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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

    76. An Animal

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with Dali­nar reflect­ing on a recent, bru­tal day of bat­tle, empha­siz­ing his phys­i­cal and emo­tion­al exhaus­tion. Despite wash­ing up and con­sult­ing a sur­geon for his wounds, he remains haunt­ed by the red mist in his vision and the per­sis­tent inabil­i­ty to sleep. His focus is on mil­i­tary strat­e­gy, where he inspects the new plans for tak­ing the city walls, sig­nal­ing a shift in tac­tics. Dalinar’s deci­sive­ness is clear as he orders the sus­pen­sion of plans to march into the city, indi­cat­ing he has a more cal­cu­lat­ed and poten­tial­ly destruc­tive plan in mind, hint­ing at the bru­tal nature of his approach to con­quest.

    Dalinar’s inter­ac­tions with Sadeas reveal polit­i­cal ten­sion and under­ly­ing mis­trust. They dis­cuss the del­i­cate bal­ance of pow­er, with Sadeas reveal­ing that he has man­aged to stall the scribes to keep cer­tain infor­ma­tion secret from Gav­i­lar, Dalinar’s broth­er. Their con­ver­sa­tion expos­es the com­plex web of alliances and betray­als, with Sadeas express­ing loy­al­ty to Gav­i­lar and Dali­nar con­tem­plat­ing the bru­tal lessons of war. Dalinar’s reflec­tions on lead­er­ship, loy­al­ty, and the neces­si­ty of doing what must be done under­score the moral ambi­gu­i­ties faced by these mil­i­tary lead­ers, fore­shad­ow­ing the dev­as­tat­ing actions they are prepar­ing to under­take.

    As night falls, Dali­nar pre­pares for an assault on the city walls, order­ing his troops to use oil and flam­ing brands for a night­time attack. The chap­ter describes the grit­ty, relent­less assault by ordi­nary sol­diers, with no hero­ic Shard­bear­ers lead­ing, empha­siz­ing the bru­tal, unglam­orous real­i­ty of war. Dalinar’s weari­ness per­sists as he waits for the chaos of bat­tle to unfold, pass­ing through the bat­tle­field lit­tered with fall­en sol­diers. The scene under­scores the human cost of war, high­light­ing Dalinar’s inter­nal conflict—his desire to make a state­ment through destruc­tion ver­sus the toll it exacts on sol­diers and civil­ians alike.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Dalinar’s strate­gic deci­sion to burn the city of the rebels with­in the Rift, view­ing it as a nec­es­sary dis­play of pow­er and pun­ish­ment for rebel­lion. Despite con­cerns about civil­ian casu­al­ties, Dali­nar empha­sizes the impor­tance of send­ing a mes­sage to the king­dom about obe­di­ence and con­se­quences. Sadeas’s remarks about the trai­tors and the polit­i­cal machi­na­tions behind the scenes reveal a land­scape of decep­tion and ruth­less prag­ma­tism. The chap­ter ends with Dali­nar reaf­firm­ing his resolve to enforce his will through force, illus­trat­ing the harsh real­i­ties of lead­er­ship in a time of war and rebel­lion.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What strategic decision does Dalinar make regarding the city’s envoy, and what does this reveal about his approach to warfare and diplomacy?
      Answer:
      Dalinar orders his forces to shoot the envoy attempting to leave the city, instructing to kill anyone escaping with the flag of truce. This harsh stance indicates his firm, no-nonsense approach to warfare, prioritizing a show of strength and deterrence over diplomacy. It reveals that Dalinar believes in making an example of the city, emphasizing the consequences of rebellion and discouraging negotiations that could undermine his authority or strategic objectives. His actions reflect a mindset that values decisive, perhaps brutal, measures to achieve military dominance and send a clear message to both allies and enemies.

      2. Question 2

      How does the conversation between Dalinar and Sadeas reveal their perspectives on leadership and loyalty within the context of war?
      Answer:
      The dialogue shows that both Dalinar and Sadeas view loyalty to their kingdom and Gavilar as paramount, asserting that betrayal is unthinkable for them. Sadeas emphasizes his commitment to the long-term stability and legacy of the kingdom, claiming he would rather die than betray Gavilar, and dismissing the idea of seeking kingship. Dalinar admits to having once nearly betrayed Gavilar but chose to resist, underscoring his sense of responsibility. Their exchange highlights how their leadership is rooted in a combination of personal loyalty, strategic foresight, and a shared belief in protecting the realm, even if their methods differ. It underscores the complex nature of loyalty during war, where personal bonds and political motives intertwine.

      3. Question 3

      What is the significance of Dalinar’s decision to burn the city built on the rift, and how does it serve as a message to the kingdom?
      Answer:
      Dalinar’s decision to burn the city on the rift is a deliberate act of destruction meant to serve as a stark warning to the entire kingdom. By destroying a city that symbolizes resilience and human ingenuity, he aims to demonstrate the severe consequences of rebellion and disobedience. This act is intended to instill fear and compliance among other cities and factions, making clear that rebellion will be met with total destruction. It is a strategic move to establish dominance and reinforce authority through a brutal display of power, emphasizing that obedience is necessary for survival and unity within the kingdom.

      4. Question 4

      Analyze how Dalinar’s physical and emotional state influences his decision-making during the battle.
      Answer:
      Dalinar is described as exhausted, wrung out, and numb from his wounds and emotional turmoil, yet he remains resolute in his decisions. His weak physical condition prevents him from leading with his Shardplate, but he still makes strategic choices, such as ordering the attack at night and planning to burn the city. His emotional state—marked by a burning internal fire—drives him to act decisively despite his weariness. This suggests that his sense of duty and purpose outweigh his physical limitations, illustrating how his internal resolve compels him to make difficult, sometimes ruthless, decisions. His state underscores the toll war takes on leaders but also highlights his unwavering commitment to his goals.

      5. Question 5

      What can be inferred about the broader political and military landscape from the chapter’s depiction of Dalinar’s and Sadeas’s plans and actions?
      Answer:
      The chapter reveals a tense, complex political landscape where alliances are fragile and strategic deception is common. Dalinar’s efforts to stall the scribes and keep Gavilar in the dark about his movements suggest a need for secrecy and control over information. Sadeas’s willingness to cover for Dalinar and his emphasis on long-term stability indicate a shared understanding that victory requires both military strength and political cunning. The mention of spies, traitors, and the use of bribes shows an environment rife with intrigue. Militarily, the coordinated attack, despite its brutality, reflects a calculated effort to weaken the city’s defenses and send a message, indicating that warfare involves both direct combat and psychological tactics to maintain dominance.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Dalinar looked up toward Sadeas, who still wore his Shardplate, glittering in the spherelight. Sadeas nodded in approval, then gestured to the side. He wanted to speak in private.”

      This moment highlights the alliance and underlying tension between Dalinar and Sadeas, emphasizing the political and strategic cooperation that underpins their military actions.

      2. “Burn it,” Dalinar said.

      This succinct command encapsulates Dalinar’s resolve to make a powerful statement through destruction, illustrating his willingness to use overwhelming force to enforce obedience and send a message about rebellion.

      3. “This kingdom must know the price of rebellion. We make a statement today.”

      Here, Dalinar articulates the brutal logic behind his decision to destroy the city, emphasizing the chapter’s core theme of the harsh consequences of defiance and the importance of demonstrating power.

      4. “There has to be someone in this kingdom capable of doing what needs to be done, and it can’t be the man sitting on the throne.”

      This quote reflects Dalinar’s belief that true leadership and decisive action often come from outside traditional authority, hinting at the moral and political complexities involved in ruling.

      5. “I would cut out my own heart before betraying Gavilar. I have no interest in being king—it’s a job with little praise and even less amusement. I mean for this kingdom to stand for centuries.”

      Sadeas’s declaration reveals his genuine loyalty and his long-term vision for stability, contrasting with the chaos of betrayal and highlighting the themes of loyalty and duty within the chapter.

    Quotes

    1. “Dalinar looked up toward Sadeas, who still wore his Shardplate, glittering in the spherelight. Sadeas nodded in approval, then gestured to the side. He wanted to speak in private.”

    This moment highlights the alliance and underlying tension between Dalinar and Sadeas, emphasizing the political and strategic cooperation that underpins their military actions.

    2. “Burn it,” Dalinar said.

    This succinct command encapsulates Dalinar’s resolve to make a powerful statement through destruction, illustrating his willingness to use overwhelming force to enforce obedience and send a message about rebellion.

    3. “This kingdom must know the price of rebellion. We make a statement today.”

    Here, Dalinar articulates the brutal logic behind his decision to destroy the city, emphasizing the chapter’s core theme of the harsh consequences of defiance and the importance of demonstrating power.

    4. “There has to be someone in this kingdom capable of doing what needs to be done, and it can’t be the man sitting on the throne.”

    This quote reflects Dalinar’s belief that true leadership and decisive action often come from outside traditional authority, hinting at the moral and political complexities involved in ruling.

    5. “I would cut out my own heart before betraying Gavilar. I have no interest in being king—it’s a job with little praise and even less amusement. I mean for this kingdom to stand for centuries.”

    Sadeas’s declaration reveals his genuine loyalty and his long-term vision for stability, contrasting with the chaos of betrayal and highlighting the themes of loyalty and duty within the chapter.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What strategic decision does Dalinar make regarding the city’s envoy, and what does this reveal about his approach to warfare and diplomacy?
    Answer:
    Dalinar orders his forces to shoot the envoy attempting to leave the city, instructing to kill anyone escaping with the flag of truce. This harsh stance indicates his firm, no-nonsense approach to warfare, prioritizing a show of strength and deterrence over diplomacy. It reveals that Dalinar believes in making an example of the city, emphasizing the consequences of rebellion and discouraging negotiations that could undermine his authority or strategic objectives. His actions reflect a mindset that values decisive, perhaps brutal, measures to achieve military dominance and send a clear message to both allies and enemies.

    2. Question 2

    How does the conversation between Dalinar and Sadeas reveal their perspectives on leadership and loyalty within the context of war?
    Answer:
    The dialogue shows that both Dalinar and Sadeas view loyalty to their kingdom and Gavilar as paramount, asserting that betrayal is unthinkable for them. Sadeas emphasizes his commitment to the long-term stability and legacy of the kingdom, claiming he would rather die than betray Gavilar, and dismissing the idea of seeking kingship. Dalinar admits to having once nearly betrayed Gavilar but chose to resist, underscoring his sense of responsibility. Their exchange highlights how their leadership is rooted in a combination of personal loyalty, strategic foresight, and a shared belief in protecting the realm, even if their methods differ. It underscores the complex nature of loyalty during war, where personal bonds and political motives intertwine.

    3. Question 3

    What is the significance of Dalinar’s decision to burn the city built on the rift, and how does it serve as a message to the kingdom?
    Answer:
    Dalinar’s decision to burn the city on the rift is a deliberate act of destruction meant to serve as a stark warning to the entire kingdom. By destroying a city that symbolizes resilience and human ingenuity, he aims to demonstrate the severe consequences of rebellion and disobedience. This act is intended to instill fear and compliance among other cities and factions, making clear that rebellion will be met with total destruction. It is a strategic move to establish dominance and reinforce authority through a brutal display of power, emphasizing that obedience is necessary for survival and unity within the kingdom.

    4. Question 4

    Analyze how Dalinar’s physical and emotional state influences his decision-making during the battle.
    Answer:
    Dalinar is described as exhausted, wrung out, and numb from his wounds and emotional turmoil, yet he remains resolute in his decisions. His weak physical condition prevents him from leading with his Shardplate, but he still makes strategic choices, such as ordering the attack at night and planning to burn the city. His emotional state—marked by a burning internal fire—drives him to act decisively despite his weariness. This suggests that his sense of duty and purpose outweigh his physical limitations, illustrating how his internal resolve compels him to make difficult, sometimes ruthless, decisions. His state underscores the toll war takes on leaders but also highlights his unwavering commitment to his goals.

    5. Question 5

    What can be inferred about the broader political and military landscape from the chapter’s depiction of Dalinar’s and Sadeas’s plans and actions?
    Answer:
    The chapter reveals a tense, complex political landscape where alliances are fragile and strategic deception is common. Dalinar’s efforts to stall the scribes and keep Gavilar in the dark about his movements suggest a need for secrecy and control over information. Sadeas’s willingness to cover for Dalinar and his emphasis on long-term stability indicate a shared understanding that victory requires both military strength and political cunning. The mention of spies, traitors, and the use of bribes shows an environment rife with intrigue. Militarily, the coordinated attack, despite its brutality, reflects a calculated effort to weaken the city’s defenses and send a message, indicating that warfare involves both direct combat and psychological tactics to maintain dominance.

    Note