Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
“Rhythm of War” is the fourth installment in Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy series, The Stormlight Archive. Set on the planet Roshar, the novel continues the conflict between Dalinar Kholin’s coalition of Knights Radiant and the forces of Odium, a malevolent god seeking dominion. The story delves deeper into the psychological and emotional struggles of key characters, including Kaladin, Shallan, and Navani, as they grapple with war, trauma, and the mysteries of ancient magics. Themes of resilience, identity, and the cost of power are explored amidst intricate world-building and high-stakes battles. The book expands the Cosmere universe, revealing new layers of lore and setting the stage for future confrontations.
107. Uniting
bySanderson, Brandon
The chapter opens with Navani severely wounded, fleeing from Moash through the halls of Urithiru. Despite her injuries, she presses forward, leaving a trail of blood as Moash taunts her with cruel words about her son’s death. Their confrontation takes a sudden turn when Raboniel, though incapacitated, attacks Moash with a dagger, draining his Stormlight and buying Navani precious time. Navani stumbles into a room with a crystal pillar, whispering to the Sibling, and hears the ominous Rhythm of War—a sign of impending chaos.
Meanwhile, Dalinar is being transported by Lyn the Windrunner to meet the Herald Ishar when the Stormfather delivers dire news: Kaladin is in grave danger within a storm. Dalinar demands to see Kaladin’s situation and witnesses him falling, resigned to his fate, having lost all hope. Syl, his spren, laments her inability to help as Kaladin succumbs to despair, believing he has failed everyone he sought to protect. Dalinar, desperate to intervene, pleads with the Stormfather to slow time and give Kaladin a chance to recover.
The narrative shifts to Venli, who observes the brutal suppression of human civilians by the Pursuer’s forces. Despite being unarmed, the humans, led by a one-armed man, rebel against their oppressors in a futile but defiant struggle. This massacre underscores the escalating violence and the humans’ desperation, even as the Radiants remain incapacitated. The chapter highlights the interconnected crises—Navani’s peril, Kaladin’s fall, and the civilians’ uprising—painting a bleak picture of the war’s toll.
The chapter’s title, “Uniting,” reflects the converging threads of despair and defiance. Navani’s resilience, Kaladin’s moment of crisis, and the civilians’ rebellion all underscore themes of struggle and fleeting hope. The Rhythm of War and the Stormfather’s interventions hint at larger cosmic forces at play, setting the stage for pivotal confrontations. The chapter masterfully intertwines personal and collective battles, leaving the reader anticipating the next turning point in the conflict.
FAQs
1. How does Moash’s characterization in this chapter reflect his psychological state and worldview?
Answer:
Moash demonstrates complete emotional detachment and nihilism in this chapter, showcasing his transformation into a figure devoid of empathy. His calm, methodical pursuit of Navani (“walking, an inevitable motion”) and his cruel remarks about Elhokar’s death reveal his belief that eliminating “lying eyes” (lighteyes) brings justice. Most telling is his statement about feeling no pain after killing a friend, claiming he’s become his “best self… free.” This reflects his embrace of Odium’s influence, which has severed his emotional connections and moral compass, leaving only a hollow sense of purpose in delivering what he sees as deserved punishment.2. Analyze the significance of the Rhythm of War appearing when Navani contacts the Sibling. How does this moment connect broader themes in the chapter?
Answer:
The Rhythm of War—described as both harmonious and discordant—symbolizes the chapter’s central conflict between destruction and unity. Navani hears this rhythm when reaching out to the wounded Sibling, suggesting that even in moments of despair (her bloodied state, Raboniel’s attack), there’s potential for creation. This mirrors Kaladin’s simultaneous struggle in the storm (representing discord) and Dalinar’s attempt to help (representing harmony). The rhythm embodies the dual nature of war—both divisive and unifying—which is reflected in Raboniel’s last stand against Moash and Dalinar’s intervention for Kaladin.3. What narrative purpose does Raboniel’s final attack on Moash serve, and how does it contrast with her earlier actions?
Answer:
Raboniel’s desperate attack on Moash—clawing at him with a Stormlight-draining dagger—serves as a redemptive act, contrasting her earlier role as Navani’s antagonist. Though still a Fused, her defiance of Moash (“stabbed him repeatedly”) shows she hasn’t fully surrendered to Odium’s nihilism. This moment: 1) Provides Navani critical time to reach the Sibling, 2) Demonstrates that even eternal enemies like Fused can resist Odium’s corruption, and 3) Mirrors Kaladin’s later struggle by showing another character fighting against inevitable defeat. Her action bridges the chapter’s themes of resistance and sacrifice.4. Explain the symbolic and practical implications of Dalinar’s attempt to slow time for Kaladin. How does this reflect their bond?
Answer:
Dalinar’s request to the Stormfather to slow time (“Give him more time”) symbolizes his role as Kaladin’s mentor and the broader theme of human connection overcoming despair. Practically, it shows Dalinar using his unique Bondsmith abilities (Connection to the Spiritual Realm) to intervene where physical help is impossible due to Urithiru’s interference. Symbolically, it represents how mentors provide “extra time” for growth during crises. Their bond transcends hierarchy—Dalinar weeps as “rain,” showing emotional investment beyond military leadership. This contrasts with Moash’s isolation, emphasizing Dalinar’s belief in redemption.5. How does the chapter’s parallel structure—cutting between Navani, Kaladin, and Dalinar—deepen the theme of “Uniting”?
Answer:
The interwoven narratives create a thematic tapestry: 1) Navani’s physical struggle (blood loss) parallels Kaladin’s emotional collapse (“I’m not strong enough”), showing different forms of endurance. 2) Dalinar’s storm intervention mirrors Raboniel’s attack—both are last-ditch efforts to save others. 3) All three arcs feature characters reaching beyond their limits (Navani to the Sibling, Dalinar to the Stormfather, Kaladin to Syl). The structure emphasizes that unity isn’t just physical alliance but shared vulnerability and persistence across disparate battles, tying the chapter’s title to its deeper message about interconnected struggles.
Quotes
1. “For ones so lost, they are somehow determined.”
(Epigraph by Musings of El)
This opening epigraph sets the thematic tone for the chapter, highlighting the paradoxical resilience of characters who are deeply broken yet continue to fight—a motif echoed in Kaladin, Navani, and even Raboniel’s struggles.
2. “I have become my best self. Free. No more pain. I bring you silence, Navani. Payment for what you’ve done.”
(Moash to Navani)
Moash’s chilling declaration encapsulates his descent into nihilism and self-justified violence. His twisted sense of “freedom” from pain contrasts sharply with Navani’s suffering, underscoring the chapter’s exploration of morality and vengeance.
3. “I’m not strong enough,” he whispered to the angry winds, and closed his eyes, letting go of her hand.”
(Kaladin’s moment of surrender)
This line marks Kaladin’s lowest point, where his self-doubt and exhaustion overwhelm him. It’s a pivotal emotional climax, emphasizing the cost of his relentless heroism and the fragility of hope.
4. “We witness. It is our duty.” / “There is no help, Dalinar. He is too close to the tower’s interference.”
(Stormfather to Dalinar)
The Stormfather’s resigned response to Kaladin’s fall reflects the harsh limitations of even divine intervention. This exchange underscores the chapter’s tension between duty and desperation, as Dalinar defies passive observation.
5. “The Rhythm of War.”
(Navani’s realization at the crystal pillar)
This cryptic phrase—both harmonious and discordant—symbolizes the chapter’s central conflict: war as a destructive force and a unifying cadence. It hints at Navani’s impending breakthrough and the Sibling’s awakening.