Oathbringer
92. Water Warm as Blood
by Sanderson, BrandonThe 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.
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.
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