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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

    47. So Much Is Lost

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with a reflec­tion on the impor­tance of approach­ing the right indi­vid­u­als with cru­cial infor­ma­tion, hint­ing at the sig­nif­i­cance of strate­gic com­mu­ni­ca­tion. It then shifts focus to a prophet­ic mes­sage from Talenel’Elin, Her­ald of War, who warns of an impend­ing peri­od of upheaval called the Des­o­la­tion and the Return. Tal­enel empha­sizes the neces­si­ty of prepa­ra­tion, recall­ing lost knowl­edge and skills, such as met­al­work­ing and lead­er­ship, which must be relearned to face the com­ing chal­lenges. His words reveal a sense of urgency and a hope that, through train­ing and coop­er­a­tion, human­i­ty can sur­vive the chaos ahead, despite the over­whelm­ing odds.

    The scene then tran­si­tions to Jas­nah, who is deeply dis­turbed by a series of cryp­tic, obses­sive writ­ings from a mad­man claim­ing to be Talenel’Elin. She rec­og­nizes the words as the true voice of a Her­ald, con­firm­ing sus­pi­cions that the Her­alds are still active and that one remains fall­en and dan­ger­ous. Jasnah’s con­cern dri­ves her to con­sid­er the neces­si­ty of track­ing down this Her­ald, believ­ing that their pres­ence and influ­ence could be piv­otal in the ongo­ing con­flict. Ivory, a spren in cor­po­re­al form, cor­rob­o­rates her sus­pi­cions, assert­ing that the Her­alds are indeed alive and that their souls can be detect­ed even when hid­den from sight.

    The nar­ra­tive then explores Jasnah’s metic­u­lous efforts to gath­er intel­li­gence, includ­ing her secure, secre­tive envi­ron­ment and the exten­sive use of span­reeds and encrypt­ed notes. She reflects on the vast loss of knowl­edge and her frus­tra­tion at how quick­ly her research has been com­pro­mised or ren­dered obso­lete. Despite the tech­no­log­i­cal and mag­i­cal tools at her dis­pos­al, she rec­og­nizes that much of her accu­mu­lat­ed exper­tise is now out­dat­ed or lost. Both Jas­nah and Ivory acknowl­edge the grav­i­ty of the sit­u­a­tion, empha­siz­ing the need for swift action to recov­er what has been lost and to con­front the ene­my who stirs with destruc­tive intent.

    In the final sec­tion, Jas­nah con­tem­plates the psy­cho­log­i­cal toll of her inves­ti­ga­tions and the poten­tial mad­ness of the Her­alds, who have endured cen­turies of suf­fer­ing and mem­o­ry loss. Their men­tal sta­bil­i­ty and the fear of los­ing her own ratio­nal­i­ty weigh heav­i­ly on her. She reflects on her own vul­ner­a­bil­i­ties, con­trast­ing her desire for con­trol with the Her­alds’ poten­tial descent into chaos. Ivory and Jas­nah dis­cuss the frag­ile line between san­i­ty and mad­ness, high­light­ing the pro­found psy­cho­log­i­cal scars inflict­ed by the long his­to­ry of war and loss. The chap­ter clos­es with a somber recog­ni­tion of the endur­ing cost of their strug­gles, both men­tal and phys­i­cal, as they pre­pare for the bat­tles ahead.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What is the significance of Talenel’Elin’s speech in the chapter, and what does it reveal about the approaching events?

      Answer:
      Talenel’Elin’s speech is a crucial moment that signals the imminent threat of the Return and the Desolation. As Herald of War, his words serve as a warning and a call to prepare for the chaos to come. He emphasizes that much knowledge has been lost over time, and he offers to teach essential skills—such as bronze casting, surgery, and leadership—to humanity to bolster their chances of survival. His mention of using Surgebinders as guardians and the importance of training highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for humanity to rally its remaining resources. The speech also reveals a sense of desperation and urgency, as Talenel’Elin fears failure and recognizes the difficulty of the coming days, emphasizing the importance of unity and preparation.

      2. How does Jasnah’s reaction to the Herald’s words and her environment reflect her mindset and current state of concern?

      Answer:
      Jasnah’s reaction to the Herald’s words—reading the repeated, madman’s script with trembling and suspicion—reflects her deep concern and the gravity she assigns to the message. Her careful security measures, such as choosing a secure room and encrypting her notes, demonstrate her awareness of threats and her cautious approach to sensitive information. Her focus on discovering the Herald’s identity and the connection between the Heralds and the Voidbringers shows her strategic mindset and her sense of urgency. Additionally, her internal reflections—regarding the loss of knowledge, her fears of losing her sanity, and her doubts about her own stability—highlight her mental and emotional strain. Overall, her reactions underscore a character deeply embroiled in a high-stakes struggle, balancing hope, fear, and determination.

      3. What role do Ivory and Jasnah’s conversations about stability and sanity play in understanding their characters and the larger themes of the chapter?

      Answer:
      The conversations between Ivory and Jasnah about stability and sanity reveal their introspective and philosophical concerns amid chaos. Ivory’s assertion that Jasnah is like a stone—calm, factual, and stable—contrasts with her admission of fears about losing her mental resilience. Jasnah’s reflections on the Heralds’ possible struggles with their minds—questioning whether they have lucid moments or are too far gone—highlight the theme of mental fragility in the face of immense suffering and loss. These discussions deepen our understanding of their characters as rational, analytical individuals grappling with the psychological toll of the ongoing conflict and the historical weight of the Heralds’ suffering. It also underscores a larger theme in the chapter: the importance of mental resilience and the threat of losing one’s mind in times of crisis.

      4. How might the concept of lost knowledge, as discussed in the chapter, influence the strategies of the characters in their fight against the coming threat?

      Answer:
      The chapter emphasizes that much knowledge has been lost over the ages, especially following Desolations, which impacts how characters plan and strategize. Jasnah’s concern that her expertise—such as her detailed notes on parshmen and Voidbringers—has been rendered irrelevant illustrates the challenge of working with incomplete or outdated information. This loss of knowledge compels characters like Jasnah and Ivory to seek new ways of understanding their enemies, such as searching Shadesmar for hidden identities or using Surgebinders as guardians. It also underscores the importance of preserving and encrypting what remains of their knowledge, as seen with Jasnah’s efforts to safeguard her notes. Overall, the loss of knowledge forces them to be adaptable, rely on intuition, and innovate in their approach to survival and combat.

      5. What do the chapter’s themes of memory, stability, and the potential for madness suggest about the psychological toll of the ongoing conflict and the characters’ internal struggles?

      Answer:
      The chapter explores how prolonged exposure to trauma, loss, and the weight of knowledge can threaten mental stability. Jasnah’s fears of losing her sanity, her reflections on the Heralds’ possible mental deterioration, and Ivory’s acknowledgment of the ancient spren’s suffering all point to the psychological toll of the ongoing conflict. The recurring theme of memory—how much has been lost, how history is rewritten, and the importance of preserving knowledge—underscores the fragility of mental stability when faced with chaos. The characters’ internal struggles reflect a tension between rationality and emotional vulnerability, illustrating that even the most composed individuals are susceptible to the destabilizing effects of their circumstances. This theme emphasizes that resilience is not only physical but also mental, and that maintaining one’s mind is a vital part of surviving the coming storm.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Indeed, we admire his initiative. Perhaps if you had approached the correct one of us with your plea, it would have found favorable audience.”

      This opening line underscores the chapter’s theme of miscommunication and the importance of approaching the right entities—highlighting a recurring motif of seeking the correct approach to influence and understanding.

      2. “We will Soulcast blocks of metal directly for you. I wish we could teach you steel, but casting is so much easier than forging, and you must have something we can produce quickly. Your stone tools will not serve against what is to come.”

      This quote reflects the Heralds’ role in providing practical aid and emphasizes the urgency of preparation in the face of impending catastrophe, illustrating the chapter’s focus on ancient knowledge and survival.

      3. “The coming days will be difficult, but with training, humanity will survive. You must bring me to your leaders. The other Heralds should join us soon.”

      This statement encapsulates the chapter’s core message of hope and the necessity of unity and learning in the face of existential threats, emphasizing that survival depends on preparation and cooperation.

      4. “Our suspicions are true. The Heralds are, and the fallen one still is.”

      Spoken by Ivory, this quote reveals the crucial revelation about the Heralds’ true nature and the ongoing threat posed by the fallen—a pivotal turning point that intensifies the chapter’s tension and stakes.

      5. “Considering what the ancient fathers are.”

      This brief but profound remark by Ivory prompts reflection on the fragility of sanity and the mental toll of their long, tumultuous history, tying into the chapter’s exploration of memory, loss, and the cost of their divine burdens.

    Quotes

    1. “Indeed, we admire his initiative. Perhaps if you had approached the correct one of us with your plea, it would have found favorable audience.”

    This opening line underscores the chapter’s theme of miscommunication and the importance of approaching the right entities—highlighting a recurring motif of seeking the correct approach to influence and understanding.

    2. “We will Soulcast blocks of metal directly for you. I wish we could teach you steel, but casting is so much easier than forging, and you must have something we can produce quickly. Your stone tools will not serve against what is to come.”

    This quote reflects the Heralds’ role in providing practical aid and emphasizes the urgency of preparation in the face of impending catastrophe, illustrating the chapter’s focus on ancient knowledge and survival.

    3. “The coming days will be difficult, but with training, humanity will survive. You must bring me to your leaders. The other Heralds should join us soon.”

    This statement encapsulates the chapter’s core message of hope and the necessity of unity and learning in the face of existential threats, emphasizing that survival depends on preparation and cooperation.

    4. “Our suspicions are true. The Heralds are, and the fallen one still is.”

    Spoken by Ivory, this quote reveals the crucial revelation about the Heralds’ true nature and the ongoing threat posed by the fallen—a pivotal turning point that intensifies the chapter’s tension and stakes.

    5. “Considering what the ancient fathers are.”

    This brief but profound remark by Ivory prompts reflection on the fragility of sanity and the mental toll of their long, tumultuous history, tying into the chapter’s exploration of memory, loss, and the cost of their divine burdens.

    FAQs

    1. What is the significance of Talenel’Elin’s speech in the chapter, and what does it reveal about the approaching events?

    Answer:
    Talenel’Elin’s speech is a crucial moment that signals the imminent threat of the Return and the Desolation. As Herald of War, his words serve as a warning and a call to prepare for the chaos to come. He emphasizes that much knowledge has been lost over time, and he offers to teach essential skills—such as bronze casting, surgery, and leadership—to humanity to bolster their chances of survival. His mention of using Surgebinders as guardians and the importance of training highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for humanity to rally its remaining resources. The speech also reveals a sense of desperation and urgency, as Talenel’Elin fears failure and recognizes the difficulty of the coming days, emphasizing the importance of unity and preparation.

    2. How does Jasnah’s reaction to the Herald’s words and her environment reflect her mindset and current state of concern?

    Answer:
    Jasnah’s reaction to the Herald’s words—reading the repeated, madman’s script with trembling and suspicion—reflects her deep concern and the gravity she assigns to the message. Her careful security measures, such as choosing a secure room and encrypting her notes, demonstrate her awareness of threats and her cautious approach to sensitive information. Her focus on discovering the Herald’s identity and the connection between the Heralds and the Voidbringers shows her strategic mindset and her sense of urgency. Additionally, her internal reflections—regarding the loss of knowledge, her fears of losing her sanity, and her doubts about her own stability—highlight her mental and emotional strain. Overall, her reactions underscore a character deeply embroiled in a high-stakes struggle, balancing hope, fear, and determination.

    3. What role do Ivory and Jasnah’s conversations about stability and sanity play in understanding their characters and the larger themes of the chapter?

    Answer:
    The conversations between Ivory and Jasnah about stability and sanity reveal their introspective and philosophical concerns amid chaos. Ivory’s assertion that Jasnah is like a stone—calm, factual, and stable—contrasts with her admission of fears about losing her mental resilience. Jasnah’s reflections on the Heralds’ possible struggles with their minds—questioning whether they have lucid moments or are too far gone—highlight the theme of mental fragility in the face of immense suffering and loss. These discussions deepen our understanding of their characters as rational, analytical individuals grappling with the psychological toll of the ongoing conflict and the historical weight of the Heralds’ suffering. It also underscores a larger theme in the chapter: the importance of mental resilience and the threat of losing one’s mind in times of crisis.

    4. How might the concept of lost knowledge, as discussed in the chapter, influence the strategies of the characters in their fight against the coming threat?

    Answer:
    The chapter emphasizes that much knowledge has been lost over the ages, especially following Desolations, which impacts how characters plan and strategize. Jasnah’s concern that her expertise—such as her detailed notes on parshmen and Voidbringers—has been rendered irrelevant illustrates the challenge of working with incomplete or outdated information. This loss of knowledge compels characters like Jasnah and Ivory to seek new ways of understanding their enemies, such as searching Shadesmar for hidden identities or using Surgebinders as guardians. It also underscores the importance of preserving and encrypting what remains of their knowledge, as seen with Jasnah’s efforts to safeguard her notes. Overall, the loss of knowledge forces them to be adaptable, rely on intuition, and innovate in their approach to survival and combat.

    5. What do the chapter’s themes of memory, stability, and the potential for madness suggest about the psychological toll of the ongoing conflict and the characters’ internal struggles?

    Answer:
    The chapter explores how prolonged exposure to trauma, loss, and the weight of knowledge can threaten mental stability. Jasnah’s fears of losing her sanity, her reflections on the Heralds’ possible mental deterioration, and Ivory’s acknowledgment of the ancient spren’s suffering all point to the psychological toll of the ongoing conflict. The recurring theme of memory—how much has been lost, how history is rewritten, and the importance of preserving knowledge—underscores the fragility of mental stability when faced with chaos. The characters’ internal struggles reflect a tension between rationality and emotional vulnerability, illustrating that even the most composed individuals are susceptible to the destabilizing effects of their circumstances. This theme emphasizes that resilience is not only physical but also mental, and that maintaining one’s mind is a vital part of surviving the coming storm.

    Note