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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

    57. Passion

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter explores a tense con­fronta­tion between Dali­nar and Odi­um, a pow­er­ful and ancient enti­ty embody­ing pas­sion and emo­tion. Odium’s pres­ence is over­whelm­ing, and his words reveal a com­plex under­stand­ing of the nature of emo­tions, bonds, and the destruc­tive poten­tial of pas­sion. He advo­cates that emo­tion is the core of human­i­ty, con­trast­ing him­self with oth­er divine fig­ures like Hon­or and Cul­ti­va­tion, who pri­or­i­tize bonds and growth respec­tive­ly. Odium’s per­spec­tive sug­gests that pas­sion, though often lead­ing to chaos and loss, also fuels great­ness and the human spir­it. The chap­ter empha­sizes the dual­i­ty of pas­sion as both a source of strength and a cat­a­lyst for destruc­tion.

    Dalinar’s reac­tion to Odium’s pres­ence reflects his inter­nal con­flict and unpre­pared­ness for the rev­e­la­tions he faces. Odium’s calm demeanor and pater­nal tone mask his true nature as a force of chaos and destruc­tion. The dia­logue reveals Odium’s belief that he embod­ies the true essence of emo­tion, and that his influ­ence is vital to under­stand­ing human nature. Odi­um hints at the destruc­tive con­se­quences of releas­ing him, includ­ing the death of Cul­ti­va­tion and upheaval across Roshar. Dalinar’s dis­com­fort under­scores his strug­gle to com­pre­hend and con­front the pro­found impli­ca­tions of Odium’s ide­ol­o­gy and pow­er.

    The con­ver­sa­tion delves into the divine rela­tion­ships among the gods—Odium, Hon­or, and Cultivation—and their dif­fer­ing philoso­phies. Odi­um claims to be mis­un­der­stood, assert­ing that he rep­re­sents pas­sion in its purest form, which he believes is essen­tial for vital­i­ty and progress. He crit­i­cizes Honor’s focus on bonds and Cultivation’s empha­sis on trans­for­ma­tion, posi­tion­ing him­self as the true embod­i­ment of emo­tion. Odium’s words sug­gest that the divine con­flicts on Roshar are root­ed in con­trast­ing visions of what dri­ves and sus­tains life, with Odi­um assert­ing his role as a nec­es­sary, if tumul­tuous, force.

    In the clos­ing moments, Dali­nar chal­lenges Odi­um to a duel, sym­bol­iz­ing his rejec­tion of Odium’s nihilis­tic view and his desire to pro­tect Roshar from chaos. Odium’s part­ing words imply that he has robbed Dali­nar of mem­o­ries and that his influ­ence is deep­er than it appears. The chap­ter ends with a sense of unre­solved ten­sion, as Dali­nar con­sid­ers the stakes involved in con­fronting Odium’s pas­sion-dri­ven chaos. This con­fronta­tion under­scores the ongo­ing strug­gle between order and emo­tion, high­light­ing the core themes of passion’s pow­er and per­il in shap­ing the fate of Roshar.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What is Odium’s perspective on the fall of the Radiants, and how does it contrast with Dalinar’s understanding?
      Answer:
      Odium claims that the Radiants’ fall was driven by passion and emotion, not solely by infighting or dishonesty. He suggests that their unity was based on genuine desire to do good, but their passion ultimately led to chaos and destruction. This contrasts with Dalinar’s previous understanding, which attributed the fall to infighting among honest men and differing views. Odium emphasizes that passion—emotion—is a fundamental aspect of humanity and that it is both glorious and dangerous. He sees passion as a core element that defines men and believes it was the true cause of the Radiants’ downfall, framing it as an intrinsic and vital force rather than a flaw.

      2. Question 2

      How does Odium describe himself, and what does this reveal about his nature and his role among the Shardic gods?
      Answer:
      Odium describes himself as emotion incarnate, embodying lust, joy, hatred, anger, exultation, glory, and vice. He states that he is the soul of both men and spren, representing the full spectrum of human passions and feelings. This reveals that Odium’s nature is fundamentally tied to raw, unfiltered emotion—both positive and negative—and that he sees himself as a vital, essential force that drives human experience. His role among the Shardic gods is to embody passion and emotion, contrasting with Honor’s focus on bonds and Cultivation’s focus on growth and transformation. Odium’s self-description emphasizes his belief that emotion is a powerful, necessary force that shapes humanity and the world.

      3. Question 3

      What is the significance of Odium’s statement that he has been “shackled” and his mention of the Splinters of Honor?
      Answer:
      Odium’s mention of being “shackled” indicates that he is bound or limited in some way, which affects his ability to act freely in the current realm. The Splinters of Honor are fragments of the god Honor’s power, which Odium intends to eventually claim or destroy. This signifies that Odium’s influence and plans are intertwined with Honor’s remnants, and that his eventual goal involves transforming or conquering the realm by gaining more power from these Splinters. It also underscores the ongoing conflict between Odium and the other divine forces, highlighting that Odium’s ultimate ambitions threaten the stability of the world and its spiritual fabric.

      4. Question 4

      How does Odium’s view of passion challenge traditional notions of good and evil, and what implications does this have for understanding his character?
      Answer:
      Odium’s view of passion as a fundamental and glorious force challenges the simplistic dichotomy of good versus evil. He sees passion as a vital aspect of human nature that can lead to both creation and destruction. By equating himself with emotion and asserting that he embodies what makes men “men,” Odium suggests that passion itself is neither inherently evil nor good but a powerful force that must be understood and embraced. This complicates his character, portraying him not merely as a villain but as a force of nature that believes it is necessary for genuine human experience and growth. It invites a deeper reflection on whether passion, in its raw form, should be suppressed or accepted as an essential part of life.

      5. Question 5

      What is the significance of Dalinar’s challenge of a duel to Odium, and what does it reveal about Dalinar’s character and his understanding of the conflict?
      Answer:
      Dalinar’s challenge of a duel to Odium signifies his willingness to confront the embodiment of passion and chaos directly, symbolizing a desire to face the forces that threaten his world. It reveals his courage and sense of responsibility, as he is willing to stand against a god-like being to protect Roshar. This act also demonstrates Dalinar’s growth in understanding the nature of the conflict—recognizing that true strength involves not just physical might but moral resolve and willingness to engage with complex, even uncomfortable truths. It underscores his role as a leader who seeks to find a way to resolve or contain the chaos represented by Odium, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding his people and his understanding that the battle involves confronting fundamental aspects of human nature.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Honor cared only for bonds. Not the meaning of bonds and oaths, merely that they were kept. Cultivation only wants to see transformation. Growth. It can be good or bad, for all she cares. The pain of men is nothing to her. Only I understand it. Only I care, Dalinar.”

      This quote encapsulates Odium’s self-described role as the embodiment of raw emotion, contrasting with Honor and Cultivation’s more specific domains. It highlights the chapter’s exploration of passion, emotion, and their fundamental place in human experience and conflict.

      2. “Passion, son. Glorious, wondrous passion. Emotion. It is what defines men—though ironically you are poor vessels for it. It fills you up and breaks you, unless you find someone to share the burden.”

      This statement underscores the central theme of passion as both a vital and destructive force, emphasizing that emotion is the core of human nature and that sharing it is essential to managing its power.

      3. “Ask that of Cultivation, next time you see her. Ask what she’d want for Roshar. I think you’ll find me to be the better choice.”

      Here, Odium provocatively suggests that passion and emotion are the driving forces behind growth and change, positioning himself as the necessary catalyst for true vitality, contrasting with Cultivation’s emphasis on measured transformation.

      4. “You are deeply connected to the remnants of a god. Whom you killed.”

      This stark revelation highlights Dalinar’s complex relationship with divine power and the consequences of his actions, setting a tone of moral and existential conflict that runs through the chapter.

      5. “If you could see the result of Honor’s influence, you would not be so quick to name me a god of anger. Separate the emotion from men, and you have creatures like Nale and his Skybreakers.”

      This quote points to the idea that the divine influences are intertwined with human passions, and that what is often perceived as anger or hatred is rooted in the deeper, vital force of emotion—an essential insight into the chapter’s discussion of divine and human nature.

    Quotes

    1. “Honor cared only for bonds. Not the meaning of bonds and oaths, merely that they were kept. Cultivation only wants to see transformation. Growth. It can be good or bad, for all she cares. The pain of men is nothing to her. Only I understand it. Only I care, Dalinar.”

    This quote encapsulates Odium’s self-described role as the embodiment of raw emotion, contrasting with Honor and Cultivation’s more specific domains. It highlights the chapter’s exploration of passion, emotion, and their fundamental place in human experience and conflict.

    2. “Passion, son. Glorious, wondrous passion. Emotion. It is what defines men—though ironically you are poor vessels for it. It fills you up and breaks you, unless you find someone to share the burden.”

    This statement underscores the central theme of passion as both a vital and destructive force, emphasizing that emotion is the core of human nature and that sharing it is essential to managing its power.

    3. “Ask that of Cultivation, next time you see her. Ask what she’d want for Roshar. I think you’ll find me to be the better choice.”

    Here, Odium provocatively suggests that passion and emotion are the driving forces behind growth and change, positioning himself as the necessary catalyst for true vitality, contrasting with Cultivation’s emphasis on measured transformation.

    4. “You are deeply connected to the remnants of a god. Whom you killed.”

    This stark revelation highlights Dalinar’s complex relationship with divine power and the consequences of his actions, setting a tone of moral and existential conflict that runs through the chapter.

    5. “If you could see the result of Honor’s influence, you would not be so quick to name me a god of anger. Separate the emotion from men, and you have creatures like Nale and his Skybreakers.”

    This quote points to the idea that the divine influences are intertwined with human passions, and that what is often perceived as anger or hatred is rooted in the deeper, vital force of emotion—an essential insight into the chapter’s discussion of divine and human nature.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What is Odium’s perspective on the fall of the Radiants, and how does it contrast with Dalinar’s understanding?
    Answer:
    Odium claims that the Radiants’ fall was driven by passion and emotion, not solely by infighting or dishonesty. He suggests that their unity was based on genuine desire to do good, but their passion ultimately led to chaos and destruction. This contrasts with Dalinar’s previous understanding, which attributed the fall to infighting among honest men and differing views. Odium emphasizes that passion—emotion—is a fundamental aspect of humanity and that it is both glorious and dangerous. He sees passion as a core element that defines men and believes it was the true cause of the Radiants’ downfall, framing it as an intrinsic and vital force rather than a flaw.

    2. Question 2

    How does Odium describe himself, and what does this reveal about his nature and his role among the Shardic gods?
    Answer:
    Odium describes himself as emotion incarnate, embodying lust, joy, hatred, anger, exultation, glory, and vice. He states that he is the soul of both men and spren, representing the full spectrum of human passions and feelings. This reveals that Odium’s nature is fundamentally tied to raw, unfiltered emotion—both positive and negative—and that he sees himself as a vital, essential force that drives human experience. His role among the Shardic gods is to embody passion and emotion, contrasting with Honor’s focus on bonds and Cultivation’s focus on growth and transformation. Odium’s self-description emphasizes his belief that emotion is a powerful, necessary force that shapes humanity and the world.

    3. Question 3

    What is the significance of Odium’s statement that he has been “shackled” and his mention of the Splinters of Honor?
    Answer:
    Odium’s mention of being “shackled” indicates that he is bound or limited in some way, which affects his ability to act freely in the current realm. The Splinters of Honor are fragments of the god Honor’s power, which Odium intends to eventually claim or destroy. This signifies that Odium’s influence and plans are intertwined with Honor’s remnants, and that his eventual goal involves transforming or conquering the realm by gaining more power from these Splinters. It also underscores the ongoing conflict between Odium and the other divine forces, highlighting that Odium’s ultimate ambitions threaten the stability of the world and its spiritual fabric.

    4. Question 4

    How does Odium’s view of passion challenge traditional notions of good and evil, and what implications does this have for understanding his character?
    Answer:
    Odium’s view of passion as a fundamental and glorious force challenges the simplistic dichotomy of good versus evil. He sees passion as a vital aspect of human nature that can lead to both creation and destruction. By equating himself with emotion and asserting that he embodies what makes men “men,” Odium suggests that passion itself is neither inherently evil nor good but a powerful force that must be understood and embraced. This complicates his character, portraying him not merely as a villain but as a force of nature that believes it is necessary for genuine human experience and growth. It invites a deeper reflection on whether passion, in its raw form, should be suppressed or accepted as an essential part of life.

    5. Question 5

    What is the significance of Dalinar’s challenge of a duel to Odium, and what does it reveal about Dalinar’s character and his understanding of the conflict?
    Answer:
    Dalinar’s challenge of a duel to Odium signifies his willingness to confront the embodiment of passion and chaos directly, symbolizing a desire to face the forces that threaten his world. It reveals his courage and sense of responsibility, as he is willing to stand against a god-like being to protect Roshar. This act also demonstrates Dalinar’s growth in understanding the nature of the conflict—recognizing that true strength involves not just physical might but moral resolve and willingness to engage with complex, even uncomfortable truths. It underscores his role as a leader who seeks to find a way to resolve or contain the chaos represented by Odium, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding his people and his understanding that the battle involves confronting fundamental aspects of human nature.

    Note