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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

    37. The Last Time We March

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter begins with a reflec­tion on loy­al­ty and the con­se­quences of fool­ish­ness, as Lunamor dis­miss­es con­cerns about Rayse and crit­i­cizes Aona and Skai for break­ing their pact. The nar­ra­tive empha­sizes the impor­tance of under­stand­ing one’s ene­my, a les­son that remains rel­e­vant even amid ongo­ing con­flicts. Lunamor draws a par­al­lel between war­fare and the art of mak­ing stew, high­light­ing his prac­ti­cal approach to strat­e­gy and sur­vival. This open­ing sets a tone of resilience and prag­mat­ic wis­dom, illus­trat­ing Lunamor’s per­spec­tive on the chaos sur­round­ing him and the impor­tance of stay­ing focused on one’s goals despite set­backs.

    Set on the Shat­tered Plains, Lunamor, also known as Rock, is depict­ed stir­ring a stew on a plateau, sur­round­ed by the stark, windswept land­scape. Despite his ini­tial sur­prise at feel­ing nos­tal­gic for this bar­ren ter­rain, he acknowl­edges the unique beau­ty of the plains—the open sky, the scent of bak­ing stones, and the life with­in the chasms. These ele­ments sym­bol­ize renew­al and pur­pose for Lunamor, who finds solace and a sense of belong­ing in this harsh envi­ron­ment. His appre­ci­a­tion for the plains con­trasts with the extreme con­di­tions of his home­land, empha­siz­ing his com­plex rela­tion­ship with this land­scape and what it rep­re­sents for him.

    The scene shifts to a train­ing ses­sion led by Kaladin, with mem­bers of Bridge Four and oth­er sol­diers learn­ing to har­ness Storm­light. The focus is on the chal­lenge of teach­ing oth­ers to draw Storm­light into them­selves, a dif­fi­cult but essen­tial skill for becom­ing Win­drun­ners. Kaladin’s lead­er­ship and the cama­raderie among the trainees are evi­dent, with moments of humor and deter­mi­na­tion. Lunamor observes these efforts, reflect­ing on the impor­tance of per­se­ver­ance and the shared goal of mas­ter­ing this new pow­er. The scene under­scores the ongo­ing effort to build strength and uni­ty among the sol­diers amidst the back­drop of impend­ing con­flict.

    Mean­while, every­day life con­tin­ues on the plateau, with Lunamor assist­ing in the kitchen along­side Huio, who unex­pect­ed­ly adds spice to a drink, sur­pris­ing Lunamor. This moment of cama­raderie and humor offers a glimpse into the char­ac­ters’ per­son­al­i­ties and their attempts to find nor­mal­cy amid chaos. Lunamor’s appre­ci­a­tion for the unex­pect­ed fla­vor high­lights the theme of adap­ta­tion and find­ing joy in small moments. The chap­ter con­cludes with Lunamor’s recog­ni­tion of Huio’s inge­nu­ity, rein­forc­ing the bonds of friend­ship and resilience that sus­tain them through their strug­gles. This blend of humor and resolve encap­su­lates the chapter’s core mes­sage of endur­ing hope and uni­ty.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What does Lunamor’s reflection on the Shattered Plains reveal about his attitude toward unfamiliar or challenging environments?

      Answer:
      Lunamor’s reflection shows a surprising fondness for the Shattered Plains despite its bleakness. Initially, he describes it as a barren, windswept flatland with little to no growth, which contrasts with his homeland’s extremes—bitter ice, boiling heat, and lush valleys. However, he admits that he has grown to love the plains, appreciating their moderate climate and the unique beauty of the landscape. This reveals his capacity to adapt and find value in unfamiliar environments, viewing them not just as obstacles but as places of renewal and purpose. It underscores a theme of acceptance and appreciation for different surroundings, vital traits for a warrior or traveler navigating a complex world.

      2. Question 2

      How does the chapter depict the process of training in Stormlight, and what does this suggest about the nature of learning and leadership within Bridge Four?

      Answer:
      The chapter describes the training of Bridge Four members in drawing Stormlight as a process of stumbling and learning together, rather than a straightforward skill. Kaladin admits that even he barely understands how he learned to use Stormlight, emphasizing that mastery comes through experience and collective effort. The act of everyone glowing with Stormlight by the end of the day symbolizes progress and achievement. This approach highlights that learning is a shared journey, requiring patience, persistence, and support from leaders like Kaladin. It also reflects a leadership style rooted in humility and teamwork, where growth occurs through collaboration rather than individual perfection.

      3. Question 3

      In what ways does the chapter illustrate the importance of camaraderie and mutual support among the members of Bridge Four?

      Answer:
      The chapter demonstrates camaraderie through small interactions and shared responsibilities. Lunamor’s role in preparing stew and helping Kaladin with training fosters a sense of unity. The respect shown to Dabbid, the youngest bridgeman, through subtle salutes, signifies acknowledgment and inclusion within the team. Lunamor’s playful banter with Huio about the drink, and Huio’s smile when he spices the stew, further illustrate a relaxed, supportive environment. These moments of humor, shared effort, and mutual respect reinforce the importance of camaraderie in maintaining morale, fostering teamwork, and building resilience in the face of adversity.

      4. Question 4

      What does the chapter suggest about the role of faith and the divine in the daily lives of the characters, particularly through the depiction of the anticipationspren and the sign of respect?

      Answer:
      The chapter subtly underscores the significance of faith and reverence through the presence of anticipationspren and the act of giving the sign of respect—hand to shoulder and forehead. These lesser gods or spirits are seen as holy, with Lunamor acknowledging their true shapes beyond their streamers. The act of respecting them indicates a worldview where divine or spiritual entities influence daily life, providing guidance, protection, or a sense of connection to larger forces. It suggests that faith and spiritual acknowledgment are integral to the characters’ routines, shaping their attitudes and actions even in moments of mundane activity like cooking or training.

      5. Question 5

      How does Lunamor’s attitude toward the mixture of cultures and languages, as seen in his interaction with Huio and Lopen, reflect broader themes of adaptation and cultural exchange in the story?

      Answer:
      Lunamor’s interactions with Huio and Lopen reveal an openness to cultural exchange and adaptation. His initial frustration at Huio’s use of Herdazian language and the spicy addition of lazbo to the drink show a moment of cultural clash. However, his eventual appreciation of the spice’s flavor demonstrates an acceptance and even enjoyment of new traditions and practices. This reflects broader themes in the story of characters adapting to diverse cultures and learning from each other, which is essential in a world marked by conflict and unity. Lunamor’s willingness to embrace these differences highlights the importance of flexibility, curiosity, and respect in fostering harmony amid diversity.

    Quotes

    • 1. “You mustn’t worry yourself about Rayse. It is a pity about Aona and Skai, but they were foolish—violating our pact from the very beginning.”

      This quote highlights the chapter’s underlying theme of loyalty, consequences, and the importance of adhering to shared agreements, setting a tone of measured acceptance and accountability.

      2. “Numuhukumakiaki’aialunamor had always been taught that the first rule of warfare was to know your enemy. One might assume that such lessons weren’t terribly relevant in his life anymore. Fortunately, making a good stew was a lot like going to war.”

      This passage draws a parallel between strategy in warfare and the art of cooking, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s environment and craft—be it battle or cuisine—as a reflection of deeper skills and knowledge.

      3. “In those chasms, Lunamor had found himself again after a long time being lost. Renewed life, renewed purpose.”

      This quote encapsulates a moment of renewal and hope, illustrating how connection to place and purpose can restore a sense of self, which is a central motif in the chapter’s exploration of personal and collective resilience.

      4. “Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination.”

      The chapter’s invocation of the Stormlight oath underscores the core values the characters strive to embody, serving as a guiding principle for their growth and struggles within the narrative.

      5. “Blessed gods of sea and stone. That was good. The spice added just the right kick to the chilled drink, combining flavors in a completely unexpected—yet somehow complementary—way.”

      This quote reflects the chapter’s lighter, human moment, illustrating the camaraderie and cultural blending that enrich the characters’ lives amid chaos, and highlights the chapter’s balance of action and everyday life.

    Quotes

    1. “You mustn’t worry yourself about Rayse. It is a pity about Aona and Skai, but they were foolish—violating our pact from the very beginning.”

    This quote highlights the chapter’s underlying theme of loyalty, consequences, and the importance of adhering to shared agreements, setting a tone of measured acceptance and accountability.

    2. “Numuhukumakiaki’aialunamor had always been taught that the first rule of warfare was to know your enemy. One might assume that such lessons weren’t terribly relevant in his life anymore. Fortunately, making a good stew was a lot like going to war.”

    This passage draws a parallel between strategy in warfare and the art of cooking, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s environment and craft—be it battle or cuisine—as a reflection of deeper skills and knowledge.

    3. “In those chasms, Lunamor had found himself again after a long time being lost. Renewed life, renewed purpose.”

    This quote encapsulates a moment of renewal and hope, illustrating how connection to place and purpose can restore a sense of self, which is a central motif in the chapter’s exploration of personal and collective resilience.

    4. “Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination.”

    The chapter’s invocation of the Stormlight oath underscores the core values the characters strive to embody, serving as a guiding principle for their growth and struggles within the narrative.

    5. “Blessed gods of sea and stone. That was good. The spice added just the right kick to the chilled drink, combining flavors in a completely unexpected—yet somehow complementary—way.”

    This quote reflects the chapter’s lighter, human moment, illustrating the camaraderie and cultural blending that enrich the characters’ lives amid chaos, and highlights the chapter’s balance of action and everyday life.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What does Lunamor’s reflection on the Shattered Plains reveal about his attitude toward unfamiliar or challenging environments?

    Answer:
    Lunamor’s reflection shows a surprising fondness for the Shattered Plains despite its bleakness. Initially, he describes it as a barren, windswept flatland with little to no growth, which contrasts with his homeland’s extremes—bitter ice, boiling heat, and lush valleys. However, he admits that he has grown to love the plains, appreciating their moderate climate and the unique beauty of the landscape. This reveals his capacity to adapt and find value in unfamiliar environments, viewing them not just as obstacles but as places of renewal and purpose. It underscores a theme of acceptance and appreciation for different surroundings, vital traits for a warrior or traveler navigating a complex world.

    2. Question 2

    How does the chapter depict the process of training in Stormlight, and what does this suggest about the nature of learning and leadership within Bridge Four?

    Answer:
    The chapter describes the training of Bridge Four members in drawing Stormlight as a process of stumbling and learning together, rather than a straightforward skill. Kaladin admits that even he barely understands how he learned to use Stormlight, emphasizing that mastery comes through experience and collective effort. The act of everyone glowing with Stormlight by the end of the day symbolizes progress and achievement. This approach highlights that learning is a shared journey, requiring patience, persistence, and support from leaders like Kaladin. It also reflects a leadership style rooted in humility and teamwork, where growth occurs through collaboration rather than individual perfection.

    3. Question 3

    In what ways does the chapter illustrate the importance of camaraderie and mutual support among the members of Bridge Four?

    Answer:
    The chapter demonstrates camaraderie through small interactions and shared responsibilities. Lunamor’s role in preparing stew and helping Kaladin with training fosters a sense of unity. The respect shown to Dabbid, the youngest bridgeman, through subtle salutes, signifies acknowledgment and inclusion within the team. Lunamor’s playful banter with Huio about the drink, and Huio’s smile when he spices the stew, further illustrate a relaxed, supportive environment. These moments of humor, shared effort, and mutual respect reinforce the importance of camaraderie in maintaining morale, fostering teamwork, and building resilience in the face of adversity.

    4. Question 4

    What does the chapter suggest about the role of faith and the divine in the daily lives of the characters, particularly through the depiction of the anticipationspren and the sign of respect?

    Answer:
    The chapter subtly underscores the significance of faith and reverence through the presence of anticipationspren and the act of giving the sign of respect—hand to shoulder and forehead. These lesser gods or spirits are seen as holy, with Lunamor acknowledging their true shapes beyond their streamers. The act of respecting them indicates a worldview where divine or spiritual entities influence daily life, providing guidance, protection, or a sense of connection to larger forces. It suggests that faith and spiritual acknowledgment are integral to the characters’ routines, shaping their attitudes and actions even in moments of mundane activity like cooking or training.

    5. Question 5

    How does Lunamor’s attitude toward the mixture of cultures and languages, as seen in his interaction with Huio and Lopen, reflect broader themes of adaptation and cultural exchange in the story?

    Answer:
    Lunamor’s interactions with Huio and Lopen reveal an openness to cultural exchange and adaptation. His initial frustration at Huio’s use of Herdazian language and the spicy addition of lazbo to the drink show a moment of cultural clash. However, his eventual appreciation of the spice’s flavor demonstrates an acceptance and even enjoyment of new traditions and practices. This reflects broader themes in the story of characters adapting to diverse cultures and learning from each other, which is essential in a world marked by conflict and unity. Lunamor’s willingness to embrace these differences highlights the importance of flexibility, curiosity, and respect in fostering harmony amid diversity.

    Note