grandeur and the effort to maintain it reflect Dalinar’s commitment to unifying and strengthening his people amid external threats, underscoring his role as a leader focused on both martial readiness and political stability.3. Question 3
What does Taravangian’s reaction to the lifts and Stormlight-powered technology reveal about his perspective and potential knowledge gaps?
Answer:
Taravangian’s sincere curiosity about the lifts—asking if they are moved by Stormlight or other means—indicates a genuine interest in understanding the technological advancements at Urithiru. His question about whether the lifts are powered by Stormlight or by someone “pulling” them suggests he recognizes the significance of the technology but may lack detailed knowledge about fabrials and their mechanisms. His comparison to parshmen-powered lifts in Kharbranth highlights his limited familiarity with the latest innovations, possibly due to his background or current position. This reveals a potential gap in his technical understanding, which could influence his decision-making or leadership strategies, emphasizing the importance of shared knowledge in managing complex societies and technologies.4. Question 4
Analyze the significance of the scene where Taravangian is shown to be physically and mentally affected by his illness. How does this portrayal impact the reader’s understanding of his character?
Answer:
Taravangian’s physical description—his large Thaylen body and the mention of his apoplexy—along with his diminished mental acuity, paints a picture of a ruler who has been profoundly impacted by illness. His hesitation, need for reassurance from Adrotagia, and the way he gawked like a child during the tour suggest vulnerability and a loss of the sharpness he once possessed. This portrayal humanizes him, emphasizing that despite his position and intelligence, he is not invulnerable. It also introduces themes of resilience and adaptation, showing that leadership can persist even when the leader is physically or mentally compromised. For the reader, this deepens the complexity of Taravangian’s character, highlighting the tension between his current limitations and his strategic importance.5. Question 5
Considering the chapter’s descriptions of the technology and political landscape, how might the advancements at Urithiru influence the broader conflict with the Voidbringers?
Answer:
The technological advancements at Urithiru, such as the fabrial-powered lifts and the deployment of Stormlight-infused devices, indicate a significant strategic advantage. These innovations suggest that the city is a hub of technological progress that could enhance mobility, communication, and military capabilities. Politically, the presence of multiple monarchs and representatives signifies a unified front, which is crucial in facing the threat of the Voidbringers. The combination of advanced technology and diplomatic alliances positions Urithiru as a critical stronghold that could serve as a base for coordinated defense and offensive operations. Overall, these developments suggest that mastery of Stormlight and engineering could be key factors in turning the tide of the conflict, providing the means to counteract the Voidbringers’ destructive power.
Quotes
1. “I have no doubt that you are smarter than I am. I can only relate what happened, what I have done, and then let you draw conclusions.” (From the preface of Oathbringer)
This quote highlights the chapter’s introspective tone and the narrator’s acknowledgment of limited understanding, emphasizing the importance of perspective and the act of recounting events to allow others to interpret their significance.
2. “He didn’t remember love, but he did remember attraction.”
This line underscores Dalinar’s complex emotional landscape, illustrating how memory and feelings can be fragmented and how initial attractions can be distinct from deeper emotional bonds, which is central to understanding his past relationships.
3. “Bargains with the Nightwatcher were supposed to be permanent. Damning, even. So what was happening to him?”
This quote reflects Dalinar’s internal conflict regarding his past dealings with the Nightwatcher, raising questions about the true nature and consequences of those supernatural bargains and hinting at the chapter’s exploration of memory, regret, and the mysterious forces shaping his life.
4. “That was all that had emerged over the last few days. The rest was still a blur. He could recall meeting Evi, courting her—awkwardly, since both knew it was an arrangement of political necessity—and eventually entering into a causal betrothal.”
This passage provides insight into Dalinar’s early relationship with Evi, emphasizing the political nature of their union and setting the stage for his reflections on love, memory, and loss that permeate the chapter.
5. “Stormlight,” Dalinar said. “We had to replace the gemstones with infused ones to make it work.”
This technical detail reveals the chapter’s focus on the advanced engineering and magical technology of Urithiru, illustrating the blending of science and magic that defines the setting and the importance of Stormlight in their world.
Quotes
1. “I have no doubt that you are smarter than I am. I can only relate what happened, what I have done, and then let you draw conclusions.” (From the preface of Oathbringer)
This quote highlights the chapter’s introspective tone and the narrator’s acknowledgment of limited understanding, emphasizing the importance of perspective and the act of recounting events to allow others to interpret their significance.
2. “He didn’t remember love, but he did remember attraction.”
This line underscores Dalinar’s complex emotional landscape, illustrating how memory and feelings can be fragmented and how initial attractions can be distinct from deeper emotional bonds, which is central to understanding his past relationships.
3. “Bargains with the Nightwatcher were supposed to be permanent. Damning, even. So what was happening to him?”
This quote reflects Dalinar’s internal conflict regarding his past dealings with the Nightwatcher, raising questions about the true nature and consequences of those supernatural bargains and hinting at the chapter’s exploration of memory, regret, and the mysterious forces shaping his life.
4. “That was all that had emerged over the last few days. The rest was still a blur. He could recall meeting Evi, courting her — awkwardly, since both knew it was an arrangement of political necessity—and eventually entering into a causal betrothal.”
This passage provides insight into Dalinar’s early relationship with Evi, emphasizing the political nature of their union and setting the stage for his reflections on love, memory, and loss that permeate the chapter.
5. “Stormlight,” Dalinar said. “We had to replace the gemstones with infused ones to make it work.”
This technical detail reveals the chapter’s focus on the advanced engineering and magical technology of Urithiru, illustrating the blending of science and magic that defines the setting and the importance of Stormlight in their world.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What are the key memories Dalinar reflects on in this chapter, and how do these memories influence his current state of mind?
Answer:
Dalinar recalls his wife Evi, describing her as tall, willowy, with pale yellow hair, and notes their political engagement rather than romantic love. These memories evoke feelings of attraction and nostalgia but are also intertwined with questions about why he is remembering her now and why his memories of their time together are incomplete. The chapter reveals that Dalinar’s memories of her death and the subsequent years of grief are clouded, possibly due to a bargain with the Nightwatcher. These reflections influence his current state by stirring internal conflict—he is grappling with past pain, loss, and the mysterious effects of his past dealings with the spren, which shape his emotional and mental landscape as he faces present responsibilities.
2. Question 2
How does the chapter depict the political and military significance of Urithiru, and what does this suggest about Dalinar’s leadership?
Answer:
Urithiru is portrayed as a monumental, almost awe-inspiring structure—wide, tall, and equipped with advanced devices like fabrials—that signifies both the technological and strategic importance of the city. It is a central hub for alliances, as evidenced by the arrival of foreign monarchs like Taravangian and representatives from Kharbranth and Jah Keved. Dalinar’s leadership is depicted as pragmatic and diplomatic; he welcomes allies and manages complex political relationships, exemplified by his interactions with Taravangian and the other monarchs. The city’s grandeur and the effort to maintain it reflect Dalinar’s commitment to unifying and strengthening his people amid external threats, underscoring his role as a leader focused on both martial readiness and political stability.
3. Question 3
What does Taravangian’s reaction to the lifts and Stormlight-powered technology reveal about his perspective and potential knowledge gaps?
Answer:
Taravangian’s sincere curiosity about the lifts—asking if they are moved by Stormlight or other means—indicates a genuine interest in understanding the technological advancements at Urithiru. His question about whether the lifts are powered by Stormlight or by someone “pulling” them suggests he recognizes the significance of the technology but may lack detailed knowledge about fabrials and their mechanisms. His comparison to parshmen-powered lifts in Kharbranth highlights his limited familiarity with the latest innovations, possibly due to his background or current position. This reveals a potential gap in his technical understanding, which could influence his decision-making or leadership strategies, emphasizing the importance of shared knowledge in managing complex societies and technologies.
4. Question 4
Analyze the significance of the scene where Taravangian is shown to be physically and mentally affected by his illness. How does this portrayal impact the reader’s understanding of his character?
Answer:
Taravangian’s physical description—his large Thaylen body and the mention of his apoplexy—along with his diminished mental acuity, paints a picture of a ruler who has been profoundly impacted by illness. His hesitation, need for reassurance from Adrotagia, and the way he gawked like a child during the tour suggest vulnerability and a loss of the sharpness he once possessed. This portrayal humanizes him, emphasizing that despite his position and intelligence, he is not invulnerable. It also introduces themes of resilience and adaptation, showing that leadership can persist even when the leader is physically or mentally compromised. For the reader, this deepens the complexity of Taravangian’s character, highlighting the tension between his current limitations and his strategic importance.
5. Question 5
Considering the chapter’s descriptions of the technology and political landscape, how might the advancements at Urithiru influence the broader conflict with the Voidbringers?
Answer:
The technological advancements at Urithiru, such as the fabrial-powered lifts and the deployment of Stormlight-infused devices, indicate a significant strategic advantage. These innovations suggest that the city is a hub of technological progress that could enhance mobility, communication, and military capabilities. Politically, the presence of multiple monarchs and representatives signifies a unified front, which is crucial in facing the threat of the Voidbringers. The combination of advanced technology and diplomatic alliances positions Urithiru as a critical stronghold that could serve as a base for coordinated defense and offensive operations. Overall, these developments suggest that mastery of Stormlight and engineering could be key factors in turning the tide of the conflict, providing the means to counteract the Voidbringers’ destructive power.
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