Oathbringer
77. Stormshelter
by Sanderson, BrandonThe 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.
FAQs
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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.
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