Search Jump: Comments
    Chapter Index
    Back to Story
    Cover of Oathbringer
    Adventure FictionFantasyFantasyFiction

    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.
    PreviousNext
    Oathbringer

    92. Water Warm as Blood

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with a reflec­tion on the pres­ence of the Unmade, sug­gest­ing that despite their myth­ic and the­o­log­i­cal asso­ci­a­tions, their influ­ence per­sists sub­tly in the world. The nar­ra­tor empha­sizes that these enti­ties are still among us, often mis­tak­en for or con­flat­ed with spren, high­light­ing the blurred line between myth and real­i­ty. This per­spec­tive chal­lenges tra­di­tion­al views, imply­ing that under­stand­ing and acknowl­edg­ment of such forces are cru­cial, even if they remain unseen or mis­un­der­stood by soci­ety. It sets a tone of cau­tious aware­ness, urg­ing read­ers to recon­sid­er the nature of these super­nat­ur­al influ­ences and their ongo­ing impact on the world.

    The nar­ra­tive then shifts to the set­ting of a Sky­break­er test in a small town near the Pure­lake, where Szeth and oth­er hope­fuls gath­er to prove them­selves. The test involves locat­ing and exe­cut­ing escaped mur­der­ers, with the sky­break­ers tasked with uphold­ing jus­tice through swift action. The group is diverse, com­pris­ing dif­fer­ent eth­nic­i­ties and back­grounds, reflect­ing the inclu­sive nature of the order. The scene under­scores the impor­tance of dis­ci­pline, obe­di­ence, and the moral dilem­mas faced by the Sky­break­ers, as they bal­ance their duty with under­ly­ing ques­tions about jus­tice and mer­cy in their mis­sion.

    As Szeth pre­pares to under­take the task, he ques­tions the moral­i­ty behind the exe­cu­tion of the pris­on­ers, espe­cial­ly giv­en the town’s non­vi­o­lent stance toward crim­i­nals. His doubts are com­pound­ed by the knowl­edge that the con­victs are guilty, yet the soci­etal con­text sug­gests a com­plex inter­play of mer­cy and jus­tice. The con­ver­sa­tion reveals the polit­i­cal and cul­tur­al influ­ences shap­ing the Sky­break­ers’ actions, empha­siz­ing that their duties are not mere­ly about pun­ish­ment but also about main­tain­ing soci­etal order amidst con­flict­ing val­ues. Szeth’s inter­nal con­flict high­lights his moral strug­gle with fol­low­ing orders ver­sus his per­son­al sense of jus­tice.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Szeth enter­ing the Pure­lake, con­tem­plat­ing his pur­pose and the nature of his rela­tion­ship with his sword, Nimi. The dia­logue between Szeth and the sword explores themes of obe­di­ence, moral­i­ty, and the search for high­er ideals. Szeth reflects on his past actions, dri­ven by hon­or and duty, and ques­tions whether he is tru­ly fight­ing evil or mere­ly ful­fill­ing com­mands. The inter­ac­tion reveals his inner tur­moil and the philo­soph­i­cal dilem­ma of dis­tin­guish­ing between true evil and mis­guid­ed obe­di­ence, set­ting the stage for his ongo­ing moral jour­ney and the deep­er explo­ration of what con­sti­tutes jus­tice and right­eous­ness.

    Down­load Free PDF

    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What is the significance of Szeth’s decision to walk into the Purelake, and how does this reflect his internal conflict and the broader themes of the chapter?
      Answer:
      Szeth’s decision to walk into the Purelake signifies a moment of introspection and a willingness to confront his duties and doubts. Despite the water’s warmth and the chapter’s hints that he is behind others in the hunt for criminals, Szeth chooses to enter the lake, which symbolizes his desire to act according to his own judgment rather than blindly following orders. This act reflects his internal conflict—torn between his role as a Skybreaker bound by duty and his personal sense of morality. It also underscores the chapter’s themes of questioning authority, the nature of justice, and the search for higher ideals beyond mere obedience. Szeth’s choice marks a pivotal step in his moral and spiritual journey.

      2. Question 2

      How does the chapter explore the concept of the Unmade and their influence in the world, particularly through the quote from Hessi’s Mythica?
      Answer:
      The chapter introduces the idea that the Unmade are still present among the living, despite being intertwined with religious and mythological lore. The quote from Hessi’s Mythica emphasizes that the Unmade’s effects are subtly woven into the fabric of the world and that they are often mistaken for or treated as ordinary spren—creatures that are part of the natural or spiritual landscape. This suggests that the Unmade are not entirely gone or mythic but continue to exert influence, blurring the lines between myth and reality. It raises questions about the unseen forces that shape the world and challenges the reader to reconsider what is considered supernatural or divine, highlighting the chapter’s underlying theme of hidden truths and the lingering presence of ancient powers.

      3. Question 3

      Analyze Szeth’s interaction with the sword and discuss what this reveals about his character and his view of morality and obedience.
      Answer:
      Szeth’s interaction with the sword reveals a complex inner conflict. The sword, which Szeth describes as a Shardblade, claims to want to be useful rather than bloodthirsty, reflecting a desire for purpose. Szeth’s explanations about obeying the Oathstone out of honor, rather than magic, suggest he values personal integrity and moral agency, even if his past actions—killing under orders—conflicted with his moral compass. His questioning of whether he was given the sword to practice resisting its encouragements shows his awareness of the potential for evil within obedience and the importance of choosing higher ideals. This interaction highlights Szeth’s struggle to reconcile his duty with his evolving sense of morality, emphasizing themes of free will, morality, and the search for meaning beyond blind obedience.

      4. Question 4

      What does the chapter suggest about the nature of justice and mercy in the society depicted, especially in the context of the town’s handling of the escaped murderers?
      Answer:
      The chapter depicts a society where justice is intertwined with mercy, but also where practical considerations influence the application of justice. The Reshi idealists’ nonviolent attitude toward criminals indicates a cultural emphasis on mercy and forgiveness, even toward murderers. However, once the prisoners escape, mercy is withdrawn, and the Skybreakers are tasked with executing the guilty, illustrating a shift toward strict, retributive justice. This transition suggests that justice in this society is flexible and context-dependent, balancing mercy with the need for order and safety. It raises questions about the morality of such a system—whether mercy is genuine or conditional—and whether justice should always be tempered by compassion.

      5. Question 5

      Considering Szeth’s reflections on evil and his conversation with the sword, how does the chapter challenge traditional notions of morality and righteousness?
      Answer:
      Szeth’s internal dialogue and his questioning of the sword’s perspective challenge simplistic notions of morality as black and white. The chapter presents him as someone caught between duty and personal morality, questioning whether those he is ordered to kill are truly evil. His reflection that he obeyed out of honor rather than magic suggests that morality is complex and sometimes compromised by circumstances. The sword’s desire to be useful, rather than bloodthirsty, complicates the idea of righteousness—implying that actions are not inherently good or evil but are influenced by intent and context. This nuanced portrayal encourages readers to consider morality as a spectrum and to recognize that righteousness may require moral courage to question authority and seek higher ideals.

    Quotes

    • 1. “The most important point I wish to make is that the Unmade are still among us. I realize this will be contentious, as much of the lore surrounding them is intertwined with theology. However, it is clear to me that some of their effects are common in the world—and we simply treat them as we would the manifestations of other spren.”

      This quote introduces a central theme of the chapter: the presence and influence of the Unmade, challenging traditional lore and emphasizing their subtle yet persistent impact on the world.

      2. “You are far behind those others, you’re never going to catch anyone at this rate.”

      This internal dialogue highlights Szeth’s struggle and self-doubt, illustrating his perception of his limitations and the ongoing challenge of the task he’s been given.

      3. “He obeyed because of honor, and I sometimes obeyed evil or petty men. Now I seek a higher ideal.”

      This statement encapsulates Szeth’s moral evolution and his desire to transcend obedience to lesser causes, framing his internal conflict and pursuit of a greater purpose.

      4. “Honestly, Szeth, I have to be frank. You aren’t good at slaying evil. We haven’t killed anyone while you’ve held me.”

      This candid reflection from the sword underscores the complex nature of Szeth’s relationship with violence and his internal moral struggle, questioning whether he is truly aligned with the concept of evil.

    Quotes

    1. “The most important point I wish to make is that the Unmade are still among us. I realize this will be contentious, as much of the lore surrounding them is intertwined with theology. However, it is clear to me that some of their effects are common in the world—and we simply treat them as we would the manifestations of other spren.”

    This quote introduces a central theme of the chapter: the presence and influence of the Unmade, challenging traditional lore and emphasizing their subtle yet persistent impact on the world.

    2. “You are far behind those others, you’re never going to catch anyone at this rate.”

    This internal dialogue highlights Szeth’s struggle and self-doubt, illustrating his perception of his limitations and the ongoing challenge of the task he’s been given.

    3. “He obeyed because of honor, and I sometimes obeyed evil or petty men. Now I seek a higher ideal.”

    This statement encapsulates Szeth’s moral evolution and his desire to transcend obedience to lesser causes, framing his internal conflict and pursuit of a greater purpose.

    4. “Honestly, Szeth, I have to be frank. You aren’t good at slaying evil. We haven’t killed anyone while you’ve held me.”

    This candid reflection from the sword underscores the complex nature of Szeth’s relationship with violence and his internal moral struggle, questioning whether he is truly aligned with the concept of evil.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What is the significance of Szeth’s decision to walk into the Purelake, and how does this reflect his internal conflict and the broader themes of the chapter?
    Answer:
    Szeth’s decision to walk into the Purelake signifies a moment of introspection and a willingness to confront his duties and doubts. Despite the water’s warmth and the chapter’s hints that he is behind others in the hunt for criminals, Szeth chooses to enter the lake, which symbolizes his desire to act according to his own judgment rather than blindly following orders. This act reflects his internal conflict—torn between his role as a Skybreaker bound by duty and his personal sense of morality. It also underscores the chapter’s themes of questioning authority, the nature of justice, and the search for higher ideals beyond mere obedience. Szeth’s choice marks a pivotal step in his moral and spiritual journey.

    2. Question 2

    How does the chapter explore the concept of the Unmade and their influence in the world, particularly through the quote from Hessi’s Mythica?
    Answer:
    The chapter introduces the idea that the Unmade are still present among the living, despite being intertwined with religious and mythological lore. The quote from Hessi’s Mythica emphasizes that the Unmade’s effects are subtly woven into the fabric of the world and that they are often mistaken for or treated as ordinary spren—creatures that are part of the natural or spiritual landscape. This suggests that the Unmade are not entirely gone or mythic but continue to exert influence, blurring the lines between myth and reality. It raises questions about the unseen forces that shape the world and challenges the reader to reconsider what is considered supernatural or divine, highlighting the chapter’s underlying theme of hidden truths and the lingering presence of ancient powers.

    3. Question 3

    Analyze Szeth’s interaction with the sword and discuss what this reveals about his character and his view of morality and obedience.
    Answer:
    Szeth’s interaction with the sword reveals a complex inner conflict. The sword, which Szeth describes as a Shardblade, claims to want to be useful rather than bloodthirsty, reflecting a desire for purpose. Szeth’s explanations about obeying the Oathstone out of honor, rather than magic, suggest he values personal integrity and moral agency, even if his past actions—killing under orders—conflicted with his moral compass. His questioning of whether he was given the sword to practice resisting its encouragements shows his awareness of the potential for evil within obedience and the importance of choosing higher ideals. This interaction highlights Szeth’s struggle to reconcile his duty with his evolving sense of morality, emphasizing themes of free will, morality, and the search for meaning beyond blind obedience.

    4. Question 4

    What does the chapter suggest about the nature of justice and mercy in the society depicted, especially in the context of the town’s handling of the escaped murderers?
    Answer:
    The chapter depicts a society where justice is intertwined with mercy, but also where practical considerations influence the application of justice. The Reshi idealists’ nonviolent attitude toward criminals indicates a cultural emphasis on mercy and forgiveness, even toward murderers. However, once the prisoners escape, mercy is withdrawn, and the Skybreakers are tasked with executing the guilty, illustrating a shift toward strict, retributive justice. This transition suggests that justice in this society is flexible and context-dependent, balancing mercy with the need for order and safety. It raises questions about the morality of such a system—whether mercy is genuine or conditional—and whether justice should always be tempered by compassion.

    5. Question 5

    Considering Szeth’s reflections on evil and his conversation with the sword, how does the chapter challenge traditional notions of morality and righteousness?
    Answer:
    Szeth’s internal dialogue and his questioning of the sword’s perspective challenge simplistic notions of morality as black and white. The chapter presents him as someone caught between duty and personal morality, questioning whether those he is ordered to kill are truly evil. His reflection that he obeyed out of honor rather than magic suggests that morality is complex and sometimes compromised by circumstances. The sword’s desire to be useful, rather than bloodthirsty, complicates the idea of righteousness—implying that actions are not inherently good or evil but are influenced by intent and context. This nuanced portrayal encourages readers to consider morality as a spectrum and to recognize that righteousness may require moral courage to question authority and seek higher ideals.

    Note