Oathbringer
34. Resistance
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Dalinar recognizing the presence of an intruder and the Stormfather indicating that it is time for a significant event. Dalinar finds himself transported into a surreal, liminal space characterized by a black sky and an endless, bone-white rocky landscape. Here, shapes of smoke and familiar objects appear and dissolve, emphasizing the ethereal and intangible nature of the vision. The Stormfather’s voice reveals a focus on a crucial figure—Her—and hints at a tumultuous event unfolding in her city. Dalinar’s role is to observe and facilitate a vision that will reveal the past and the true nature of the Knights Radiant, emphasizing their righteousness and protective purpose.
Dalinar’s interaction with the Stormfather reveals a layered understanding of visions and the metaphysical realm. The Stormfather explains that the visions are not places but manifestations of the soul of everything—objects and beings alike—capable of a form of remembrance after death. Dalinar learns that all things, even broken vases, possess a soul that can remember their original form, which is a profound philosophical insight into the nature of existence and memory. This explanation surprises Dalinar, as it suggests that even the most mundane objects have a form of consciousness that persists beyond their physical destruction. The Stormfather’s musings deepen the mystical tone of the vision, blending philosophy with the supernatural.
The scene shifts to Dalinar flying through a vivid vision, initially experiencing panic and disorientation. He is immersed in a Skyward flight, glowing with Stormlight, and observes a radiant Windrunner leading a rescue mission. Dalinar recognizes the Windrunner as a fellow Radiant, flying to save a village from a monstrous threat. The vision emphasizes the protective role of the Knights Radiant, showcasing their valor and the use of Lashings to maneuver in the sky. Dalinar’s confusion about his own appearance and equipment highlights his unfamiliarity with the ancient radiant armor and the differences from modern Shardplate, prompting questions about the evolution of their technology and the nature of the radiant powers.
In the final segment, Dalinar’s practical concerns emerge as he interacts with his environment within the vision. He notices anomalies in his armor and equipment, questioning why his helm won’t retract and why he lacks the glowing amber armor seen in the past. His questions reveal a curiosity about the differences between the ancient and current Radiant gear, hinting at deeper mysteries about their origins. Dalinar also contemplates the limitations of these visions, understanding that they are re-creations without true memories of the past, created by Honor’s will. He considers involving scholars like Navani and Jasnah to analyze these visions further, aiming to uncover truths that may lie hidden within these crafted realities.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the vision Dalinar experiences with the Stormfather, and how does it relate to his understanding of the past and the nature of things?
Answer:
Dalinar’s vision, facilitated by the Stormfather, provides a glimpse into the ancient past of the Knights Radiant and the nature of spiritual and physical reality. The vision reveals that all things, including inanimate objects like vases or chairs, possess a soul that can remember and persist beyond physical death—implying that everything has an essence or consciousness. This understanding challenges Dalinar’s perception of reality, emphasizing that physical death isn’t the end for objects or beings, but their souls may linger or be remembered. It deepens his awareness of the spiritual realm and the interconnectedness of life, history, and memory, which is crucial for understanding the larger cosmic conflict and the importance of honoring the past.2. How does Dalinar’s experience of flying and the appearance of the Windrunner Radiant reflect his current state of knowledge and the nature of the visions he is witnessing?
Answer:
Dalinar’s flying experience signifies that he is within a spiritual or mental realm where physical laws do not apply, and he is temporarily embodying a Radiant’s perspective. The appearance of the Windrunner Radiant, with its glowing armor and the act of Lashed flight, illustrates the advanced nature of the Knights Radiant and their use of Surgebinding. Dalinar recognizes that he is playing a role within a vision, with himself as a replacement for the female Radiant, indicating that these visions are constructed recreations of the past. It also shows that the visions are not just memories but crafted experiences meant to teach or reveal truths, although they are limited by what the creators—Honor and the spren—intend or allow.3. In what ways does the chapter explore the limitations of the visions and the knowledge they can provide?
Answer:
The chapter emphasizes that the visions are artificial constructs created by Honor’s will, designed to convey specific ideas or lessons rather than detailed, accurate histories. Dalinar learns that these recreations do not possess true memories or minds—they are re-creations without genuine consciousness, which limits the information they can provide. The Stormfather explains that these visions do not contain the full truth and that pressing for more details may only reveal their superficial nature. This highlights the danger of relying solely on visions for knowledge, as they may omit crucial details or distort reality, and encourages a cautious approach to interpreting these spiritual experiences.4. How might Dalinar use the knowledge gained from these visions to influence his actions in the present, especially regarding the history of the Knights Radiant and the nature of the spren?
Answer:
Dalinar can leverage the understanding that all objects and beings have a soul and that the Knights Radiant once represented a righteous, protective force to rekindle his own sense of purpose and leadership. Recognizing that these visions are limited and crafted, he might seek to interpret their lessons more broadly, focusing on the spiritual truths rather than literal historical accuracy. This insight could strengthen his resolve to restore the Radiants’ ideals and understand the deeper connection between spren and humans. Additionally, knowing that the ancient Plate was “living” and different from modern Shardplate might inspire him to explore the true nature of the old magic, potentially guiding him in reclaiming lost powers or understanding how to better protect his people.5. What does the chapter suggest about the relationship between Honor, the spren, and the creation of the visions?
Answer:
The chapter indicates that Honor’s influence, channeled through the spren and the crafted visions, is limited and controlled. The visions are designed to communicate specific ideas, not detailed truths, reflecting Honor’s will rather than pure historical accuracy. The Stormfather’s explanation that these are re-creations without true minds or memories reveals that the visions are more like symbolic or didactic tools rather than authentic memories. This relationship underscores the idea that Honor’s power manifests through these spiritual constructs, which serve to guide and teach rather than reveal all truths. It also hints at the potential for deeper, hidden knowledge that might lie beyond these artificial visions, which Dalinar hopes to uncover through further investigation.
Quotes
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1. “All things have a soul. And when a vase is broken, it might die in the physical realm, but for a time its soul remembers what it was. So all things die twice. Its final death is when men forget it was a vase, and think only of the pieces.”
This philosophical insight from the Stormfather reveals the idea that objects—and perhaps by extension, memories or identities—possess a form of soul that persists beyond physical destruction. It underscores a theme of remembrance and the enduring nature of essence beyond physical decay.
2. “It is no place. Everything else in these visions is real, so why is it that—”
This statement highlights the distinction the Stormfather makes about the visions Dalinar witnesses, emphasizing that some aspects of these visions are not rooted in reality but are instead constructs or imaginations, pointing to the layered nature of the prophetic or dreamlike experiences.
3. “These do not have souls or minds. They are re-creations forged by Honor’s will, and do not have the memories of the real people.”
This quote clarifies the nature of the visions’ creations, explaining that the entities Dalinar encounters are mere re-creations lacking true consciousness or memory, which is crucial for understanding the limitations and purpose of these visions in his journey.
4. “I imagined it, all things have a soul.”
This soft admission from the Stormfather suggests a deeper, perhaps more personal perspective on the nature of existence, hinting at the possibility that even these artificial constructs might carry a form of soul or significance, blurring the line between reality and illusion.
5. “Dalinar found himself hurtling through the air… He was not falling, he was flying. The air was rushing against the top of his head, not his face. Indeed, now he saw that his body was glowing, Stormlight streaming off him.”
This passage captures a pivotal moment of transformation, illustrating Dalinar’s experience of flying in the vision, symbolizing a shift in perception and power, and emphasizing the mystical nature of the visions and his connection to Stormlight.