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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

    67. Mishim

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with a reflec­tion on the state of the cur­rent gen­er­a­tion’s lead­er­ship, empha­siz­ing that the under­ly­ing issue lies in a fun­da­men­tal change with­in Hon­or itself. The quote sug­gests that the lack of mul­ti­ple Bond­smiths and divi­sions among peo­ple are symp­toms rather than caus­es, hint­ing at a deep­er shift in the moral and spir­i­tu­al fab­ric of their world. This sets a tone of intro­spec­tion about the evolv­ing nature of lead­er­ship and hon­or, which influ­ences the ongo­ing polit­i­cal and social tur­moil. The chap­ter under­scores that the core prob­lem is not mere­ly exter­nal con­flicts but a trans­for­ma­tion with­in the very prin­ci­ples that uphold their soci­ety.

    Fol­low­ing this, the nar­ra­tive shifts to the imme­di­ate after­math of a bru­tal mur­der involv­ing Shal­lan, who expe­ri­ences a strange sense of relief despite her trau­ma. She detects a faint, unset­tling pres­ence of the Unmade beyond the reflec­tion, indi­cat­ing the ongo­ing influ­ence of dark forces. Her cau­tious inves­ti­ga­tion involves check­ing mir­rors and alert­ing oth­ers to the threat, show­cas­ing her grow­ing aware­ness of the spir­i­tu­al and super­nat­ur­al dan­gers lurk­ing with­in the city. This seg­ment high­lights her resilience and evolv­ing per­cep­tion of the unseen forces that threat­en their safe­ty, empha­siz­ing the impor­tance of vig­i­lance and sub­tle­ty in con­fronting these malev­o­lent enti­ties.

    The sto­ry then tran­si­tions to a strate­gic plan­ning scene involv­ing King Elhokar, Kaladin, Adolin, and Shal­lan, as they delib­er­ate on how to res­cue the queen and coun­ter­act the cult activ­i­ty around the Oath­gate. Elhokar devis­es a mul­ti­fac­eted plan that includes infil­tra­tion, ral­ly­ing sup­port from local lighteyes, and inves­ti­gat­ing the Cult of Moments, which is active­ly guard­ing the Oath­gate plat­form. The char­ac­ters dis­cuss poten­tial approaches—either stealth or mil­i­tary force—highlighting the com­plex­i­ty of their sit­u­a­tion. The plan reflects their urgency and resource­ful­ness, while also reveal­ing under­ly­ing ten­sions about trust, iden­ti­ty, and the threat posed by the cult and its mys­te­ri­ous leader.

    In the final sec­tion, Veil, oper­at­ing covert­ly, explores Kholinar’s ancient mar­ket to gath­er intel­li­gence on the pop­u­lace and the Cult of Moments. She observes the city’s worn, his­tor­i­cal archi­tec­ture and the sub­dued atmos­phere caused by the siege-like con­di­tions. Veil’s focus on under­stand­ing the local sen­ti­ment and the move­ments of sol­diers from House Velalant under­scores her role in the larg­er intel­li­gence effort. Her cau­tious approach and reflec­tions on the city’s haunt­ed streets reveal her deter­mi­na­tion to infil­trate the cult and uncov­er its secrets. This seg­ment empha­sizes the impor­tance of recon­nais­sance, cul­tur­al aware­ness, and the per­son­al toll of liv­ing under­cov­er in a city under siege.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What does the quote from drawer 24-18 suggest about the nature of Honor and its influence on the current generation?

      Answer:
      The quote from drawer 24-18 states, “This generation has had only one Bondsmith, and some blame the divisions among us upon this fact. The true problem is far deeper. I believe that Honor himself is changing.” This suggests that the role of Honor, one of the fundamental Heralds, is evolving or deteriorating, which may be causing societal divisions and instability. Instead of blaming the lack of Bondsmiths for the divisions, the speaker implies that the essence or influence of Honor itself is shifting, potentially affecting the spiritual and moral fabric of the world. This change could have far-reaching consequences, impacting how people perceive their oaths, unity, and the foundational principles of their society.

      2. Question 2

      How does Shallan’s encounter with the mirror and her subsequent actions reflect her current state of mind and her understanding of the threat she faces?

      Answer:
      Shallan’s experience of feeling better after being murdered and her glimpse of the Unmade’s presence beyond the mirror indicate a complex psychological state, blending trauma, curiosity, and a growing awareness of a supernatural threat. Her checking all the mirrors and warning others about the Unmade show her vigilance and concern for her safety, as well as her recognition that her perception of reality might be compromised. This moment reflects her inner conflict—she is haunted by the supernatural influence and is increasingly aware that her enemies are not just physical but also spiritual. Her actions demonstrate her determination to stay alert and protect herself and others from unseen, dangerous forces.

      3. Question 3

      Analyze the strategic plan proposed by King Elhokar. What are its strengths and potential weaknesses?

      Answer:
      Elhokar’s plan involves multiple approaches: infiltrating the Cult of Moments to investigate the use of the Oathgate, rallying support from lighteyed houses, and potentially capturing the palace by force if necessary. Its strengths include flexibility—using covert infiltration to gather intelligence and rallying local forces to minimize direct confrontation. It also targets the key strategic element—the Oathgate—aiming to neutralize the cult’s influence directly. Potential weaknesses involve the uncertainty of infiltration success, especially if the cult is deeply secretive or heavily guarded. Relying on deception or alliances could backfire if the true loyalties or intentions of the lighteyed houses are unknown. Additionally, the plan assumes that the support gathered will be sufficient and that the political situation won’t escalate unpredictably.

      4. Question 4

      What does the chapter reveal about the political and social climate of Kholinar, and how does this context influence the characters’ plans?

      Answer:
      The chapter depicts Kholinar as a city under siege, with a palpable sense of fear, secrecy, and instability. The ancient, weathered market, the patrols of soldiers, and the mention of vanished lighteyes all point to a city affected by upheaval and internal conflict. The presence of the Cult of Moments and the guarded Oathgate platform suggest clandestine power struggles and societal fragmentation. This environment compels the characters to adopt covert, strategic plans—like infiltration and alliance-building—to navigate the dangerous political landscape. It influences their cautious approach, emphasizing intelligence gathering and subtle manipulation over open conflict, reflecting a city where trust is fragile and danger lurks around every corner.

      5. Question 5

      Considering Veil’s exploration of the market and her observations about the city’s history and current state, what insights does she gain about Kholinar’s societal condition, and how might this inform her future actions?

      Answer:
      Veil’s walk through the ancient, worn streets of Kholinar reveals a city that has endured centuries of hardship, marked by signs of siege and decline. The weathered shops, the quiet streets, and the presence of soldiers from House Velalant all suggest a city under stress, possibly suffering from internal strife and external threats. Her observation that the city feels “smothered” and the mention of the line of corpses indicate a tense, possibly dangerous environment with unresolved violence. These insights highlight the importance of understanding local customs, history, and current power dynamics for infiltrating or influencing the city. Veil’s awareness of the societal fragility will likely guide her to proceed cautiously, seeking allies and gathering intelligence to navigate the complex political landscape effectively.

    Quotes

    • 1. “This generation has had only one Bondsmith, and some blame the divisions among us upon this fact. The true problem is far deeper. I believe that Honor himself is changing.”

      This quote highlights the deeper, more fundamental shifts occurring within the metaphysical and societal fabric of the world, suggesting that the issues are rooted in the very nature of Honor itself rather than superficial divisions.

      2. “She’d given a drawing of the thing she’d seen to the others, and warned them to watch.”

      This moment underscores Shallan’s cautious awareness of the Unmade’s presence and her proactive efforts to alert others, emphasizing the theme of vigilance against unseen threats.

      3. “Thanks to the Lightweaver’s excellent reconnaissance, it is evident my wife is being held captive by her own guards.”

      This quote demonstrates the strategic planning among the characters, where reconnaissance and intelligence are crucial for rescue missions, and reflects the political intrigue underlying the narrative.

      4. “We can… ask her. Something must have been wrong. Aesudan was always proud, and always ambitious, but never gluttonous.”

      Here, the characters grapple with understanding the true nature of Aesudan’s behavior, hinting at underlying tensions and the possibility of unseen influences affecting her actions.

      5. “Veil shivered, remembering the line of corpses. Adolin and Elhokar were fairly certain those were the remnants of the city’s fallen, but the truth was far darker—this city was besieged not just physically, but spiritually.”

      This closing reflection encapsulates the chapter’s overarching sense of a city under siege—both physically and morally—highlighting the pervasive atmosphere of danger and uncertainty.

    Quotes

    1. “This generation has had only one Bondsmith, and some blame the divisions among us upon this fact. The true problem is far deeper. I believe that Honor himself is changing.”

    This quote highlights the deeper, more fundamental shifts occurring within the metaphysical and societal fabric of the world, suggesting that the issues are rooted in the very nature of Honor itself rather than superficial divisions.

    2. “She’d given a drawing of the thing she’d seen to the others, and warned them to watch.”

    This moment underscores Shallan’s cautious awareness of the Unmade’s presence and her proactive efforts to alert others, emphasizing the theme of vigilance against unseen threats.

    3. “Thanks to the Lightweaver’s excellent reconnaissance, it is evident my wife is being held captive by her own guards.”

    This quote demonstrates the strategic planning among the characters, where reconnaissance and intelligence are crucial for rescue missions, and reflects the political intrigue underlying the narrative.

    4. “We can… ask her. Something must have been wrong. Aesudan was always proud, and always ambitious, but never gluttonous.”

    Here, the characters grapple with understanding the true nature of Aesudan’s behavior, hinting at underlying tensions and the possibility of unseen influences affecting her actions.

    5. “Veil shivered, remembering the line of corpses. Adolin and Elhokar were fairly certain those were the remnants of the city’s fallen, but the truth was far darker—this city was besieged not just physically, but spiritually.”

    This closing reflection encapsulates the chapter’s overarching sense of a city under siege—both physically and morally—highlighting the pervasive atmosphere of danger and uncertainty.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What does the quote from drawer 24-18 suggest about the nature of Honor and its influence on the current generation?

    Answer:
    The quote from drawer 24-18 states, “This generation has had only one Bondsmith, and some blame the divisions among us upon this fact. The true problem is far deeper. I believe that Honor himself is changing.” This suggests that the role of Honor, one of the fundamental Heralds, is evolving or deteriorating, which may be causing societal divisions and instability. Instead of blaming the lack of Bondsmiths for the divisions, the speaker implies that the essence or influence of Honor itself is shifting, potentially affecting the spiritual and moral fabric of the world. This change could have far-reaching consequences, impacting how people perceive their oaths, unity, and the foundational principles of their society.

    2. Question 2

    How does Shallan’s encounter with the mirror and her subsequent actions reflect her current state of mind and her understanding of the threat she faces?

    Answer:
    Shallan’s experience of feeling better after being murdered and her glimpse of the Unmade’s presence beyond the mirror indicate a complex psychological state, blending trauma, curiosity, and a growing awareness of a supernatural threat. Her checking all the mirrors and warning others about the Unmade show her vigilance and concern for her safety, as well as her recognition that her perception of reality might be compromised. This moment reflects her inner conflict—she is haunted by the supernatural influence and is increasingly aware that her enemies are not just physical but also spiritual. Her actions demonstrate her determination to stay alert and protect herself and others from unseen, dangerous forces.

    3. Question 3

    Analyze the strategic plan proposed by King Elhokar. What are its strengths and potential weaknesses?

    Answer:
    Elhokar’s plan involves multiple approaches: infiltrating the Cult of Moments to investigate the use of the Oathgate, rallying support from lighteyed houses, and potentially capturing the palace by force if necessary. Its strengths include flexibility—using covert infiltration to gather intelligence and rallying local forces to minimize direct confrontation. It also targets the key strategic element—the Oathgate—aiming to neutralize the cult’s influence directly. Potential weaknesses involve the uncertainty of infiltration success, especially if the cult is deeply secretive or heavily guarded. Relying on deception or alliances could backfire if the true loyalties or intentions of the lighteyed houses are unknown. Additionally, the plan assumes that the support gathered will be sufficient and that the political situation won’t escalate unpredictably.

    4. Question 4

    What does the chapter reveal about the political and social climate of Kholinar, and how does this context influence the characters’ plans?

    Answer:
    The chapter depicts Kholinar as a city under siege, with a palpable sense of fear, secrecy, and instability. The ancient, weathered market, the patrols of soldiers, and the mention of vanished lighteyes all point to a city affected by upheaval and internal conflict. The presence of the Cult of Moments and the guarded Oathgate platform suggest clandestine power struggles and societal fragmentation. This environment compels the characters to adopt covert, strategic plans—like infiltration and alliance-building—to navigate the dangerous political landscape. It influences their cautious approach, emphasizing intelligence gathering and subtle manipulation over open conflict, reflecting a city where trust is fragile and danger lurks around every corner.

    5. Question 5

    Considering Veil’s exploration of the market and her observations about the city’s history and current state, what insights does she gain about Kholinar’s societal condition, and how might this inform her future actions?

    Answer:
    Veil’s walk through the ancient, worn streets of Kholinar reveals a city that has endured centuries of hardship, marked by signs of siege and decline. The weathered shops, the quiet streets, and the presence of soldiers from House Velalant all suggest a city under stress, possibly suffering from internal strife and external threats. Her observation that the city feels “smothered” and the mention of the line of corpses indicate a tense, possibly dangerous environment with unresolved violence. These insights highlight the importance of understanding local customs, history, and current power dynamics for infiltrating or influencing the city. Veil’s awareness of the societal fragility will likely guide her to proceed cautiously, seeking allies and gathering intelligence to navigate the complex political landscape effectively.

    Note