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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

    43. Spearman

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter begins with a tone of mys­tery and com­mu­ni­ca­tion beyond under­stand­ing, as a voice men­tions speak­ing to some­one who can­not respond, hint­ing at a deep­er, per­haps mys­ti­cal con­nec­tion. The scene shifts to Moash, who is eat­ing a bland stew and observ­ing the tense argu­ments among the group, high­light­ing the harsh con­di­tions of their jour­ney through the Frost­lands. Graves, Febrth, and Fia are engaged in a dis­agree­ment over nav­i­ga­tion and guid­ance, illus­trat­ing dif­fer­ing beliefs—rational map read­ing ver­sus reliance on the Passions—reflecting under­ly­ing ten­sions and con­trast­ing world­views with­in the group. The set­ting empha­sizes their strug­gle to sur­vive in a relent­less win­ter, with the char­ac­ters endur­ing dis­com­fort and frus­tra­tion.

    As the nar­ra­tive pro­gress­es, Moash’s inter­nal con­flict becomes more appar­ent. He reflects on past affil­i­a­tions, notably his con­nec­tion to Bridge Four and his pre­vi­ous loy­al­ty to Graves, con­trast­ing it with his cur­rent cir­cum­stances. His act of remov­ing the Bridge Four patch sym­bol­izes a rejec­tion of for­mer alle­giances and a strug­gle with iden­ti­ty, guilt, and remorse. Moash’s mem­o­ries of his for­mer cama­raderie and the vio­lent events sur­round­ing Kaladin evoke a sense of loss and inter­nal tur­moil. His thoughts reveal a char­ac­ter torn between his past actions and present real­i­ty, deep­en­ing the story’s explo­ration of loy­al­ty, betray­al, and the cost of sur­vival.

    Sud­den­ly, the tone shifts from intro­spec­tion to chaos as Moash wit­ness­es a ter­ri­fy­ing attack by Void­bringers. These ene­mies, unlike the Parshen­di, pos­sess a more sin­is­ter, preda­to­ry appear­ance, with red eyes and dark, swirling armor. The attack is sud­den and bru­tal, killing Graves and oth­ers in the camp with ruth­less effi­cien­cy. Moash’s quick reflex­es and train­ing kick in as he fights to defend him­self, clutch­ing his Shard­blade. The scene under­scores the threat posed by these mys­te­ri­ous, for­mi­da­ble foes and height­ens the ten­sion, reveal­ing that the char­ac­ters are caught in a con­flict far larg­er than their imme­di­ate strug­gles, with omi­nous impli­ca­tions for their future.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with a vivid and intense com­bat scene. Moash bat­tles a Void­bringer, whose grace and pow­er sur­pass his own, empha­siz­ing the dan­ger and alien nature of these crea­tures. The Voidbringer’s appearance—deep red eyes and a mul­ti­col­ored, swirling pat­tern on her skin—symbolizes the chaos and dark­ness they bring. As Moash fights des­per­ate­ly, the scene under­scores the unpre­dictabil­i­ty and bru­tal­i­ty of this new threat, leav­ing the read­er with a sense of fore­bod­ing. The chap­ter ends on a note of immi­nent dan­ger, hint­ing at fur­ther con­flicts and the larg­er cos­mic forces at play, which threat­en to engulf the char­ac­ters in chaos.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What are some of the key themes and conflicts presented in this chapter, particularly regarding Moash’s character and his circumstances?

      Answer:
      The chapter explores themes of loyalty, identity, and sacrifice. Moash is depicted as a character torn between his past allegiances and his current reality. His internal conflict is evident as he considers removing his Bridge Four patch, symbolizing a rejection of his previous identity and bonds. The chapter also highlights the struggle for survival in a harsh, wintery landscape, with characters facing external threats like the Voidbringers and internal dilemmas about duty and self-preservation. The conflict intensifies with the sudden attack by Voidbringers, forcing Moash to rely on his training and instincts, illustrating themes of resilience and the unpredictable nature of war.

      2. How does the chapter depict the nature of the Voidbringers and their significance within the story’s world?

      Answer:
      The Voidbringers are portrayed as formidable and mysterious enemies, wielding long, sinuous swords that differ from the traditional Shardblades. Their appearance—deep red eyes, red-violet carapace, and swirling skin patterns—emphasizes their alien and threatening nature. Graves’ mention of their return being predicted by the “Diagram” suggests that their appearance is part of a larger, possibly inevitable, cosmic event. Their presence signifies an escalation in the conflict, introducing a new level of danger and uncertainty. The depiction underscores their importance as a central threat that challenges the characters’ understanding of their world and the forces they face.

      3. In what ways does Moash’s internal struggle and actions reflect broader themes of transformation and loss?

      Answer:
      Moash’s decision to cut off his Bridge Four patch and his internal musings about not being darkeyed anymore symbolize his attempt to redefine himself, shedding past loyalties and identities. His hesitation to throw the patch into the fire reveals his conflicted feelings—he recognizes the significance of his former bonds but also feels the weight of his current circumstances. The chapter illustrates how trauma, war, and personal choices can lead to profound transformation, often accompanied by loss. Moash’s internal dialogue and actions highlight the pain of letting go of former identities and the struggle to forge a new path amid chaos and violence.

      4. How does the chapter use imagery and setting to enhance the mood and tone of the story?

      Answer:
      The chapter employs vivid imagery of the cold, wintery landscape—“perpetual winter,” frozen ground, and the cold air—to evoke a sense of harshness and desolation. The fire’s smoke curling into the air and the distant, visible flames create a somber, tense atmosphere. The description of the Voidbringers’ attack, with their graceful yet deadly movements and the contrasting imagery of the glowing, swirling skin patterns, heightens the sense of danger and otherworldliness. These details collectively reinforce a mood of foreboding and chaos, emphasizing the peril faced by the characters and the bleakness of their environment.

      5. How might Moash’s experience and reaction to the Voidbringers inform his future decisions and development as a character?

      Answer:
      Moash’s immediate response to the Voidbringers—using his training to fight and defend himself—demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness. His internal conflict about his identity and the loss of his previous bonds suggests that he is at a crossroads, potentially leading to significant character development. The encounter with such a terrifying and alien enemy may deepen his sense of purpose or despair, influencing whether he seeks redemption, revenge, or a new sense of duty. His reaction to the attack also indicates that he is capable of growth through adversity, which could shape his future choices and his role within the larger narrative of survival and conflict.

    Quotes

    • 1. “You have spoken to one who cannot respond. We, instead, will take your communication to us—though we know not how you located us upon this world.”

      This opening quote sets a tone of mystery and otherworldliness, highlighting the chapter’s exploration of communication with unknown or divine entities, and introduces the theme of encountering the incomprehensible.

      2. “Moash’s skin had gone clammy from the cold. He slid his knife from his side sheath—he still wasn’t used to being able to carry one that long. A knife that was too big could get you into trouble as a darkeyes. He wasn’t darkeyed anymore. He was one of them.”

      This passage captures Moash’s internal conflict and transformation, emphasizing the shift in his identity and allegiance, which is central to the chapter’s exploration of loyalty and change.

      3. “Moash’s foe came for him, and he lashed out with his Blade, driving her back. She seemed to glide as she moved, feet barely touching the ground. The other three ignored him, instead inspecting the bodies. One soared in a graceful leap onto the wagon and began digging in the items there.”

      This scene marks the sudden and violent intrusion of the Voidbringers, illustrating the chapter’s pivotal moment of attack and the chaos that ensues, highlighting the threat posed by these mysterious creatures.

      4. “Graves had spoken of these creatures, calling their return merely one of many events predicted by the inscrutable ‘Diagram.’”

      This quote underscores the significance of the “Diagram” as an overarching prophetic framework, framing the Voidbringers’ appearance as part of a larger, perhaps inevitable, cosmic pattern and hinting at deeper mysteries.

      5. “Storms, he should throw himself in the fire. Storms. He should throw himself in the fire.”

      This powerful reflection reveals Moash’s despair and internal torment, encapsulating his sense of guilt and hopelessness amid the chaos and violence that define his current state of mind.

    Quotes

    1. “You have spoken to one who cannot respond. We, instead, will take your communication to us—though we know not how you located us upon this world.”

    This opening quote sets a tone of mystery and otherworldliness, highlighting the chapter’s exploration of communication with unknown or divine entities, and introduces the theme of encountering the incomprehensible.

    2. “Moash’s skin had gone clammy from the cold. He slid his knife from his side sheath—he still wasn’t used to being able to carry one that long. A knife that was too big could get you into trouble as a darkeyes. He wasn’t darkeyed anymore. He was one of them.”

    This passage captures Moash’s internal conflict and transformation, emphasizing the shift in his identity and allegiance, which is central to the chapter’s exploration of loyalty and change.

    3. “Moash’s foe came for him, and he lashed out with his Blade, driving her back. She seemed to glide as she moved, feet barely touching the ground. The other three ignored him, instead inspecting the bodies. One soared in a graceful leap onto the wagon and began digging in the items there.”

    This scene marks the sudden and violent intrusion of the Voidbringers, illustrating the chapter’s pivotal moment of attack and the chaos that ensues, highlighting the threat posed by these mysterious creatures.

    4. “Graves had spoken of these creatures, calling their return merely one of many events predicted by the inscrutable ‘Diagram.’”

    This quote underscores the significance of the “Diagram” as an overarching prophetic framework, framing the Voidbringers’ appearance as part of a larger, perhaps inevitable, cosmic pattern and hinting at deeper mysteries.

    5. “Storms, he should throw himself in the fire. Storms. He should throw himself in the fire.”

    This powerful reflection reveals Moash’s despair and internal torment, encapsulating his sense of guilt and hopelessness amid the chaos and violence that define his current state of mind.

    FAQs

    1. What are some of the key themes and conflicts presented in this chapter, particularly regarding Moash’s character and his circumstances?

    Answer:
    The chapter explores themes of loyalty, identity, and sacrifice. Moash is depicted as a character torn between his past allegiances and his current reality. His internal conflict is evident as he considers removing his Bridge Four patch, symbolizing a rejection of his previous identity and bonds. The chapter also highlights the struggle for survival in a harsh, wintery landscape, with characters facing external threats like the Voidbringers and internal dilemmas about duty and self-preservation. The conflict intensifies with the sudden attack by Voidbringers, forcing Moash to rely on his training and instincts, illustrating themes of resilience and the unpredictable nature of war.

    2. How does the chapter depict the nature of the Voidbringers and their significance within the story’s world?

    Answer:
    The Voidbringers are portrayed as formidable and mysterious enemies, wielding long, sinuous swords that differ from the traditional Shardblades. Their appearance—deep red eyes, red-violet carapace, and swirling skin patterns—emphasizes their alien and threatening nature. Graves’ mention of their return being predicted by the “Diagram” suggests that their appearance is part of a larger, possibly inevitable, cosmic event. Their presence signifies an escalation in the conflict, introducing a new level of danger and uncertainty. The depiction underscores their importance as a central threat that challenges the characters’ understanding of their world and the forces they face.

    3. In what ways does Moash’s internal struggle and actions reflect broader themes of transformation and loss?

    Answer:
    Moash’s decision to cut off his Bridge Four patch and his internal musings about not being darkeyed anymore symbolize his attempt to redefine himself, shedding past loyalties and identities. His hesitation to throw the patch into the fire reveals his conflicted feelings—he recognizes the significance of his former bonds but also feels the weight of his current circumstances. The chapter illustrates how trauma, war, and personal choices can lead to profound transformation, often accompanied by loss. Moash’s internal dialogue and actions highlight the pain of letting go of former identities and the struggle to forge a new path amid chaos and violence.

    4. How does the chapter use imagery and setting to enhance the mood and tone of the story?

    Answer:
    The chapter employs vivid imagery of the cold, wintery landscape—“perpetual winter,” frozen ground, and the cold air—to evoke a sense of harshness and desolation. The fire’s smoke curling into the air and the distant, visible flames create a somber, tense atmosphere. The description of the Voidbringers’ attack, with their graceful yet deadly movements and the contrasting imagery of the glowing, swirling skin patterns, heightens the sense of danger and otherworldliness. These details collectively reinforce a mood of foreboding and chaos, emphasizing the peril faced by the characters and the bleakness of their environment.

    5. How might Moash’s experience and reaction to the Voidbringers inform his future decisions and development as a character?

    Answer:
    Moash’s immediate response to the Voidbringers—using his training to fight and defend himself—demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness. His internal conflict about his identity and the loss of his previous bonds suggests that he is at a crossroads, potentially leading to significant character development. The encounter with such a terrifying and alien enemy may deepen his sense of purpose or despair, influencing whether he seeks redemption, revenge, or a new sense of duty. His reaction to the attack also indicates that he is capable of growth through adversity, which could shape his future choices and his role within the larger narrative of survival and conflict.

    Note