Oathbringer
56. Always with You
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Dalinar experiencing a vision filled with uncertainty and intrigue, questioning the identity and knowledge of a mysterious figure who seems to possess insight about Adonalsium. This figure’s subterfuge and concealment evoke a sense of mystery, prompting Dalinar to grapple with the implications of this knowledge and its connection to broader cosmic forces. The narrative then shifts to a detailed scene set in an ancient fortress, where Dalinar observes a civilization characterized by classical architecture, bronze weapons, and Soulcast armor, suggesting a time over two thousand years in the past. This vision hints at a complex history of conflicts and alliances, emphasizing the layered history of Roshar.
Dalinar, Navani, and Jasnah analyze the vision, attempting to contextualize the historical events they witness. They identify the scene as a multiethnic coalition engaged in battle, possibly during the aftermath of the Desolations, with signs pointing to a period after the loss of the Radiants and the Recreance. Jasnah hypothesizes that the fighting could involve remnants of Voidbringers or parshmen, and the scene indicates a significant conflict that occurred long after the Voidbringers’ initial departure. Navani expresses a determination to locate the site, Feverstone Keep, to uncover clues about the past and the mysterious events that led to the Radiants’ retreat.
The narrative then shifts focus to Dalinar’s interaction with Yanagawn, the young emperor of Azir, who is shown observing the vision from a vantage point. Yanagawn’s frustration with the visions’ emotional toll highlights the burden of knowledge and the uncertainty that accompanies Dalinar’s revelations. As the vision unfolds outside the fortress, soldiers and Radiants abandon their Shards and armor, symbolizing a profound moment of sacrifice and despair. Dalinar reflects on the haunting nature of these scenes, emphasizing the inexplicable act of men willingly relinquishing their powers amidst a tragic battlefield.
In the final part, Dalinar discusses the significance of these visions with Yanagawn, stressing their importance for future strategy and survival. Dalinar perceives Yanagawn’s potential as a leader who might hold the key to understanding Roshar’s history, despite his self-doubt. The chapter concludes with a tone of cautious hope, as Dalinar recognizes the importance of sharing this knowledge, even if the full meaning remains elusive. The visions serve as a reminder of the deep mysteries and enduring struggles that shape their world, underscoring the importance of wisdom, leadership, and the pursuit of truth amidst chaos.
FAQs
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1. What is the significance of Dalinar’s ability to control his visions by holding Navani’s and Jasnah’s hands, and what does this suggest about his connection to the visions?
Answer:
Dalinar’s enhanced control over his visions through physical contact with Navani and Jasnah signifies a deepening connection between his consciousness and the visions’ source. It suggests that touch acts as a conduit or anchor, allowing him to access these glimpses of the past more clearly and with greater stability. This indicates that Dalinar’s bond with the visions is not purely mental but can be influenced by physical proximity and perhaps shared intent or spiritual connection. It highlights the importance of relationships and unity—both literal and metaphorical—in accessing and understanding the past, which is crucial for deciphering the mysteries of the history and events on Roshar.2. Based on Jasnah’s analysis, what clues indicate that the vision depicts a time over two thousand years ago, and why is this temporal placement important for understanding the history of Roshar?
Answer:
Jasnah deduces the timeframe by observing the architecture (late classical style with faux blue dyes), the type of weapons (Haravingian swords), and the language spoken—elements that align with historical periods over two thousand years ago. She also notes the presence of a multiethnic coalition and the use of Soulcast armor, which helps narrow down the period. This temporal placement is significant because it situates the vision after the Desolations but before the modern timeline, providing insight into the ancient conflicts, alliances, and technological levels. Understanding this period helps piece together the long history of warfare, the evolution of magic and metallurgy, and the origins of the Radiants’ past, including the Recreance.3. How does the depiction of the Radiants abandoning their Shards and armor in the vision reflect on their state of mind and the possible reasons behind their actions?
Answer:
The Radiants’ act of abandoning their weapons, armor, and Shards reflects a profound moment of surrender or despair. It suggests they are willingly relinquishing their power, which is an act of immense sacrifice or perhaps a response to a catastrophic event or perceived failure. The scene is infused with sorrow and pain, indicating that their decision was driven by emotional or moral reasons rather than strategic necessity. This act of renunciation could symbolize a loss of faith, a desire to end a cycle of violence, or a response to an overwhelming enemy or internal crisis. It underscores the tragic complexity of their history and hints at a pivotal turning point in the ancient history of the Knights Radiant.4. What is the possible significance of the “False Desolation” Jasnah mentions, and how does her interpretation challenge traditional views of Voidbringers and the history of Roshar?
Answer:
Jasnah’s mention of the “False Desolation” introduces the idea that Voidbringers might have survived or persisted beyond the known Desolations, contrary to the traditional view that they were eradicated. This theory, considered pseudohistorical and dismissed by many scholars, suggests that conflicts with remnants of Voidbringers or their proxies could have continued, possibly explaining some of the ongoing chaos and mysterious events in Roshar’s history. Her interpretation challenges the simplistic narrative of the Voidbringers as only a mythic enemy defeated long ago, opening the possibility that their influence or remnants lingered, impacting subsequent events and the behavior of parshmen. It invites a reevaluation of long-held assumptions about the history and ongoing threats on Roshar.5. How do the visions Dalinar experiences serve as a tool for political and strategic insight, and what are the implications of his belief that Azir and its leader, Yanagawn, could be vital to future events?
Answer:
Dalinar’s visions provide him with a historical perspective on past conflicts, alliances, and the failures of Radiant leadership, which can inform his current political and military strategies. By sharing these visions, he hopes to prepare allies and understand potential threats or opportunities. His belief that Azir and Yanagawn could be crucial allies underscores the importance of alliances based on strategic value rather than mere tradition. Dalinar recognizes Azir’s strength and its position as a western power, emphasizing that the future may depend on uniting key kingdoms. This approach demonstrates how visions are used not just for understanding history but as a means to influence present-day decisions, fostering cooperation and shaping the political landscape to confront future challenges.
Quotes
1. “I am also made uncertain by your subterfuge. Why have you not made yourself known to me before this? How is it you can hide? Who are you truly, and how do you know so much about Adonalsium?”
This quote highlights the chapter’s exploration of hidden knowledge and the mysterious nature of the visions and figures involved, emphasizing themes of secrecy and the pursuit of understanding greater cosmic truths.
2. “Today, by holding their hands, he had brought Navani and Jasnah in without a highstorm. That control over these visions was increasing beyond even what the Stormfather assumed possible.”
This passage underscores Dalinar’s growing mastery over the visions, which is central to the chapter’s focus on the significance of these glimpses into the past and their potential influence on present understanding.
3. “It’s considered unreliable, but that’s because many later ardents insist that no Voidbringers could have survived. I’m inclined to assume this is a clash with parshmen before they were somehow deprived of their ability to change forms.”
This quote reflects the chapter’s discussion of historical legends and the ambiguity surrounding the Voidbringers’ true fate, raising questions about accepted history and the nature of myths versus reality.
4. “And that pain. It pervaded the air like a terrible stench.”
This powerful description encapsulates the emotional and spiritual toll of the visions, conveying the profound sorrow and horror associated with the events Dalinar witnesses, which is a recurring theme throughout the chapter.
5. “If you’re not going to join my coalition, I figure I should still give you as much knowledge as I can. Perhaps we will fall, and you will survive. Maybe your scholars can solve these puzzles when we cannot. And maybe you are the leader Roshar needs, while I am just an emissary.”
This quote reveals Dalinar’s strategic hope that even if he cannot unite the present, sharing these visions could aid future generations—highlighting the chapter’s overarching theme of legacy, knowledge, and the importance of understanding history.