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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

    77. Stormshelter

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with a reflec­tion on the rem­nants of Odium’s forces, now called the parsh, who con­tin­ue their relent­less war effort inde­pen­dent­ly of their for­mer mas­ters from Damna­tion. This high­lights the ongo­ing chaos and unre­solved con­flicts that threat­en the sta­bil­i­ty of the world. The nar­ra­tive then shifts to Kaladin, who is rush­ing through the city streets dur­ing an approach­ing storm, seek­ing shel­ter for him­self and oth­ers. His quick actions, includ­ing slip­ping into a near­by build­ing, demon­strate the urgency and dan­ger posed by the unpre­dictable weath­er, empha­siz­ing the impor­tance of stormshel­ters in this tumul­tuous envi­ron­ment.

    Inside a pri­vate wine­house serv­ing as a stormshel­ter, Kaladin reunites with friends Shal­lan and Adolin. They dis­cuss recent polit­i­cal and mil­i­tary devel­op­ments, includ­ing Prince Elhokar’s plans to reveal him­self to the lighteyes and bol­ster the city’s defens­es. Kaladin shares his intel­li­gence about the city’s guard poten­tial­ly pos­sess­ing a Soul­cast­er and pro­duc­ing food through mys­te­ri­ous means, reveal­ing ongo­ing efforts to sus­tain the pop­u­la­tion amid short­ages. The con­ver­sa­tion also touch­es on Azure, a guard­ed fig­ure whose abil­i­ties and iden­ti­ty hint at the pres­ence of an Hon­or­blade, adding an ele­ment of intrigue and sus­pi­cion to the unfold­ing polit­i­cal land­scape.

    The scene then shifts to a more per­son­al exchange, where Adolin exam­ines Kaladin’s sword, prais­ing its crafts­man­ship and ques­tion­ing its ori­gin. This leads to a dis­cus­sion about the nature of Shard­blades and their con­nec­tion to oth­er pow­er­ful weapons with­in their world. Mean­while, Shal­lan presents a new dis­cov­ery: a copy of Hessi’s *Myth­i­ca*, which explores the per­son­al­i­ties of the Unmade—ancient, pri­mal spren asso­ci­at­ed with chaos and destruc­tion. This rev­e­la­tion ties into the larg­er mytho­log­i­cal frame­work of the sto­ry, sug­gest­ing that these enti­ties may still be active and influ­en­tial, poten­tial­ly linked to recent events and visions expe­ri­enced by char­ac­ters like Dali­nar.

    Through­out the chap­ter, there is a recur­ring theme of uncov­er­ing hid­den truths and prepar­ing for immi­nent threats. The char­ac­ters’ dis­cus­sions about the Unmade, their own weapons, and polit­i­cal maneu­vers reflect a com­plex web of secrets and alliances. The storm out­side under­scores the urgency and chaos faced by all, sym­bol­iz­ing both lit­er­al and fig­u­ra­tive upheaval. Over­all, the chap­ter com­bines char­ac­ter inter­ac­tions, world-build­ing, and hints of future con­flicts, set­ting the stage for deep­er rev­e­la­tions and the ongo­ing strug­gle for pow­er and under­stand­ing in this tumul­tuous world.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What is the significance of the remnants of Odium’s forces, referred to as the parsh, in the context of the chapter?

      Answer:
      The parsh, remnants of Odium’s forces, symbolize ongoing chaos and unresolved conflict even after the masters from Damnation have left. Their continued war effort, driven by zeal, indicates that the influence of Odium persists beyond direct control, posing a threat to stability. This underscores a recurring theme in the chapter: the lingering effects of ancient, malevolent powers and the challenges faced in confronting or containing them. The mention of the parsh also highlights how remnants of past conflicts can continue to influence the present, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address these threats.

      2. How does Kaladin’s perception of stormshelters reflect his attitude toward safety and confinement?

      Answer:
      Kaladin perceives stormshelters as oppressive, prison-like spaces. Despite their purpose of providing safety during storms, he finds their confined, windowless environment unsettling, likening it to imprisonment. This attitude is rooted in his broader experiences of captivity and loss of freedom, which shape his discomfort with enclosed spaces. His reaction reveals a deeper aversion to confinement and highlights his desire for independence and control over his environment. It also underscores a recurring tension in the chapter between the need for safety and Kaladin’s personal longing for freedom.

      3. What do the characters’ discussions about the Unmade and the visions Dalinar has suggest about the nature of these entities and their role in the story?

      Answer:
      The Unmade are presented as ancient, primal spren with distinct personalities, possibly originating from the days before human civilization. The book suggests that not all Unmade were destroyed during the Desolations and that some remain active today, implying they are powerful and potentially dangerous entities influencing current events. Dalinar’s visions, which mention multiple Unmade, indicate that these entities are connected to the larger mythos and spiritual forces at play. Their role appears to be significant, as they embody chaos and destruction, and understanding them is crucial to comprehending the larger conflict and the history of the world.

      4. How might the discovery that the Wall Guard’s food production involves a Soulcaster and the seizure of emerald stores impact the political and military situation in the city?

      Answer:
      The revelation that the Wall Guard has a Soulcaster and controls food supplies suggests a strategic advantage, potentially giving them leverage over the city’s resources and stability. The use of a Soulcaster to produce food indicates access to powerful, rare magic, which could be a critical asset in times of crisis. The seizure of emerald stores also points to manipulation of economic and military resources, possibly consolidating power for the Guard or a specific faction. This knowledge could influence political alliances, military decisions, and negotiations, as factions may seek to control or neutralize these assets to prevent abuse or to strengthen their own positions.

      5. Why does Kaladin’s reaction to Shallan and Adolin’s interactions and the mention of Sja-anat reflect his deeper concerns about the unfolding conflicts and the nature of the Unmade?

      Answer:
      Kaladin’s discomfort with Shallan and Adolin’s playful interaction and the discussion of Sja-anat reveals his awareness of the seriousness of the threats posed by the Unmade and their influence. He recognizes that these entities are not merely mythological but are actively involved in the world’s chaos, as suggested by the visions Dalinar has seen. His concern underscores a deeper understanding that the Unmade, especially Sja-anat, are connected to the corruption and turmoil affecting the world. This awareness fuels his vigilance and sense of responsibility, highlighting his role in confronting or understanding these ancient threats as part of the larger struggle unfolding in the story.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Something must be done about the remnants of Odium’s forces. The parsh, as they are now called, continue their war with zeal, even without their masters from Damnation.”

      This quote highlights the ongoing threat posed by Odium’s remnants, emphasizing that their influence persists independently, which underscores the chapter’s focus on the lingering dangers in the world.

      2. “Everstorms didn’t quite match up with scholarly projections. The previous one had arrived hours earlier than anyone had guessed it would. Fortunately, they tended to blow in slower than highstorms. If you knew to watch the sky, there was time to find shelter.”

      This passage reflects the unpredictability of storms, illustrating the importance of vigilance and the need for proper shelter, which ties into the chapter’s theme of storm preparedness and the societal reliance on stormshelters.

      3. “The book claims there were nine Unmade. That matches the vision Dalinar saw, though other reports speak of ten Unmade. They’re likely ancient spren, primal, from the days before human society and civilization.”

      This quote introduces key mythological and cosmological concepts central to the story—specifically, the Unmade—and links them to Dalinar’s visions, providing insight into the deeper lore and the significance of these entities in the ongoing conflict.

      4. “I think… there might be two, Adolin. Sja-anat, the Taker of Secrets, is one. Again, Dalinar’s visions mention her. Sja-anat’s touch corrupted other spren—and…”

      This excerpt reveals the chapter’s exploration of the Unmade, especially Sja-anat, highlighting the layered mysteries and the threat they pose, which is crucial to understanding the broader narrative of ancient forces influencing current events.

      5. “It’s a little small,” Shallan noted, regarding Kaladin’s sword. “It’s a one-handed sword, Shallan. Close-range infantry weapon. A longer blade would be impractical.”

      This quote emphasizes the practicality of weapon design in the story’s context, illustrating the characters’ attention to detail and the importance of understanding the tools of war in their world.

    Quotes

    1. “Something must be done about the remnants of Odium’s forces. The parsh, as they are now called, continue their war with zeal, even without their masters from Damnation.”

    This quote highlights the ongoing threat posed by Odium’s remnants, emphasizing that their influence persists independently, which underscores the chapter’s focus on the lingering dangers in the world.

    2. “Everstorms didn’t quite match up with scholarly projections. The previous one had arrived hours earlier than anyone had guessed it would. Fortunately, they tended to blow in slower than highstorms. If you knew to watch the sky, there was time to find shelter.”

    This passage reflects the unpredictability of storms, illustrating the importance of vigilance and the need for proper shelter, which ties into the chapter’s theme of storm preparedness and the societal reliance on stormshelters.

    3. “The book claims there were nine Unmade. That matches the vision Dalinar saw, though other reports speak of ten Unmade. They’re likely ancient spren, primal, from the days before human society and civilization.”

    This quote introduces key mythological and cosmological concepts central to the story—specifically, the Unmade—and links them to Dalinar’s visions, providing insight into the deeper lore and the significance of these entities in the ongoing conflict.

    4. “I think… there might be two, Adolin. Sja-anat, the Taker of Secrets, is one. Again, Dalinar’s visions mention her. Sja-anat’s touch corrupted other spren—and…”

    This excerpt reveals the chapter’s exploration of the Unmade, especially Sja-anat, highlighting the layered mysteries and the threat they pose, which is crucial to understanding the broader narrative of ancient forces influencing current events.

    5. “It’s a little small,” Shallan noted, regarding Kaladin’s sword. “It’s a one-handed sword, Shallan. Close-range infantry weapon. A longer blade would be impractical.”

    This quote emphasizes the practicality of weapon design in the story’s context, illustrating the characters’ attention to detail and the importance of understanding the tools of war in their world.

    FAQs

    1. What is the significance of the remnants of Odium’s forces, referred to as the parsh, in the context of the chapter?

    Answer:
    The parsh, remnants of Odium’s forces, symbolize ongoing chaos and unresolved conflict even after the masters from Damnation have left. Their continued war effort, driven by zeal, indicates that the influence of Odium persists beyond direct control, posing a threat to stability. This underscores a recurring theme in the chapter: the lingering effects of ancient, malevolent powers and the challenges faced in confronting or containing them. The mention of the parsh also highlights how remnants of past conflicts can continue to influence the present, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address these threats.

    2. How does Kaladin’s perception of stormshelters reflect his attitude toward safety and confinement?

    Answer:
    Kaladin perceives stormshelters as oppressive, prison-like spaces. Despite their purpose of providing safety during storms, he finds their confined, windowless environment unsettling, likening it to imprisonment. This attitude is rooted in his broader experiences of captivity and loss of freedom, which shape his discomfort with enclosed spaces. His reaction reveals a deeper aversion to confinement and highlights his desire for independence and control over his environment. It also underscores a recurring tension in the chapter between the need for safety and Kaladin’s personal longing for freedom.

    3. What do the characters’ discussions about the Unmade and the visions Dalinar has suggest about the nature of these entities and their role in the story?

    Answer:
    The Unmade are presented as ancient, primal spren with distinct personalities, possibly originating from the days before human civilization. The book suggests that not all Unmade were destroyed during the Desolations and that some remain active today, implying they are powerful and potentially dangerous entities influencing current events. Dalinar’s visions, which mention multiple Unmade, indicate that these entities are connected to the larger mythos and spiritual forces at play. Their role appears to be significant, as they embody chaos and destruction, and understanding them is crucial to comprehending the larger conflict and the history of the world.

    4. How might the discovery that the Wall Guard’s food production involves a Soulcaster and the seizure of emerald stores impact the political and military situation in the city?

    Answer:
    The revelation that the Wall Guard has a Soulcaster and controls food supplies suggests a strategic advantage, potentially giving them leverage over the city’s resources and stability. The use of a Soulcaster to produce food indicates access to powerful, rare magic, which could be a critical asset in times of crisis. The seizure of emerald stores also points to manipulation of economic and military resources, possibly consolidating power for the Guard or a specific faction. This knowledge could influence political alliances, military decisions, and negotiations, as factions may seek to control or neutralize these assets to prevent abuse or to strengthen their own positions.

    5. Why does Kaladin’s reaction to Shallan and Adolin’s interactions and the mention of Sja-anat reflect his deeper concerns about the unfolding conflicts and the nature of the Unmade?

    Answer:
    Kaladin’s discomfort with Shallan and Adolin’s playful interaction and the discussion of Sja-anat reveals his awareness of the seriousness of the threats posed by the Unmade and their influence. He recognizes that these entities are not merely mythological but are actively involved in the world’s chaos, as suggested by the visions Dalinar has seen. His concern underscores a deeper understanding that the Unmade, especially Sja-anat, are connected to the corruption and turmoil affecting the world. This awareness fuels his vigilance and sense of responsibility, highlighting his role in confronting or understanding these ancient threats as part of the larger struggle unfolding in the story.

    Note