Oathbringer
37. The Last Time We March
by Sanderson, BrandonThe 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.
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.
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