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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

    59. Bondsmith

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with a poignant let­ter from a woman reflect­ing on her fam­i­ly, empha­siz­ing her love for her hus­band, Kmakra, and their chil­dren, Moli­nar and Kmakra, whom she con­sid­ers the true gems of her life. This per­son­al note sets a tone of remem­brance and long­ing, hint­ing at themes of mem­o­ry, loss, and the impor­tance of per­son­al bonds amid a back­drop of cul­tur­al and spir­i­tu­al sig­nif­i­cance. The letter’s tone is inti­mate, con­trast­ing with the chapter’s broad­er explo­ration of the city and its reli­gious sites, sug­gest­ing under­ly­ing per­son­al stakes in the larg­er nar­ra­tive.

    As Dali­nar and his com­pan­ions vis­it the tem­ple of Sha­lash, Fen pro­vides his­tor­i­cal con­text about the struc­ture, describ­ing its archi­tec­ture, pur­pose, and the sig­nif­i­cance of its carv­ings. The tem­ple, filled with burn­ing glyphs and dam­aged stat­ues, sym­bol­izes a once-vibrant spir­i­tu­al cen­ter now scarred by time and the storm’s destruc­tion. Dalinar’s con­tem­pla­tive mood is tinged with dis­com­fort, ques­tion­ing whether prayers are still reach­ing their intend­ed deities or if they are lost to a god who no longer exists. The scene under­scores the endur­ing but frag­ile nature of faith and tra­di­tion amidst chaos.

    The group’s tour con­tin­ues through the Roy­al Ward, where Dali­nar observes the city’s bat­tered state, not­ing the destruc­tion wrought by the Ever­storm. Navani com­ments on the tra­di­tion­al prac­tice of tem­ple vis­its, meant to rein­force the throne’s piety and author­i­ty, but Dali­nar per­ceives under­ly­ing polit­i­cal motives and the super­fi­cial­i­ty of such rit­u­als. Their exchange reveals Dalinar’s inter­nal conflict—his duty to uphold tra­di­tion ver­sus his grow­ing doubts about the reli­gious and polit­i­cal insti­tu­tions. The scene high­lights the ten­sion between her­itage and the real­i­ties of a city rav­aged by nat­ur­al dis­as­ters and war.

    Final­ly, the chap­ter shifts to a poignant scene inside a tem­ple turned makeshift hos­pi­tal, where wound­ed civil­ians lie suf­fer­ing. Fen explains the impro­vi­sa­tion neces­si­tat­ed by the storm’s dev­as­ta­tion, and Dalinar’s con­cern deep­ens as he wit­ness­es the extent of the suf­fer­ing. The appear­ance of Tar­a­van­gian, plead­ing for aid and offer­ing to acti­vate the Oath­gate, intro­duces a sub­plot of polit­i­cal and human­i­tar­i­an urgency. Dalinar’s resolve to seek help under­scores his lead­er­ship role and the over­ar­ch­ing theme of uni­ty and com­pas­sion amid adver­si­ty, set­ting the stage for fur­ther alliances and inter­ven­tions.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What is the significance of the temple of Shalash in the chapter, and what does Dalinar’s perspective on the prayers burned there reveal about his attitude towards religion and divine communication?
      Answer:
      The temple of Shalash serves as a central religious site where ardents burn glyphwards and supplicate the Almighty for mercy and aid. Its high-domed ceiling and the smoke pooling beneath it symbolize the spiritual fervor and tradition of worship. Dalinar’s reflection on the prayers—questioning whether they are reaching a god who is no longer present or being received by someone else—reveals his skepticism or uncertainty about the efficacy of traditional religious practices. His discomfort indicates a complex attitude: he respects the rituals but is also questioning their spiritual validity in the current state of the world, hinting at a deeper internal conflict about faith and divine intervention.

      2. Question 2

      How does the scene inside the temple of Battah, with the wounded and the presence of pain and suffering, deepen Dalinar’s understanding of the ongoing consequences of the Everstorm?
      Answer:
      The scene inside the temple of Battah, filled with wounded and suffering individuals, vividly illustrates the devastating impact of the Everstorm on the city and its people. Dalinar’s observation of the extensive injuries, infections, and families mourning highlights the scale of destruction and suffering caused by the storm. It also emphasizes how the storm’s unpredictable nature—sometimes violent winds, lightning, or embers—has left the city in ruins, especially due to its wooden structures. This stark reality deepens Dalinar’s awareness of the human toll and the urgency of aid, reinforcing the notion that the storm’s aftermath is more destructive than mere physical damage, affecting the very fabric of society and its resilience.

      3. Question 3

      Analyze the strategic and political implications of Dalinar’s decision to activate the Oathgate and seek aid from Taravangian’s surgeons. How does this reflect his leadership style and priorities?
      Answer:
      Dalinar’s decision to activate the Oathgate and request aid from Taravangian’s surgeons demonstrates his pragmatic and decisive leadership style. Recognizing the immediate need to alleviate suffering, he prioritizes practical action over political hesitation. This move shows his willingness to forge alliances and accept outside help, even if it means navigating complex political dynamics, such as Fen’s cautious stance. It reflects his focus on the well-being of the people and the importance of swift, effective solutions in crisis. Dalinar’s willingness to leverage existing technology and diplomacy highlights his strategic mindset—balancing moral responsibility with political acumen to address the dire situation.

      4. Question 4

      Critically evaluate the role of tradition and modern necessity as depicted in the chapter, especially in the context of the temple tour and the aid efforts.
      Answer:
      The chapter juxtaposes tradition with modern necessity, illustrating how historical and cultural rituals still influence contemporary decisions. The temple tour, with its emphasis on religious piety and reinforcement of the throne’s authority, underscores the importance of tradition in maintaining social order and political legitimacy in Thaylen City. Conversely, the urgent aid efforts—such as Fen’s concession to activate the Oathgate—highlight the need to adapt and act decisively in the face of crisis. This tension suggests that while tradition provides stability and identity, it must sometimes be tempered by pragmatic actions to survive and heal. The chapter portrays leadership as requiring a balance between respecting cultural customs and responding to urgent needs with flexibility.

      5. Question 5

      How does Navani’s comment about Fen’s tour and the city’s destruction reflect on the broader themes of memory, loss, and resilience in the story?
      Answer:
      Navani’s remark that Fen’s temple tour is a way to revisit days before the city suffered such horrors emphasizes the importance of memory and the human desire for connection to the past. It underscores the theme that resilience involves not only physical rebuilding but also maintaining cultural and spiritual continuity amid devastation. The tour acts as a reminder of what was lost and a hope for renewal, demonstrating that preserving history and tradition can serve as sources of strength. This reflection highlights the narrative’s broader exploration of how societies cope with trauma, using memory as a foundation to rebuild resilience and forge a future despite overwhelming loss.

    Quotes

    • 1. “If this is to be permanent, then I wish to leave record of my husband and children. Wzmal, as good a man as any woman could dream of loving. Kmakra and Molinar, the true gemstones of my life.”

      This poignant quote highlights the personal sacrifices and emotional depth behind the official histories, emphasizing the importance of individual stories amidst the grandeur of temple visits and political duties. It sets a tone of personal reflection within a setting often dominated by history and piety.

      2. “The temple of Shalash,” Fen said, gesturing as they entered… Smoke pooled in the dome before leaking out through holes in the roof, like water through a sieve.”

      This description underscores the decay and the passage of time affecting even the most sacred structures, symbolizing the wear of history and possibly the fading relevance of old gods or traditions, which ties into the chapter’s exploration of faith and change.

      3. “This city was hit harder than any I’ve had a report about, This level of destruction is unique. Is it just all that wood, and the lack of anything to blunt the storm? Or is it more?”

      Dalinar’s reflection reveals the layered impact of the storm—both physical and metaphorical—prompting contemplation on the nature of destruction, whether natural or inflicted, and its deeper implications for the city and its people.

      4. “Please,” he said. “Please. My surgeons are in Vedenar, an easy trip through the Oathgates. Let me bring them. Let me ease this suffering.”

      Taravangian’s plea exemplifies his compassionate side and the urgent desire for aid, illustrating the chapter’s themes of leadership, mercy, and the human cost of chaos, as well as the political complexities involved in mobilizing help.

      5. “Storms… Dalinar felt almost ashamed at how well his people had weathered the Everstorm. When he eventually turned to go, he almost ran into Taravangian, who haunted the doorway like a spirit.”

      This closing reflection underscores the resilience of Dalinar’s people contrasted with the ongoing suffering, highlighting the chapter’s exploration of endurance in the face of catastrophe and the silent, persistent presence of leadership and concern.

    Quotes

    1. “If this is to be permanent, then I wish to leave record of my husband and children. Wzmal, as good a man as any woman could dream of loving. Kmakra and Molinar, the true gemstones of my life.”

    This poignant quote highlights the personal sacrifices and emotional depth behind the official histories, emphasizing the importance of individual stories amidst the grandeur of temple visits and political duties. It sets a tone of personal reflection within a setting often dominated by history and piety.

    2. “The temple of Shalash,” Fen said, gesturing as they entered… Smoke pooled in the dome before leaking out through holes in the roof, like water through a sieve.”

    This description underscores the decay and the passage of time affecting even the most sacred structures, symbolizing the wear of history and possibly the fading relevance of old gods or traditions, which ties into the chapter’s exploration of faith and change.

    3. “This city was hit harder than any I’ve had a report about, This level of destruction is unique. Is it just all that wood, and the lack of anything to blunt the storm? Or is it more?”

    Dalinar’s reflection reveals the layered impact of the storm—both physical and metaphorical—prompting contemplation on the nature of destruction, whether natural or inflicted, and its deeper implications for the city and its people.

    4. “Please,” he said. “Please. My surgeons are in Vedenar, an easy trip through the Oathgates. Let me bring them. Let me ease this suffering.”

    Taravangian’s plea exemplifies his compassionate side and the urgent desire for aid, illustrating the chapter’s themes of leadership, mercy, and the human cost of chaos, as well as the political complexities involved in mobilizing help.

    5. “Storms… Dalinar felt almost ashamed at how well his people had weathered the Everstorm. When he eventually turned to go, he almost ran into Taravangian, who haunted the doorway like a spirit.”

    This closing reflection underscores the resilience of Dalinar’s people contrasted with the ongoing suffering, highlighting the chapter’s exploration of endurance in the face of catastrophe and the silent, persistent presence of leadership and concern.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What is the significance of the temple of Shalash in the chapter, and what does Dalinar’s perspective on the prayers burned there reveal about his attitude towards religion and divine communication?
    Answer:
    The temple of Shalash serves as a central religious site where ardents burn glyphwards and supplicate the Almighty for mercy and aid. Its high-domed ceiling and the smoke pooling beneath it symbolize the spiritual fervor and tradition of worship. Dalinar’s reflection on the prayers—questioning whether they are reaching a god who is no longer present or being received by someone else—reveals his skepticism or uncertainty about the efficacy of traditional religious practices. His discomfort indicates a complex attitude: he respects the rituals but is also questioning their spiritual validity in the current state of the world, hinting at a deeper internal conflict about faith and divine intervention.

    2. Question 2

    How does the scene inside the temple of Battah, with the wounded and the presence of pain and suffering, deepen Dalinar’s understanding of the ongoing consequences of the Everstorm?
    Answer:
    The scene inside the temple of Battah, filled with wounded and suffering individuals, vividly illustrates the devastating impact of the Everstorm on the city and its people. Dalinar’s observation of the extensive injuries, infections, and families mourning highlights the scale of destruction and suffering caused by the storm. It also emphasizes how the storm’s unpredictable nature—sometimes violent winds, lightning, or embers—has left the city in ruins, especially due to its wooden structures. This stark reality deepens Dalinar’s awareness of the human toll and the urgency of aid, reinforcing the notion that the storm’s aftermath is more destructive than mere physical damage, affecting the very fabric of society and its resilience.

    3. Question 3

    Analyze the strategic and political implications of Dalinar’s decision to activate the Oathgate and seek aid from Taravangian’s surgeons. How does this reflect his leadership style and priorities?
    Answer:
    Dalinar’s decision to activate the Oathgate and request aid from Taravangian’s surgeons demonstrates his pragmatic and decisive leadership style. Recognizing the immediate need to alleviate suffering, he prioritizes practical action over political hesitation. This move shows his willingness to forge alliances and accept outside help, even if it means navigating complex political dynamics, such as Fen’s cautious stance. It reflects his focus on the well-being of the people and the importance of swift, effective solutions in crisis. Dalinar’s willingness to leverage existing technology and diplomacy highlights his strategic mindset—balancing moral responsibility with political acumen to address the dire situation.

    4. Question 4

    Critically evaluate the role of tradition and modern necessity as depicted in the chapter, especially in the context of the temple tour and the aid efforts.
    Answer:
    The chapter juxtaposes tradition with modern necessity, illustrating how historical and cultural rituals still influence contemporary decisions. The temple tour, with its emphasis on religious piety and reinforcement of the throne’s authority, underscores the importance of tradition in maintaining social order and political legitimacy in Thaylen City. Conversely, the urgent aid efforts—such as Fen’s concession to activate the Oathgate—highlight the need to adapt and act decisively in the face of crisis. This tension suggests that while tradition provides stability and identity, it must sometimes be tempered by pragmatic actions to survive and heal. The chapter portrays leadership as requiring a balance between respecting cultural customs and responding to urgent needs with flexibility.

    5. Question 5

    How does Navani’s comment about Fen’s tour and the city’s destruction reflect on the broader themes of memory, loss, and resilience in the story?
    Answer:
    Navani’s remark that Fen’s temple tour is a way to revisit days before the city suffered such horrors emphasizes the importance of memory and the human desire for connection to the past. It underscores the theme that resilience involves not only physical rebuilding but also maintaining cultural and spiritual continuity amid devastation. The tour acts as a reminder of what was lost and a hope for renewal, demonstrating that preserving history and tradition can serve as sources of strength. This reflection highlights the narrative’s broader exploration of how societies cope with trauma, using memory as a foundation to rebuild resilience and forge a future despite overwhelming loss.

    Note